Lead Sourcing Specialist

Join our Growing Team and see why Summit Utilities, Inc was named as one of the Fastest Growing Denver Area Private Companies 2019 and 2020; Best Places to Work in Maine 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022 and 2023; and Best Places to Work in Arkansas 2020 and 2023, Oklahoma 2022 and 2023 and Missouri 2023. Summit was also recently named one of Forbes 2023 America’s Best Small Employers. Summit is a growing natural gas utility providing safe, reliable and clean burning natural gas service to homes and businesses in Arkansas, Colorado, Maine, Missouri, Oklahoma, and Texas. Being part of the Summit team means embracing excellence and innovation, committing to safety each and every day, and doing all that we can to serve each other, our customers and the communities where we live. We aim to bring warmth and energy to everything we do. We have an exciting opportunity for a Lead Sourcing Specialist based in Little Rock, AR. Position Summary

The primary role is to manage indirect or direct spend procurement depending on the category, including developing and executing the category strategy, strategic sourcing, supplier selection, contracting, purchase orders and supplier performance management. The Specialist is responsible for collaborating with internal stakeholders to develop the category strategies by performing market analysis, analyzing business plans, and building buy-in, to implement the strategy.

- Leads cross-functional teams to develop and implement category strategies.

- Monitors external markets for conditions/trends, developing technologies, supply chain capacity/capability, and supply/demand challenges.

- Creates and maintains strategic sourcing plans. Leads bidding processes, minimizing risk, and maximizing value in terms of quality, delivery, and total cost of ownership.

- Lead negotiations with suppliers to secure advantageous, innovative contracts that are uniquely tailored to fit business needs.

- Oversees issue and approval of services purchase orders.

- Works with stakeholders to develop, implement and monitor supplier key performance metrics (KPI’s) for services categories. Monitors supplier performance and intervenes and support, as necessary. Works with stakeholders to perform root cause analysis and develop and monitor supplier improvement plans.

- Drives continuous improvement within the Category. Performs procurement reporting and analysis of management information to develop a portfolio of initiatives to deliver year-on-year cost reductions and/or performance improvements.

- Pursues innovations in procurement systems and procedures that will improve 3-effectiveness and efficiency.

- Cultivates and builds internal and external partnerships to achieve business goals.

Position Qualifications

EDUCATION AND WORK EXPERIENCE

- A Supply Chain, Business or Technical bachelor’s degree required.

- A minimum of 6 years of experience in sourcing or supply chain management and procurement/purchasing, and/or a master’s degree or advanced education.

- C.P.S.M. (Certified Professional in Supply Management Certification), preferred.

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by employees assigned to this classification. They are not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties and/or skills required of all personnel so classified.