Associate Sourcing Project Specialist / Sourcing Project Specialist

Xcel Energy•Minneapolis, MN

9d•$73,700 - $120,567•Hybrid

About The Position

Xcel Energy is hiring at either the Associate Sourcing Project Specialist or Sourcing Project Specialist level, depending on the selected candidate’s background and years of experience. Both roles provide sourcing direction and support company projects by leveraging supply chain resources, negotiating with suppliers on behalf of internal stakeholders, executing contracts, and monitoring supplier performance. The Associate Sourcing Project Specialist sources goods and services for projects valued up to $5 million. This entry-level role includes a two-year developmental plan; successful completion allows for promotional consideration to Sourcing Project Specialist. Failure to complete the plan within two years can result in removal from the position. The role coordinates sourcing plans, bidding events, bid evaluations, supplier performance tracking, contract negotiations, and project risk documentation. The Sourcing Project Specialist provides leadership and direction for large, complex projects, sourcing high-value goods and services for projects valued up to $50 million. This role develops negotiation strategies, leads negotiations and bidding events, manages supplier relationships and project plans, and mentors associate sourcing project specialists. The position may follow Xcel Energy’s hybrid work model, with many roles expected onsite three days per week, Tuesday through Thursday; work location expectations vary by role, team, and business needs. Domestic travel is required, up to 10% for the Associate level and up to 20% for the Specialist level.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain Management, Engineering, Project Management, Business, or Finance, or equivalent experience.
Associate level: at least three years of supply chain experience or at least five years of company operations experience with significant exposure to supply chain processes.
Specialist level: five years of purchasing, sourcing, or logistics experience.
Associate level: basic contract knowledge, negotiation skills, and project management skills.
Specialist level: significant contract knowledge, negotiation skills, project management skills, and considerable knowledge and expertise in sourcing and supply chain management principles.
Associate level: willingness and ability to pursue Certified Professional in Supply Management (CPSM) certification or equivalent.
Specialist level: must pursue and maintain CPSM certification or equivalent.
Proficiency in Microsoft Office and significant experience with purchasing and sourcing systems are required for the Specialist level.
Results-oriented and customer-focused.
Strong interpersonal and relationship skills; strong presentation skills are also required at the Specialist level.
Willingness to travel domestically up to 10% at the Associate level or up to 20% at the Specialist level.

Nice To Haves

Project management experience for the Sourcing Project Specialist level.
Proficiency in Microsoft Office and experience with purchasing and sourcing systems.
SAP COUPA experience.

Responsibilities

Source goods and services for significant company projects, up to $5 million at the Associate level and up to $50 million at the Specialist level.
Coordinate or lead the definition of technical bid requirements, specifications, and specialized terms and conditions for capital projects.
Execute or lead bidding events and coordinate or lead bid evaluation teams to analyze proposals and award business.
Identify opportunities for cost savings and cost avoidance; at the Specialist level, also seek opportunities to consolidate sourcing activities and encourage supplier competition.
Create and coordinate or manage sourcing project plans and engage or control the necessary supply chain resources.
Integrate sourcing plans with business project plans, maintain stakeholder relationships, and communicate sourcing project status.
Establish metrics for supplier services and contractual requirements and monitor supplier performance.
Negotiate contracts on behalf of the company, develop negotiation strategies at the Specialist level, and coordinate or facilitate resolution of disputes and contract adjustments.
Monitor supplier commitments and progress milestones to ensure project value is achieved; collaborate with category managers to align supplier support with category strategies.
At the Specialist level, manage assigned Tier I and Tier II supplier relationships and oversee supplier performance tracking processes.
Administer project contracts and contractual forms, manage contract risks, assemble project-specific insurance documentation, and ensure required documents and notices are satisfactory to limit company liability.
Mentor associate project specialists at the Specialist level in sourcing event management, negotiation strategy, program standardization, supplier management, project management, and risk containment.