Lead Specialist, Strategic Sourcing (Construction)

JOB SUMMARY/PURPOSE

A strategic sourcing lead for construction at Delta Utilities, a leading gas utility provider, is a subject matter expert in sourcing strategies, utilizing market conditions, supplier performance management and contracting. This role will involve optimizing supplier relationships, driving cost savings, ensuring supply chain resilience and contributing to the company’s overall operational efficiency, diversity, and sustainability goals.

The strategic sourcing lead will Provide Supply Chain oversight and leadership to assigned Business Unit or category to ensure solicitation, placement and implementation of contracts are robust and in accordance with Delta Utilities’ Procurement Policy. This role will Collaborate with assigned Business Unit teams to manage contract throughout the life cycle.

As part of a fast-paced, start-up environment the strategic sourcing lead must be hands on, adaptable and entrepreneurial. The ideal candidate will be able to balance strategic thinking with day-to-day execution.

JOB DUTIES/RESPONSIBILITIES

• Collaborate with the business units and other stakeholders to support the deployment of construction projects and services in support of operations ensuring alignment with company goals and operational Leads
• Develop commercial procurement strategies and contract plans aligned to project needs; maximize value through optimization of price, contract terms, performance standards and service levels.
• Evaluate rates, incentives, and cost structures of contracts to Influence organizational decision making by providing insights on markets trends, supplier innovations and cost drivers.
• Develop sourcing strategies to optimize the supply base and achieve economies of scale.
• Implement supplier relationship frameworks to manage supplier performance, encourage innovation and ensure long term partnerships.
• Develop and maintain relationships with stakeholders to ensure SC engagement
• Facilitate supplier’s journey and engagement within Delta Utilities
• Actively promote strong safety behaviors and ensure the team always puts safety first
• Accountable for the development and execution of progressive commercial strategies, with the business functions, in support of objectives to drive value and enable favorable outcomes for all key stakeholders
• Manage compliance to contract provisions and administer contract change orders in collaboration with the business unit and the change order process
• Execute contract governance and provide oversight of supplier performance management, including claims management and dispute management/resolution
• Establish and maintain professional relationships with suppliers based on the highest ethical business practices as set forth in the Standards of Conduct and Integrity and Delta Utilities’ Supply Chain Policies
• Leverage purchasing power of aggregated spend, resulting in maximized price, contractual terms and vendor service levels.
• Ensure inclusivity of diverse and local suppliers in alignment with Delta Utilities commitments and the procurement policy
• Contribute to the development and implementation of standard operating procedures for the supply chain team.
• Recommend improvements to streamline workflows and enhance efficiency

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS

Minimum education required of the position

• Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain, Business, Accounting, Engineering, Finance or other related discipline
• MBA Preferred

Minimum experience required of the position

• 7 years of combined supplier contracting, construction procurement, category management, capital projects, renewable energy, or other related supply chain experience OR in lieu of a degree, minimum 10 years of supplier contracting, construction procurement, capital projects, or other related supply chain experience.
• Minimum 1 years’ energy industry experience in contracting and procurement (preferably construction).

Minimum knowledge, skills and abilities preferred of the position

• Strong analytical and strategic thinking skills
• Proficiency in sourcing tools (e.g., SAP, Ariba, Oracle, Coupa) and Microsoft Office
• Excellent negotiation, communication, and relationship management skills
• Knowledge of gas utility materials, equipment and services is highly desirable.
• Familiarity with regulated environments is desirable
• Knowledge of execution of key performance indicators
• Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to build relationships and influence stakeholders.

Any certificates, licenses, etc. required for the position

      • None

About Delta Utilities

Delta Utilities is a leading natural gas utility with a focus on safe, dependable service to customers. Headquartered in New Orleans, Louisiana, the utility will serve nearly

600,000 customers and become one of the leading natural gas providers in Louisiana and Mississippi and among the top 40 providers in the United States.

In 2023, Entergy announced that it had entered into an agreement with Delta Utilities to sell its Louisiana gas distribution business. The natural gas utility currently serves more than 200,000 customers across East Baton Rouge and Orleans parishes. In February 2024, Delta Utilities entered into an agreement with CenterPoint Energy to acquire its Louisiana and Mississippi natural gas businesses, which currently serve approximately 381,000 customers. Once the transactions are complete, Entergy's Louisiana natural gas operations and CenterPoint Energy's Louisiana and Mississippi natural gas systems will be operated by Delta Utilities. Learn more: https://deltautilities.com/

Delta Utilities and associated entities are equal-opportunity employers. We do not discriminate against employees or applicants for employment on any legally recognized basis or any protected class under federal, state, or local law.

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