Sourcing Specialist OR Senior Sourcing Specialist, IT/Telecom Sourcing

Duke Energy•Charlotte, NC

1d•Hybrid

About The Position

This is the second level of the Sourcing classification hierarchy. This position executes the enterprise sourcing process while contributing to continuous improvement, standardization and operational efficiency across assigned categories that include major software, cloud, telecom, security and labor service providers. Employees will manage request for proposals and bidding processes while establishing and nurturing relationships with key suppliers and business unit partners to ensure competitive pricing and achieve the best contractual conditions. Employees at this level solve more complex problems with some supervision. Incumbents are expected to develop advanced skills and the ability to work with greater independence. Conducts business dealings with the highest level of integrity and regard for corporate guidelines, legal, and environmental regulations.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree AND two (2) years related work experience OR High School Degree/GED AND six (6) years of related work experience (for Sourcing Specialist)
Bachelor's degree AND five (5) years related work experience OR High School Degree/GED AND nine (9) years of related work experience (for Senior Sourcing Specialist)
Bachelor's degree + 2 years of work experience OR Associate's degree + 4 years of work experience OR HS/GED + 6 years of work experience (Specific Requirements for Sourcing Specialist)
Bachelor's degree + 5 years work experience OR Associate's degree + 7 years work experience OR HS/GED + 9 years work experience (Specific Requirements for Senior Sourcing Specialist)

Nice To Haves

Previous sourcing experience
C.P.M. (Certified Purchasing Manager), CPSM (Certified Professional in Supply Management) certification, or CSCP (Certified Supply Chain Professional)
Demonstrated negotiation, problem solving, analytical and leadership skills.
Experience with RFP/RFI systems and processes.
A natural time manager with the ability to manage a robust workload and pay attention to detail.
Outstanding planning/organization skills
Problem-solving/analytical I skills
Oral and written communication skills
Negotiating skills
Contract management skills
Project management skills
Statistical and analytical skills
Demonstrated interpersonal and team building skills.

Responsibilities

Enhance category management through strategic analysis of assigned categories.
Identify and anticipate Business Unit demand and needs, issues, and cost reduction opportunities.
Have an understanding of SWOT analysis for each assigned category, spend identification, and total cost of ownership.
Identify and assess short- and long-term risks.
Ensure alignment with internal SME parties to ensure risk is controlled through collaboration with the Legal, Security, Tax, and Credit departments when necessary.
Maintain knowledge of commodities, sources of supply, corporate responsibility opportunities, industry leading practices, and market conditions that may impact future procurement.
Utilize procurement tool and grid/relays for documentation/retention of category plans.
Support the development and execution of sourcing strategies for IT/Telecom services, and labor-based engagements.
Utilize or improve approved strategies and supply chain processes to lead competitive bidding processes, lead the objective criteria based bid evaluation with a cross-functional group, recommend award to Supply Chain and Business Unit Leadership, develop appropriate terms and conditions, negotiate strategic contracts, integrate contracts with internal systems, and manage ongoing supplier/contract management and day-to-day support when issues arise (such as mismatches billing or shipment issues).
Utilizes data-driven decision making to implement effective strategic sourcing strategies, thus enabling better terms with suppliers and identification of cost-saving opportunities.
Performs analysis of historical spending patterns, pricing fluctuations, and market trends and indices.
Calculates impacts to net working capital and uses outcomes to impact deal structure.
Achieves substantial cost savings and cost avoidance initiatives through direct negotiations, and consolidation of requests or contracts.
Negotiate contracts to include pricing, Terms and Conditions, lead times, etc. to optimize total value of ownership.
Develop value chain and analyze opportunities for increased value.
Effectively communicates with the Business Unit on risks related to the transaction and provides potential opportunities for risk mitigation.
Performs cursory review of financial statements (income statement and balance sheet) to determine the financial viability of prospective suppliers.
Applies knowledge of basic legal issues, commercial business, and sourcing process to lead the delivery of favorable contractual outcomes.
Engages legal as necessary for advanced issues.
Co-developer with business unit partners to develop change management strategies in partnership with cross-functional teams to ensure successful implementation of sourcing strategies.
Start to build a base for growing and managing relationships with business unit partners, supply chain partners, and strategic suppliers, at various levels of the organizations.
Ensures that purchase order and contracts are in compliance with all SC department and corporate policies/procedures.
Manages post award supplier activities, settlements, claims or disputes.
Performs purchase order and agreement maintenance including invoice mismatches, prices changes, amendments, change orders, etc.
Collaborates with business unit partners to ensure contract terms are being met and supplier performance is appropriately monitored and measured.
Mentors and assist in the development of sourcing personnel, processes, and procedures, as well as actively focuses on own development by observing and learning from colleagues with more experience.
Utilize sourcing tools, data platforms, and approved AI-enabled solutions to enhance sourcing efficiency, market analysis, documentation, and reporting.
Support continuous improvement efforts through process automation, data insights, and adoption of digital and AI-enabled sourcing capabilities.
Assist with documenting improved processes, updating standard work, and supporting change adoption across stakeholders.