Associate Category Manager

Xcel Energy•Minneapolis, MN

1d•$82,000 - $96,000

About The Position

Are you looking for an exciting job where you can put your skills and talents to work at a company you can feel proud to be a part of? Do you want a workplace that will challenge you and offer you opportunities to learn and grow? A position at Xcel Energy could be just what you’re looking for. Position Summary: Participate in development and execution of category sourcing strategies that align with business stakeholder priorities. Utilize data and analytics, project management, and communications skills, to administer sourcing process and develop reporting, while leveraging Supply Chain resources. Support risk mitigation efforts and on-going supplier performance monitoring activities to ensure category strategy adherence. Develop foundational contracting and negotiation skills. Collaborate with business stakeholders and Supply Chain team. Ensure compliance with supplier safety, risk assessments, and other supplier programs. A successful candidate is one who exemplifies a positive, “can-do” attitude and is highly motivated. Within the first 6 months, you’ll learn about a variety of construction, operations and engineering categories, work within multiple systems and begin to establish a rapport with your direct Teammates. Blending both analytical and soft skills together, an agile mindset will empower effective execution. Within a year you’ll begin to gain agency and autonomy to make a direct impact to the organization within your own category.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain Management, business, or related technical/analytical field.
Equivalent combination of education and experience may be considered.
Requires one year of supply chain experience.
Willing to pursue Certified Professional in Supply Management (CPSM) or equivalent.
Proficiency in Microsoft Office suite and experience with purchasing and sourcing systems strongly preferred.
Required to attend meetings across the region. Up to 10% travel is required.

Nice To Haves

Experience in contract formation, negotiation, and execution is a plus.
Previous experience in plant operations, utility field operations, finance or business administration is a plus.

Responsibilities

Support Category Managers with data and reporting and category administration, while learning foundational category management skills.
Perform analysis of contracts, supply & demand, market and commodity trends (including total cost of ownership and should-cost modeling), contributing to category strategies.
Monitor industry information, trends, and supplier risk profiles to ensure category strategy remains in line with best practices while supporting business requirements.
Support development and execution of sourcing events, including coordinating the evaluation of proposals and selection of suppliers for targeted categories of spend.
Administer sourcing workflow and contracts, building expertise in process and systems.
Support Category Managers in supplier performance and relationship management efforts, developing supplier scorecards and monitoring performance.
Work with Category Managers and business stakeholders to ensure metrics are meaningful and measurable.
Effective communication with both internal and external stakeholders. This includes successfully coordinating supplier meetings, exchanging concise and timely information in person, over Teams meetings, in written form and presenting in front of small groups.
Administer RFx’s utilizing eSourcing tools like Coupa Software. Support Category Managers in setting up RFx documents, managing templates, administering events, and managing supplier communications. Assist with scoring and supplier selection activities.
Support Category Managers in developing contracts, redlining, and administering contract approvals, as well as negotiations in some instances. Ensure all contract processes are followed, documents are complete, and appropriate records are retained.
Monitor compliance across buying channels, supplier, and contract purchasing execution. Coordinate the resolution of disputes and contract adjustments with suppliers and internal stakeholders. Communicate contract summary and implementation plans. Limit risk by ensuring all required documents and notices have been obtained and are satisfactory.
Support Category Managers in timely and accurate documentation and workflow, including intake requests, project management, approvals, and document administration.