Senior Specialist, Strategic Sourcing

CenterPoint Energy and its predecessor companies have been in business for more than 150 years.

Our Vision: Our vision is to become the most admired utility in the United States through the execution of our long-term growth strategy. We have an unwavering commitment to safely and reliably deliver electricity and natural gas to millions of people.

Our Commitment: CenterPoint Energy is committed to creating an inclusive work environment where business results are achieved through the skills, abilities and talents of our diverse workforce.

At CenterPoint Energy, individuals are respected for their contributions toward our company objectives. We strive for an inclusive work environment across all levels that is reflective of the available workforce in the communities we serve.

Job Summary:

The Senior IT Strategic Sourcing Specialist leads the development and execution of highly complex holistic, enterprise-wide category strategies, including strategic sourcing, supplier relationship management, rapid sourcing/negotiation and risk management for IT categories. Develops, implements and maintains proactive strategies for assigned categories creating spend leverage across CenterPoint Energy's footprint. This person will develop and maintain a deep knowledge base and understanding of CenterPoint vendor spend across all software and hardware. The position negotiates work scopes, pricing, and terms and conditions with vendors and develops contracts using established protocols as defined by the company. Engages all levels of the organization, including senior staff, to develop and execute sourcing strategies. Serves as subject matter resource and formally mentors other Sourcing Specialists. Conducts learning sessions with Sourcing Specialists for educational opportunities as deemed necessary.

Essential Functions:

• Develops comprehensive category strategies that align with stakeholder goals and strategies by utilizing market intelligence, demand management, sustainability, supplier diversity and total cost of ownership.
• Identifies and elevates areas of highest risk within the category and leads multi-functional teams to develop actionable risk mitigation strategies.
• Identify, successfully get support from the appropriate stakeholders, and delivers cost savings projects to meet organizational savings targets.
• Develop and provide spend analytics, market research and cost modeling for internal purposes and to business unit client in support of category strategies.
• Build strong working relationships with key IT stakeholders.
• Leverage industry knowledge and technology to establish should cost models, identify opportunities for spend leverage and drive supplier negotiations
• Actively monitor industry trends and best practices related to category assignments and incorporate them into category and execution plans and present to business unit clients as appropriate.
• Research and develop a working knowledge of the assigned commodities/services or areas of responsibilities, including how the commodities/services are made, rendered, specification requirements, and how the commodities/services are used by the Company.
• Work with business unit to formulate and define the scope and objective of purchases to fully understand entire purchase/service requirement and to assess risks.

Education:

• Bachelor's degree required in Business Administration, Supply Chain, Engineering, Computer Science or other related discipline
• Will consider relevant job-related experience for non-degree candidates

Experience:

• 5+ years of relevant work experience required in IT strategic sourcing with responsibilities for large, complex negotiations with vendors and a proven record of achieving bottom-line savings for year-over-year sustainable cost reduction. Strong analytical mindset that translates to operational strategies.
• Has experience with driving value through understanding market dynamics along with a working knowledge of category management principles.
• Outstanding communication and presentation skills.
• Experience with mentoring of junior sourcing specialists and is seen as a leader within the team/organization.
• Experience with SAP and strong Excel skills.

We want you to know

Being a part of the CenterPoint Energy team is more than a career alone. It's an opportunity to make a positive impact. You will be an integral part of enabling everyday life and the pursuit of possibilities for the customers we serve and the communities we share. The vital services we provide are at the core of making our world work, and by sharing your energy with us, we'll create a better tomorrow together.

What we bring to you

• Competitive pay
• Paid training
• Benefits eligibility begins on your first day
• Transit subsidies
• Flexible work schedule, paid holidays and paid time off
• Access to discounts at fitness clubs and an on-site wellness center at our headquarters in Houston
• Professional growth and development programs including tuition reimbursement
• 401(k) Savings Plan featuring a company match dollar-for-dollar up to 6% and a company contribution of 3% regardless of your contribution

Job Type:Full Time

Posting Start Date: 02/12/2025

Posting End Date: 02/26/2025

This contractor and subcontractor shall abide by the requirements of 41 CFR * 60-1.4(a), 60-300.5(a), and 60-741.5(a). These regulations prohibit discrimination against qualified individuals based on their status as protected veterans or individuals with disabilities and prohibit discrimination against all individuals based on their race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, or national origin. Moreover, these regulations require that covered prime contractors and subcontractors take affirmative action to employ and advance in employment individuals without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, protected veteran status or disability.

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