Operations Specialist

Center for Energy and Environment•Minneapolis, MN

10h•$31 - $33•Hybrid

About The Position

The Market Transformation team is responsible for accelerating and rapidly scaling the development and adoption of emerging energy efficiency and decarbonization technologies across Minnesota. Operations at Market Transformation spans procurement, contracting, event planning, budget support, employee development, and the systems and processes that keep the department running efficiently. As an Operations Specialist, you will hold primary responsibility for the robust execution of two core operations functions: vendor procurement and department event planning and logistics. On procurement, you will manage vendor procurement processes end to end, ensure compliance with procurement policy, run the most effective and robust process to select highest-value service providers, and steward our program funds. This role is designed to take primary ownership of procurement execution off the Operations Manager's plate, identifying and building the processes needed to run procurement efficiently across the department and serving as a go-to advisor for other Market Transformation managers navigating procurement decisions. In this capacity, you will serve as a valued resource and partner for Market Transformation staff, combining subject matter expertise in procurement with in-depth knowledge of CEE's internal processes to help staff move through procurement effectively, efficiently, and in compliance, and will act as the primary point of contact for Market Transformation staff on vendor and contract questions, partnering closely with CEE's Legal Team, an organization-wide resource, to maintain consistent contracting and procurement practices across departments. On events, you will lead planning and execution for critical internal and external events, including the ETA Forum, that are central to the organization's success and require close partnership across departments. Beyond procurement and events, you will also contribute more broadly to department operations, drive continuous process improvement, and flex to support other operational needs as they arise. Success in this role requires sound independent judgment, the ability to make timely decisions with limited day-to-day oversight, and ownership of outcomes across the procurement, contracting, and event functions. This role does not have direct reports.

Requirements

Working knowledge of vendor procurement best practices, including RFP/RFQ development and contract lifecycle management.
Familiarity with state-funded contract compliance requirements, or ability to learn quickly.
Proficiency with Microsoft 365 (Word, Excel, Outlook, Teams), particularly document management and tracking.
Comfort learning and managing procurement and contract tracking systems.
Strong attention to detail in reviewing contracts and compliance documentation.
Ability to manage multiple procurement processes and deadlines simultaneously, independently.
Strong problem-solving skills and sound judgment in vendor and contracting decisions.
Excellent time management and prioritization skills.
Proactive and service-oriented approach to event planning, with strong attention to detail and follow-through.
Demonstrated ability to exercise independent judgment and make timely decisions based on available information, taking ownership of outcomes rather than waiting for direction.
Genuine service orientation, approaching the role as one that exists to remove obstacles and support Market Transformation staff so they can focus on their own areas of expertise.
Clear written and verbal communication skills, including with external vendors.
Ability to work effectively across departments, including Legal, Operations, and Accounting.
Professionalism and discretion when handling vendor and contract information.

Nice To Haves

Familiarity with nonprofit or energy sector work is helpful but not required.
2 or 4-year degree program in a related field, or equivalent experience.
3-5 years of experience in operations, procurement, or contract administration; candidates with a background spanning both vendor/contract management and event or program logistics are strongly encouraged to apply.
Experience with RFP/RFQ processes and vendor contract management.
Experience coordinating events, logistics, or program support (venues, catering, vendor coordination, event execution).
Interest in energy, sustainability, or nonprofit work a plus.

Responsibilities

Maintain an in-depth understanding of CEE's procurement policies and goals, serving as a go-to advisor for other Market Transformation managers on procurement approach and execution, while maintaining a productive and collaborative working relationship with the legal team.
Extend knowledge and process support from the CEE legal team to the MT staff who engage in vendor procurement.
Support Market Transformation teams in developing RFPs and RFQs for projects and initiatives. Assist in determining when to pursue an RFQ vs. and RFP based on policy drivers and program needs.
Support Market Transformation staff in soliciting responses from vendors either through RFP or bid processes to ensure access to the highest quality of vendor services and to uphold the goal of procuring vendors in line with diversity, equity and inclusion goals.
Partner with Legal, Accounting, and Operations to ensure procurement processes, selection criteria, and process documentation meet organizational and state compliance requirements.
Support external vendor outreach and communication throughout the procurement process.
Track procurement timelines and keep projects moving toward decision points.
Manage vendor selection and contracting recommendations independently, within organizational guidelines.
Ensure contracts are set up correctly and meet compliance requirements before execution.
Support ongoing state contract compliance audits and documentation efforts.
Manage invoice approvals and maintain supporting documentation for vendor payments.
Track vendor compliance metrics and flag issues for resolution.
Lead planning and execution for Market Transformation-led events, including critical external events such as the ETA Forum that require close partnership across departments, as well as internal retreats and other department events.
Proactively and comprehensively coordinate event logistics, including vendors, venues, and catering.
Manage event budgets and timelines in partnership with program leadership.
Share responsibility with the Program Coordinator for new staff onboarding, including materials and process training related to procurement, contracting, and operations.
Support department staff development activities and training sessions related to procurement and contracting practices.
Help Market Transformation staff understand spend related to specific contracts versus budget.
Work with Accounting on project coding and budget allocations related to procurement activity.
Identify and implement improved procurement processes tools for the Market Transformation team.
Other duties as assigned or apparent.