PPL Corporation

Category Manager (Senior or Lead)

Louisville, KY

full_time

About This Job

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13237

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PPL Services Corporation

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Broadway Office Complex - HCM

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Louisville, Kentucky; Allentown, Pennsylvania

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Supply Chain

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Full-Time

Job Description

Company Summary Statement

As one of the largest investor-owned utility companies in the United States, PPL Corporation (NYSE: PPL), is committed to creating long-term, sustainable value for our 3.5 million customers, our shareowners and the communities we serve. Our high-performing regulated utilities — PPL Electric Utilities, Louisville Gas and Electric, Kentucky Utilities and Rhode Island Energy — provide an outstanding experience for our customers, consistently ranking among the best utilities in the nation. PPL’s companies are also addressing challenges head-on by investing in new infrastructure and technology that is creating a smarter, more reliable and resilient energy grid. We are committed to doing our part to advance a cleaner energy future and drive innovation that enables us to achieve net-zero carbon emissions by 2050 while maintaining energy reliability and affordability for the customers and communities we serve. PPL is a positive force in the cities and towns where we do business, providing support for programs and organizations that empower the success of future generations by helping to build and maintain strong, diverse communities today.

Overview

The purpose of the Senior/Lead Category Manager is to manage the supply chain for a wide variety of corporate requirements and issue contractual commitments with an estimated value of up to $100 or $200 million per year. Responsible for procuring various Design-Build, construction services, engineered equipment, software, engineering services, commodities, construction project resource requirements, and indirect services on a best evaluated total cost of ownership basis, and assuring quality and schedule compliance in accordance with the end user's requirements. This position determines contract models and strategies, determines services and material supply chain models, interfaces and communicates with technical subject matter experts and managers, manages inventory levels, administers contracts, conducts negotiations, performs market/price/financial analysis, develops supplier relationships, tracks and manages supplier performance, and drives continuous improvement and productivity with suppliers and customers. This position is an experienced professional that works independently with minimal supervision and may provide guidance and direction to other PPL employees in support of high quality, timely, and cost-effective resource acquisition activities.

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Responsibilities

The Category Manager position may be hired at the Senior or Lead level. Responsibilities noted below reflect those of the Senior Category Manager. Additional/varying responsibilities may be included for the Lead Category Manager position.

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Develop negotiation strategies and company positions on complex (multi-million dollar) contracts, work with Office of General Counsel to identify and incorporate appropriate levels of commercial protection, and conduct negotiations to achieve the optimal business results for the company.

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Perform market analysis and financial analysis to determine business risk associated with a supplier or contract. Mitigate risk as necessary by using hedges for foreign currency, pursuing performance and payment bonds, or obtaining parental guarantees.

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Analyze and develop company position on claims and disputes and subsequently consult with senior management to resolve/negotiate claims and disputes associated with complex procurements.

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Manage the supply chain process from specification/definition of need through contract administration and investment recovery. Evaluate sources of supply and develop optimal pricing methodology, warranty, and product/service performance requirements. Determine and utilize the most strategic supply chain model to acquire the necessary products and services at the maximum level of savings.

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Identify new sources of supply and potentially acceptable new products/technologies. Establish/maintain professional relationships with suppliers/partners based on the highest ethical business practices as set forth in the Standards of Integrity and PPL's Supply Chain Policies.

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Support complex capital projects (such as substation and line construction) by working with the project management team to develop the contracting strategy, project plan, identify required resources, acquire necessary equipment and services, and manage contract performance.

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Analyze and evaluate the levels of inventory in support of Electric and Gas Operations. Determine and maintain appropriate stocking levels (dollars or number of items), and identify the necessary warehousing locations, while at the same time, reducing PPL's inventory carrying costs.

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Be the corporate expert for assigned category, and know the market drivers, supplier base, emerging technologies, regulatory factors, category spend by supplier, inventory, supplier, and fill rate performance. Exhibit ownership of the entire supply chain for assigned category from cradle to grave.

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This position is authorized to award contracts up to $4,000,000 on any individual procurement before requiring additional management review.

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Acts as primary liaison to suppliers within assigned category.

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May be assigned an emergency and storm role. This is a special assignment that comes into play during storms and other emergencies when the company needs to restore power or respond to other issues affecting customer service. This role may necessitate the need to work after-hours, outside of your normal schedule.

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All other duties and projects as assigned

Qualifications

The Category Manager position may be hired at the Senior or Lead level. The level offered will be determined by the successful candidate's background, education & experience.

Basic Qualifications

Senior Category Manager

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Bachelor's degree in business, engineering, supply chain, or an equivalent combination of education and related experience on a year-for-year basis is required.

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Minimum of 5 years of logistics, materials, or services buying experience.

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Supply Chain and market knowledge of products, equipment, and services.

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Basic knowledge of business law, commercial terms and conditions, and related legal issues.

Lead Category Manager

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Bachelor's degree in business, engineering, supply chain, or related field.

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Minimum of 8 years of logistics, materials, or services buying experience.

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Supply Chain and market knowledge of products, equipment, and services.

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Basic knowledge of business law, commercial terms and conditions, and related legal issues

Preferred Qualifications

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Experience in Electric and Gas Utility supply chain (Distribution and/or Transmission and Substations).

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Certified Purchasing Manager (C.P.M) or Certified Professional in Supply Management (C.P.S.M). or other Supply Chain Certification.

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Background in Lean, Six Sigma, or similar process improvement models.

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Strong negotiation and analytical skills.

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Effective written, oral, and interpersonal communication skills.

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Knowledge of Microsoft Office applications and databases.

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Demonstrated problem-assessment and problem-solving skills.

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Strong customer service focus supporting an operating company, with ability to build credibility with internal clients and external suppliers.

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Proven project management skills, with the ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously.

Work Conditions

Normal office environment. Hybrid in-office/remote position.

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