Strategic Sourcing Specialist I or II

Job Specifications

Black Hills Energy is people powered and purpose driven. Our team uses the power of energy to improve life for over one million customers in 800+ communities across the West and Midwest. We seek talented, caring people who embody our core values and contribute to a culture of inclusion and growth. As an organization, we believe the best part of working on our team is our commitment to making tomorrow better than today-for our customers, communities and each other.

Position summary:

With guidance, identify, organize, negotiate, and manage goods and services sourcing and procurement for the Company. Negotiate and complete construction, services and purchasing contracts. With guidance, develop and implement strategies to reduce the total cost of ownership of goods and services purchased while maintaining or improving quality and reducing exposure to risk. Assist in developing and managing strategic vendor relationships.

Pay Range: This posting includes the full pay range for this position. Pay is based on a number of factors and may vary depending on job-related knowledge, skills, experience, and internal equity.
Level I: $65,300 - $ 98,050 / Grade 12
Level II: $77,450 - $116,200 / Grade 14

Reporting Relationship: Strategic Sourcing Supervisor

Location: Rapid City, South Dakota

Relocation Assistance: Relocation assistance is available based on individual circumstances! Details to be shared during the offer process.

Essential Functions:
* Source and procure goods and services for the Company through the use of requests for proposals and other strategic sourcing methodologies to support business units and key capital projects.
* With guidance, understand and negotiate complex purchasing and service agreement.
* Synthesize bid proposals and specifications and present recommendations on purchases requiring business unit approval.
* With guidance, interpret and draft contract provisions and review contracts for accuracy and changes prior to execution and renewal.
* Provide liaison between vendors, contractors, and company managers.
* With guidance, develop and implement best practice strategic sourcing and supplier management processes across businesses and geographies.
* With guidance, negotiate contract terms and conditions, completing contract documents and process in accordance with corporate policies, including appropriate cyber terms and conditions, deliverables and KPIs.
* Assist with interfacing with key stakeholder executives across other businesses and geographies to understand requirements and constraints which may impact contract request.
* Create and maintain open and timely lines of communication with all stakeholders.

Additional Responsibilities:
* Work cooperatively with company and vendor employees.
* Represent the corporation at various community, business and industry functions.
* Other duties as assigned.

What Is Required:
All Levels:
* Strong project management skills.
* Motivated self-starter with ability to work in a dynamic utility.
* Goal and deadline oriented.
Level I:
* Bachelor's Degree in Business Administration, Supply Chain Management, Accounting, Finance, Engineering or related field or equivalent combination of education and experience.
* Minimum of 3 years of purchasing/arbitration/negotiation experience.

Level II:
* Law degree and/or Bachelor's degree in Business Administration, Supply Chain Management, Accounting, Finance, Engineering or related field required.
* Minimum of 5 years of purchasing/arbitration/negotiation experience.

What Is Desired:
* Knowledge of strategic sourcing methodology and approaches.
* Excellent customer service skills.
* Excellent verbal and written communication skills; ability to communicate effectively with managers and employees at all levels.
* Proficient with Microsoft Word, Excel and MS Project.
* Ability to develop creative solutions to business problems.
* Ability to lead and participate in cross-functional teams.

This description is not intended to be an all-inclusive list of responsibilities, duties, and requirements for employees in this position. Job descriptions may and do change periodically. Where positions are covered by a collective bargaining unit agreement, the terms and conditions of the agreement will apply.

About our Company: We are a customer, growth and safety focused utility company that is dedicated to our communities. We improve life with energy as an energy partner of choice. Our diverse culture fuels unique perspectives, opening doors to new insights and possibilities. Based in Rapid City, South Dakota, we have over 3000 employees and serve 1.3 million natural gas and electric utility customers across eight states (South Dakota, Montana, Wyoming, Colorado, Nebraska, Iowa, Kansas, and Arkansas).

Enjoy our Comprehensive Benefits Package! Annual discretionary bonuses, 401(k) (6% company match and up to 9% company retirement contribution), tuition reimbursement, generous paid time off benefits, including paid holidays and parental leave, company paid life insurance and disability benefits (short and long term), an employee assistance program and well-being benefits, and competitive medical, dental and vision insurance.

Candidates must successfully pass a pre-employment drug screen and background check.

Black Hills Energy does not sponsor applicants for work visas. All applicants must be legally authorized to work in the US.

We are an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age, or status as a protected veteran. If you require reasonable accommodation, please visit careers.blackhillsenergy.com for more information.