Supply Chain Category Specialist III - Supply Chain Professional Services - Akron H

First Energy at a Glance

We are a forward-thinking electric utility powered by a diverse team of employees committed to making customers’ lives brighter, the environment better and our communities stronger.

First Energy is a leading electric utility headquartered in Akron, Ohio. The Professional Services Category Specialist supports strategic sourcing across a broad range of professional services categories, including consulting, advisory services, legal, audit, tax, HR, talent services, training, marketing, creative services, managed services, energy efficiency, emerging technology and other business support services.

This position is on-site in Akron, Ohio, and works closely with internal stakeholders and external service providers to drive cost savings, improve service quality, manage risk and compliance, and deliver measurable strategic value.

• Support the strategic category manager in achieving significant cost reductions in assigned professional services categories.
• Define contracting optimization strategies to achieve total cost of ownership and service level improvements.
• Partner with stakeholders across the enterprise to develop optimization strategies, identify opportunities, and execute improvement plans.
• Leverage technology, analytics, and tools to collect and analyze supplier spend data to drive savings.
• Analyze supplier performance data and provide input to category sourcing strategy.
• Develop strategic plans for contracting and improving managed categories.
• Ensure execution of strategies within user area.
• Lead supplier selection and management.
• Measure and track performance of suppliers.
• Develop knowledge and best practices in the categories within areas of responsibility.
• Ensure user satisfaction of the strategic sourcing process.
• Keep strategic manager informed about procurement progress.
• Plan and lead RFP processes in assigned categories.
• Coordinate with users’ technical assessment of received proposals.
• Negotiate contract conditions that are more favorable for First Energy.
• Track market dynamics of categories.
• Define cost benchmarks for categories under management.

• Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain, business administration, engineering, or related discipline and 2+ years of related work experience is required.
• In lieu of a degree, high school diploma or equivalent and 4+ years of related work experience is required.
• Relevant work experience includes supply chain or sourcing.
• Project management experience is preferred.
• Professional Services sourcing experience preferred.
• Successful implementation of category improvements.
• Ensure compliance with all policies and procedures.

Competitive pay with incentive compensation, a company-sponsored pension plan, 401(k) savings plan with employer matching, medical, prescription drug, dental, vision and life insurance options, and tuition reimbursement for skills development training.

First Energy proudly supports workforce diversity. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, religion, color, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, status as a protected veteran, or status as a qualified individual with a disability.

Exempt

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, religion, color, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, status as a protected veteran, or status as a qualified individual with a disability.