What are the responsibilities and job description for the Buyer position at PPL Services Corporation?
Company Summary Statement : 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. Overview:
This position will report in-person on a hybrid schedule 3 days per week to the KU-Ghent generation facility located in Ghent, KY
Responsibilities:
Basic Qualifications
This position is responsible for procuring materials and logistics services in support of one or more electric generating stations at an entry level. These activities include the purchase of both stock and non-stock materials through Oracle or similar company software; replenishment of repairable equipment; providing or coordinating expediting of materials on order; working with planning personnel to ensure timely procurement of materials and/or services. Purchases require creation, negotiation, tracking, and issue resolution of Purchase Orders, Contract Purchase Agreements, and Blanket Purchase Agreements. Position requires familiarity and compliance with the Company purchasing guidelines and policies.
This position will report in-person on a hybrid schedule 3 days per week to the KU-Ghent generation facility located in Ghent, KY
The Buyer position may be hired at the Associate, Intermediate or Senior level. Responsibilities listed below reflect the Associate level. Additonal/Varying responsibilities may be included for the intermediate or senior levels.
- Review client procurement requisitions for completeness and process into purchase orders.
- Coordinate with the planning function on re-orders of stock and non-stock materials, and performs replenishment procurement of stock material based on Oracle generated replenishment reports.
- Solicit bids through formal request for quotations or request for proposal competitive processes, including evaluation and analysis of bids, for procurement of critical materials and services of low complexity.
- Coordinate and negotiate with suppliers, accounts payable, and internal stakeholders in resolving issues associated with specific purchases or projects, expediting orders, price discrepancies, warranty claims, and the return or cancellation of purchase orders.
- Coordinate with plant personnel on the logistics (freight terms, receiving, handling, inspecting, delivery etc.) of capital/project/non-stock material to ensure delivery to either to the warehouse or job site.
- Coordinate with the accounts payable team in resolving issues associated with invoice and payment processing as they occur. Identifies and resolves invoice holds and bottlenecks to ensure that work management schedules are not impacted. This includes direct interaction with internal business proponents.
- Identify new sources of supply, establish/maintain professional relationships with suppliers/partners, based on the highest ethical business practices as set forth in the Standards of Conduct and Integrity and PPL's Supply Chain Polices.
- Work with Supply Chain to add or delete suppliers in the corporate data base, including expansion of the Company’s diverse and disadvantaged suppliers.
- Possess a basic understanding of purchase order terms and conditions.
- Ensure procurements follow all applicable company policies and adhere to SOX requirements.
- Performs other duties as assigned by management.
The Buyer position may be hired at the Associate, Intermediate or Senior level. Level offered will be determined by the successful candidate's background, education & experience.
Basic Qualifications
Associate Buyer:
- Bachelor’s degree or equivalent combination of education and supply chain experience on a year-for-year basis, is required.
- Valid driver's license is required
Intermediate Buyer:
- Bachelor’s degree and a minimum of three years’ supply chain experience, or an equivalent combination of education and experience on a year-for-year basis, is required.
- Experience using ERP, procurement, or work management systems.
- Valid driver's license is required
Senior Buyer:
- Bachelor’s degree and a minimum of five years’ supply chain experience, or an equivalent combination of education and experience on a year-for-year basis, is required.
- Experience using ERP, procurement, or work management systems.
- Valid driver’s license.
Preferred Qualifications
Experience with warehousing, inventory, and generation systems and processes preferred, as well as a working knowledge of ERP and work management systems, MS Excel, and other company systems. Must become current on and comply with the corporate purchasing guidelines and policies. Analytical and detail oriented; comfortable with moderate levels of ambiguity; basic financial analysis skills; good communication (written, oral and listening), time management, and people skills.
Work Conditions
Hybrid role. Power Plant office environment. Frequent visitation to on site warehouse and other power plant facilities. Some travel to job sites or other power generation stations. Some overnight travel possible. Job site visits may result in exposure to dampness, dirt, heat, noise, heights, fumes, etc.
