Manager Procurement

Chesapeake Utilities Corporation•Dover, DE

6d•Hybrid

About The Position

The Manager, Procurement leads the strategy, planning, procurement, sourcing, inventory management, and logistics to ensure reliable, cost-effective, and compliant delivery of goods and services. Serving as a company-wide SME, this role advises business units on sourcing strategies, RFQs, ITBs, and RFPs. The Manager drives category management, supplier performance, and inventory optimization to support operations, capital projects, and infrastructure reliability while ensuring regulatory compliance, mitigates supply risks, maintains critical inventory levels, and leads contingency planning for emergencies and disruptions. This role develops a team of supply chain professionals, partners with senior leaders, and advances continuous improvement, cost optimization, and operational excellence.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain Management, Business Administration, Engineering, or related field required
7 years of progressive experience in supply chain, procurement, or operations within utilities, energy, or infrastructure sectors
3 years of leadership experience managing teams and/or functions
Experience leading strategic sourcing, supplier negotiations, and inventory or logistics operations
Valid Driver's License required
Advanced knowledge of procurement, sourcing, inventory management, and supply chain operations within a regulated or utility environment.
Strong strategic thinking and problem-solving skills, with the ability to manage critical supply needs under pressure.
Demonstrated leadership capability, including team development, performance management, and organizational influence.
Expertise in contract negotiation, supplier strategy, and cost optimization methodologies.
Strong stakeholder management skills, with the ability to influence cross-functional and senior leadership partners.
Deep understanding of regulatory compliance, safety standards, and risk management in supply chain operations.
Proficiency in ERP systems and supply chain/procurement technologies.
Strong analytical skills with the ability to interpret complex data and deliver actionable insights.

Nice To Haves

Master’s degree or professional certification (e.g., CPSM) preferred

Responsibilities

Develop and execute enterprise supply chain and procurement strategies aligned with operational, regulatory, and capital objectives.
Lead end-to-end procurement operations, including sourcing, purchasing, contract management, and supplier governance.
Serve as a company-wide advisor on sourcing strategies and competitive bidding processes (RFQ, RFP, ITB).
Direct strategic sourcing initiatives and complex negotiations to optimize cost, contract terms, and supplier performance.
Establish and manage supplier relationships, including performance monitoring, risk mitigation, and issue resolution.
Oversee inventory management and forecasting to ensure optimal stock levels for operations and emergency response.
Ensure availability of critical materials and services to support infrastructure, maintenance, and capital projects.
Develop and implement contingency plans to mitigate supply chain disruptions (e.g., storms, outages, shortages).
Ensure compliance with procurement policies, regulatory requirements, and internal controls, including audit readiness.
Lead, develop, and mentor supply chain staff while driving performance, continuous improvement, and data-driven decision-making.