Sourcing Specialist

Ameren•Saint Louis, MO

26d

About The Position

The Sourcing Specialist supports strategic procurement and category management processes that create sustainable value through lower costs, improved supplier performance and efficiency with a keen appreciation/consideration for Business Partner needs and priorities. Works with cross-functional teams in the implementation of category management processes. Conducts research and analysis to develop strategy and drive decision-making regarding spend, suppliers and markets. Develops category and commodity cost models. Works with Supply Chain (SC) staff and Business Partners to provide day-to-day support, strategic sourcing and procurement, and respond to questions and solve problems. The Sourcing Specialist should have skills and expertise in the following areas: Strategic Procurement Supply Chain Management Category management Spend analysis, market analysis and demand planning, leading practices for strategic sourcing Negotiations and contract structuring Supplier performance · Change management · Continuous improvement · Supplier relationship management (SRM) · Business Partner relationship management

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree required; preferably in Engineering, Business, Accounting, Finance, Supply Chain, Digital, or other related field
Excellent analytical, problem-solving and time-management skills
Strong customer-oriented mindset
Excellent communication skills (oral and written) with an ability to communicate with suppliers and business partners
Ability to be persuasive and build credibility internally and externally
Ability to lead multiple projects and initiatives simultaneously
Ability to provide guidance to develop and evolve category management processes, develop metrics, and engage suppliers on operational, strategic, and financial issues
Five or more years of directly relevant work experience required, including experience working with cross-functional teams
Candidates with an advanced degree or Doctorate will be considered with three or more years of experience.
Strong business acumen and communication skills with the ability to make sound judgments.
Proven analytic, financial and operational skills.
Strong self-starter with the ability to prioritize and deliver on deadlines in a fast paced environment.
Effective team player with the ability to work with all levels of internal and external stakeholders.
Excellent communication, business writing and presentation skills.
Proficiency with Microsoft Office suite (Power Point, Excel, Word, etc.)
Ameren competencies: Think Customer, Inspire and Engage, Foster Innovation, Drive Results, Champion Learning, Build Trust and Be Strategic.

Nice To Haves

MBA, other related graduate degree, or Doctorate preferred.
Certified Professional in Supply Management PSM) preferred
Sourcing experience, preferably within the utility, manufacturing, or construction sector

Responsibilities

Category Management: Support Portfolio Managers and Category Managers in category management activities and processes that ensure Business Partner satisfaction and value creation. Support regular assessment of Business Partner requirements and matching procurement plans to meet/adapt to business needs. Seek to develop category expertise, market dynamics and trends knowledge, insights about suppliers, pricing, and negotiating tactics.
Spend Analysis: Coordinate with and leverage market, supplier, and spend analyses with Sourcing Analysts to inform category strategies and competitive solicitations (e.g., RFQs). Help implement, in collaboration with Portfolio Managers and Category Managers, leading practices for spend/market analysis to develop value-adding sourcing strategies.
Strategic Sourcing: Execute sourcing strategies based on Category Manager guidance and leading practices and provide commercial and procurement expertise to deliver optimal outcomes. Develop competitive solicitation, bid evaluation, and negotiations materials. Support bid evaluation, negotiation strategy development, and negotiation execution. Develop contracting documentation based on established (and negotiated) terms and conditions, pricing, performance criteria, and any risk mitigations.
Supplier Relationship Management: As directed, communicates with suppliers and is knowledgeable about procurement practices and category strategy. Develop, maintain, and appropriately build positive and influential relationships with suppliers and Business Partners to assure Ameren of long-term, cost-effective, procurement strategy in procurement of key services and goods.
Supply Chain Strategy: Support the SC and category strategy development process with analysis and helps integrate it with regular business planning and budgeting cycles for SC and Ameren. Work closely with Category Manager to align strategy making processes with Business Partner processes. Assist in the preparation and communication of business cases to support SC initiatives and priorities.
Continuous Improvement: Use continuous improvement framework to sustain SC strategy and compliance with Ameren objectives. To achieve process excellence and stay current with industry innovations, the Specialist helps identify and implement, in collaboration with the Supply Chain management, leading practices throughout the organization. Communicate initiatives and improvements to Business Partners as appropriate.