Sourcing Specialist I

Otter Tail Corporation Careers•Fergus Falls, MN

1d•$63,000 - $96,000

About The Position

At Otter Tail Power Company, our employees help us serve the communities we support by delivering reliable, affordable, and responsibly managed electricity. Our work ensures long-term reliability of the electric system while supporting the evolving needs of our customers and communities. What You’ll Do The Sourcing Specialist plays a key role in supporting sourcing activities across energy supply and technology categories. This position focuses on foundational purchasing and negotiation responsibilities, assisting with sourcing strategies, proposal analysis, and contract preparation while ensuring compliance and supplier reliability. This role is well-suited for a motivated, detail-oriented professional who enjoys problem-solving, collaboration, and building strong vendor relationships What We’re Looking For The successful candidate will have a four-year degree or comparable experience in purchasing and negotiations, along with a strong leadership mindset and commitment to excellence. This role requires proficiency with Microsoft Excel, Access, and Word, as well as the ability to independently research issues and solve problems with minimal supervision. A solid understanding of purchasing methodologies, terminology, and techniques is essential, along with general knowledge of purchasing laws and rules. Experience in the energy industry is preferred but not required. Ideal candidates are self-starters who demonstrate a positive attitude, confidence, reliability, and strong analytical and organizational skills. The ability to work effectively in a team environment, support shared goals, and continuously develop skills through education and training is critical. Willingness to travel to meet with suppliers and attend conferences is also required We believe employment is a partnership and we expect excellence from our talented employees. To support our employees and help drive their career experience and goals.

Requirements

four-year degree or comparable experience in purchasing and negotiations
strong leadership mindset and commitment to excellence
proficiency with Microsoft Excel, Access, and Word
ability to independently research issues and solve problems with minimal supervision
solid understanding of purchasing methodologies, terminology, and techniques
general knowledge of purchasing laws and rules
positive attitude, confidence, reliability, and strong analytical and organizational skills
ability to work effectively in a team environment, support shared goals
continuously develop skills through education and training
Willingness to travel to meet with suppliers and attend conferences

Nice To Haves

Experience in the energy industry

Responsibilities

supporting sourcing activities across energy supply and technology categories
foundational purchasing and negotiation responsibilities
assisting with sourcing strategies
proposal analysis
contract preparation
ensuring compliance and supplier reliability

Benefits

Competitive wage & benefit package
The expected offer for this role is $63,000 – $96,000 annually.
Actual base compensation will vary based on factors relevant to the position.
Incentive plans
Employee Stock Ownership options
Retirement Savings Fund with employer match
Health, disability and life insurance plan options
Our employees are provided training and development opportunities each year, including education reimbursement.
This includes safety – one of our values and key to our success – technical, compliance and developmental training.
Career development is critical to our long-term success.
Otter Tail Power employees have opportunities to participate in various leadership development programs, gain access to an a la carte online leadership course catalog, receive mentorship from current leaders and more!
Mental health support from the experts at SupportLinc as well as competitive vacation and sick leave to ensure employees are at their best when they’re working.