Supply Chain Category Specialist - Professional Services

FirstEnergy • Akron, OH

14d • Onsite

About The Position

This posting is for an open position for a Professional Services Category Specialist with the FirstEnergy Service Company, a subsidiary of FirstEnergy Corp. FirstEnergy Supply Chain (SC) has undergone digital transformation, implemented a new Source-to-Pay system and is investing in advanced tools such as market intelligence software, supplier risk analytics, spend analysis, and clean sheeting to enhance strategic sourcing capabilities. FirstEnergy is expanding its team in key categories to further support our business partners across the enterprise. The Professional Services Category Specialist supports strategic sourcing initiatives across a broad range of professional services categories, including consulting, advisory services, legal, audit, tax, HR and talent services, training and development, marketing and creative services, managed services, energy efficiency programs, emerging technology programs and other business support services. This role partners with internal stakeholders and external service providers to drive cost savings, improve service quality, manage risk and compliance, and deliver measurable strategic value. This position is designated as on-site in Akron, Ohio.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain, business administration, engineering, or related discipline and 2+ years of related work experience is required.
• In lieu of a degree, High School or equivalent and 4+ years related work experience is required.
• Related work experience includes supply chain or sourcing.
• Ensure compliance with all policies and procedures.

Nice To Haves

• Project management experience is preferred.
• Professional Services sourcing experience preferred.
• Successful implementation of category improvements.

Responsibilities

• Supporting the strategic category manager in achieving significant cost reductions in assigned professional services categories
• Defining contracting optimization strategies that seek total cost of ownership and service level improvements
• Partnering with stakeholders across the enterprise to develop optimization strategies, identify opportunities, and execute improvement plans.
• Leveraging technology, analytics, and tools to collect and analyze supplier spend data to drive savings
• Analyzing supplier performance data and provide input to category sourcing strategy
• Developing strategic plans for contracting and improving managed categories
• Ensuring execution of strategies within user area
• Leading supplier selection and management
• Measuring and tracking performance of overlooked suppliers
• Developing knowledge and best practices in the categories within areas of responsibility
• Ensuring user satisfaction of the strategic sourcing process
• Keeping strategic manager informed about procurement progress
• Planning and leading RFP processes in assigned categories
• Coordinating with users’ technical assessment of received proposals
• Negotiating contract conditions that are more favorable for FirstEnergy
• Tracking market dynamics of categories
• Defining cost benchmarks for categories under management

Benefits

• competitive pay plus incentive compensation
• a company-sponsored pension plan
• 401(k) savings plan with matching employer contribution
• a choice of medical, prescription drug, dental, vision, and life insurance programs
• skills development training with tuition reimbursement

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level