Long Description

The primary responsibility of this position is to lead sourcing projects by specific categories, with an emphasis on Construction, Plant Equipment and Supplies, Packaging, Subcontractor Services, and Uniforms, and is accountable to maximize value from suppliers by developing category strategies to leverage our combined purchases across the UGI family of companies. Works with business partners on assessing suppliers, determining specifications/requirements/statement of work/service level agreements, and leading supplier management activities.

The scope of this position is to oversee $50M-$100M plus in purchases of goods and services for AmeriGas and to coordinate and execute category strategies in partnership with key internal stakeholders. Externally, this role is responsible for developing, maintaining, and implementing best-in-class strategic sourcing strategies and builds strong partnerships with strategic suppliers. Internally, the Category Specialist coordinates with the Procurement and Legal Departments, and AmeriGas facilities /departments for current and future sourcing initiatives.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Execute the established category strategy, including category-level sourcing opportunity identification and implementation across the UGI Family of Companies, and related category profiles, including, but not limited to:
• Conduct supplier identification, evaluation, negotiation, selection, contracting and associated implementation for in-scope categories
• Make recommendations to internal stakeholders related to requirements, specifications, opportunity, and supplier selection
• Perform Request for Information (RFI), market analysis, benchmark analysis, total cost modeling, and spend analysis
• Manage the contract life-cycle and management; facilitate the bidding (RFP/RFQ), supplier selection, and negotiation process
• Configure and facilitate eSourcing and eAuction events
• Identify and manage category-focused projects via total cost analysis to deliver best in class results (sourcing, demand management, process audit, etc.)
• Manage the profiling, execution, governance and key decisions related to the category, supporting subcategory line items and/or segments
• Identify and establish strategic relationships with global suppliers and guide overall management of those relationships
• Develop, communicate and manage category profiles; Identify and develop action plans to mitigate and resolve supplier risks; communicate and report on business and/or category implications to supplier risks
• Lead and own the supplier relationship management process, conduct and/or coordinate Supplier Performance Reviews and actively contribute to improvement initiatives
• Implement improvements identified in external benchmarking for the category performance
• Conduct strategic sourcing processes and participate as a member of the supplier selection team
• Collaborate with the Operational Procurement team to contribute to the design of and determination of effective buying channels

Posting

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Ability to collaborate and indirectly influence in a global, matrixed team environment
• Ability to build relationships and credibility with internal stakeholders (many whom currently own supplier relationship management) and become a trusted advisor that stakeholders look to for category and sourcing expertise
• Deep understanding of both the category managed and the business supported
• Contract and negotiation capabilities including ability to negotiate all business terms, develop SOWs, and draft basic contract language
• Knowledge of category sourcing methodology with ability to identify opportunity areas
• Proficient in procurement systems, such as eSourcing and eAuction events and tools. Experience with Ariba Sourcing preferred.
• Knowledge and experience managing category spend, navigating often disparate systems and accessing data, analysis and insights
• Ability to interface at all levels of the organization and with suppliers to solve problems when facing evolving demands
• Demonstrated success in leveraging company-wide spend by ensuring the implementation of global/international agreements
• Track record of effectively executing procurement spend in assigned category areas by leading global cross-functional teams
• Experience managing and maintaining strong supplier relationships

Education and Experience Required:

• Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration or related field
• 3- 5 years of progressive procurement and/or sourcing-related experience