Assoc/Procurement & Contract Specialist

The Procurement and Contract Specialist role is responsible for the sourcing, of materials, equipment and services through the RFP process, including bidding and contract execution. The Procurement and Contract Specialist manages high risk or high dollar projects and the review of requirements, gathering, tendering, structured evaluation process, pricing, and award of contract including contract negotiations, amendments and final execution. This position requires strong communication and customer service skills to facilitate communication and build relationships with business units, and suppliers.

Review business unit scope documents on complex bids and initiates requests for proposals. Strong understanding of business unit material, equipment and service requirements and scope documents. Utilizes tendering software to load event documents, communication through bid event with suppliers. Provides analysis of supplier proposals, total cost modeling, and recommendation for award in conjunction with business unit (25%)

Demonstrates strong contract knowledge including writing or editing terms and negotiating skills; excellent problem solving, communication and interpersonal skills; strong understanding of general legal issues; and successfully partners with internal business stakeholders to implement contracts to help manage Company risk. (30%)

Play a lead role with supplier meetings to discuss contractual or performance problems and the risk involved and work collaboratively with MEC legal. This includes scheduling and leading in person meetings with business units and suppliers. (5%)

Prioritizes requisitions to ensure equipment, material and services are obtained in a timely fashion with an emphasis on quality, cost and availability. Independently analyzes complex purchase requisitions and determines trends which could potentially lead to improved processes. Issues purchase orders in accordance with company policies and procedures (20%)

Adhere to procurement policy and procedures including reports review and accuracy for compliance and auditing. (15%)

Perform additional responsibilities as requested or assigned. (5%)

Bachelor's degree in supply chain, business, or related field (Typically four years of related, progressive work experience would be needed for candidates applying for this position who do not possess a bachelor’s degree).

Four or more years of related procurement experience, including at least two years focused on contract administration for the associate procurement and contract specialist position.

Seven or more years of related procurement experience, including at least five years focused on contract administration for the procurement and contract specialist position.

Experience with online requisitioning purchasing and inventory systems preferred.

Accredited purchasing certification preferred.

Effective oral and written communication skills.

Demonstrates good contract writing and negotiating skills; excellent problem solving and interpersonal skills; strong understanding of general legal issues; and successfully partners with internal business stakeholders to implement contracts to protect Company.

Proficient in software skills, including word processing, spreadsheets and presentation tools, as well as the oracle purchasing and inventory systems.

Excellent interpersonal skills, a customer service focus and the ability to work as a member in a team-oriented environment. This includes the ability to provide instruction, guidance and information to others.

Strong personal computer skills such as demonstrated proficiency in Word and Excel.

Ability to read and interpret complex technical documents.

Ability to prioritize and handle multiple tasks and projects concurrently.

Effective analytical, problem-solving and decision-making skills.

Ability to travel overnight as required.

MidAmerican Energy Company, a Midwest utility, provides regulated electric and natural gas service to more than 1.6 million customers in Illinois, Iowa, Nebraska and South Dakota. The company owns and operates a portfolio of power-generating assets, approximately 61% of which is wind generation.

MidAmerican Energy Company is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion or religious creed, age, national origin, ancestry, citizenship status (except as required by law), gender (including gender identity and expression), sex (including pregnancy), sexual orientation, genetic information, physical or mental disability, veteran or military status, familial or parental status, marital status or any other category protected by applicable local, state or U.S. federal law. Employees must be able to perform the essential functions of the position, with or without an accommodation.