Category Manager (Assoc., Intermed., Senior or Lead)

As one of the largest investor-owned utility companies in the United States, PPL Corporation (NYSE: PPL), is committed to creating long-term, sustainable value for our 3.5 million customers, our shareowners and the communities we serve. Our high-performing regulated utilities — PPL Electric Utilities, Louisville Gas and Electric, Kentucky Utilities and Rhode Island Energy — provide an outstanding experience for our customers, consistently ranking among the best utilities in the nation. PPL’s companies are also addressing challenges head-on by investing in new infrastructure and technology that is creating a smarter, more reliable and resilient energy grid. We are committed to doing our part to advance a cleaner energy future and drive innovation that enables us to achieve net-zero carbon emissions by 2050 while maintaining energy reliability and affordability for the customers and communities we serve. PPL is a positive force in the cities and towns where we do business, providing support for programs and organizations that empower the success of future generations by helping to build and maintain strong, diverse communities today.

The purpose of this position is to manage the acquisition of a variety of corporate requirements, and issue contractual commitments.  This position is authorized to make award decisions up to a designated amount on any individual procurement before requiring additional management review. Responsible for procuring materials and services at the best evaluated total cost of ownership, and assuring quality and schedule compliance in accordance with the end user's requirements. In addition, this position provides contract management support, conducts negotiations, performs market, price and financial analyses, manages internal customer satisfaction and manages supplier performance and relationships, and drives continuous improvement and productivity with suppliers and customers. 

 

This position will report in office on a hybrid schedule and can be based out of PPL's corporate office located in either Louisville, KY or Allentown, PA.

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The Category Manager position may be hired at the Associate, Intermediate, Senior or Lead level.  Level offered will be determined by the successful candidate's background, education & experience. 

 

Basic Qualifications

Associate level

• Bachelor’s degree in supply chain. business, engineering, or related field.

Intermediate level

• Bachelor's degree in business, engineering, supply chain, or related field or 5 years related experience.
• Minimum of 2 years of logistics, materials, or services buying experience.
• Supply Chain and market knowledge of products, equipment, and services.
• Basic knowledge of business law, commercial terms and conditions, and related legal issues.

Senior level

• Bachelor's degree in business, engineering, supply chain, or related field or 8 years related experience.
• Minimum of 5 years of logistics, materials, or services buying experience.
• Supply Chain and market knowledge of products, equipment, and services.
• Basic knowledge of business law, commercial terms and conditions, and related legal issues.

Lead level

• Bachelor's degree in business, engineering, supply chain, or related field
• Minimum of 8 years of logistics, materials, or services buying experience.
• Supply Chain and market knowledge of products, equipment, and services.
• Basic knowledge of business law, commercial terms and conditions, and related legal issues.

 

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in Electric and Gas Utility supply chain (Distribution and/or Transmission and Substations).
• Certified Purchasing Manager (C.P.M) or Certified Professional in Supply Management (C.P.S.M). or other Supply Chain Certification.
• Background in Lean, Six Sigma, or similar process improvement models.
• Strong negotiation and analytical skills.
• Effective written, oral, and interpersonal communication skills.
• Knowledge of Microsoft Office applications and databases.
• Demonstrated problem-assessment and problem-solving skills.
• Strong customer service focus supporting an operating company, with ability to build credibility with internal clients and external suppliers.
• Proven project management skills, with the ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously.
  

Work Conditions

Normal office environment. Hybrid in-office/remote position.

 

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The Category Manager position may be hired at the Associate, Intermediate, Senior or Lead level.  The position responsibilities listed below reflect those of the Associate level.  Additional/varying responsibilties maybe included for other levels of the Category Manager role.

• Manage the procurement process from specification/definition of need through contract/purchase order issuance. Evaluate sources of supply and develop optimal pricing methodology and warranty protection.  Utilize the most strategic sourcing method (alliance, auction, blanket, contract, master service agreement, purchase order) to acquire the necessary products and services at the maximum level of savings.
• Identify new sources of supply, and potentially acceptable new products/technologies. Establish/maintain professional relationships with suppliers/partners, based on the highest ethical business practices as set forth in the PPL Standards of Conduct and Integrity and PPL's Supply Chain Polices Develop negotiation strategies and company positions on routine and moderately complex (multi-million dollar) contracts, work with Office of General Counsel to identify and incorporate appropriate levels of commercial protection, and conduct negotiations to achieve the optimal business results for the company.
• Analyze and develop company position on supplier claims and disputes and subsequently consult with senior Sourcing management to resolve/negotiate claims and disputes associated with procurements.
• Be the corporate expert for assigned small to mid-sized supply chain categories, and know the market drivers, supplier base, emerging technologies, and regulatory factors.
• This position is authorized to award contracts up to $1,000,000 on any individual procurement before requiring additional management review.
• Acts as primary liaison to suppliers within assigned category.
• May be assigned an Emergency Response or Outage role.
• Physical presence in the office/on-site to engage in face-to-face interaction and coordination of work among direct reports and co-workers.
• May be assigned an Electric Utilities emergency and storm role. This is a special assignment that comes into play during storms and other emergencies when the company needs to restore power or respond to other issues affecting customer service. This role may necessitate the need to work after-hours, outside of your normal schedule.