Director - RG&E Networks Purchasing in Rochester

The base salary range for this position is dependent upon experience and location, ranging from: $141,000 - $177,000. Reporting to the Vice President of Networks and Corporate Purchasing, the Director of RG&E Networks Purchasing will develop and implement sourcing strategies across RG&E and all purchasing categories. This role involves collaborating with the executive team to establish targets, metrics, timelines, and plans. You will ensure alignment with business and regulatory strategies to maintain an uninterrupted supply of goods and services for critical projects and daily operations.

As the Purchasing central point of contact for RG&E, this role will closely coordinate the needs of the Business and align them with various Purchasing activities, guaranteeing the success of project execution, resolving complex challenges, and identifying solutions to unique needs. This role will also interface with regulatory stakeholders, supporting rate cases, regulatory interrogatories, and rate case hearings.

• Responsible for managing and implementing innovative and commercially focused solutions for leveraging value through strategic sourcing and procurement initiatives.
• Provide leadership and motivate employees to create a vision, communicate a strategy, and effectively interface with other Company leaders.
• Establish and direct supplier partnerships, create and implement cost reduction initiatives, and maintain a high level of customer service.
• Identify, grow and develop strong relationships with local NY suppliers and other local community stakeholders.
• Sourcing Strategy: Develop multi-year sourcing strategies for complex purchases, ensuring global perspectives and continuity of services.
• Exhibit proactive leadership with internal teams and executives.
• Business Impact: Establish functional standards and procurement performance expectations.
• Lead partnerships with internal and external stakeholders to drive business impact.
• Contract Negotiations: Lead cross-functional contract and pricing negotiations.
• Address escalations and collaborate with legal counsel to mitigate risks.
• Team Coordination: Develop and implement programs to enhance team performance and achieve annual sourcing goals.
• Foster a culture of continuous improvement of Purchasing and Business planning and collaboration.
• Innovation and Change: Drive change and foster innovation throughout the organization.
• Representation: Represent the company in rate case hearings, management audits, and other external matters related to the role’s scope.
• Work Plan Meetings: Attend Work Plan Meetings and closely coordinate Purchasing activities with Business needs on behalf of the Purchasing department.
• Strategic Sourcing: Coordinate sourcing team efforts and assist the development and execution of the strategic sourcing strategy.
• Institutes programs and measurements to drive increased performance levels.
• Key Sourcing Steps: Lead cross-functional sourcing teams through key sourcing steps including demand analysis, supply market analysis, competitive bidding processes, quantitative and qualitative evaluation of bids and negotiations.
• Annual Sourcing Targets: Participate in the development of annual sourcing performance targets and implement ongoing sourcing programs to meet performance targets.
• Commodity Knowledge: Maintain current and accurate knowledge of commodities and up-to-date cost records for appraisal of procurement and suppliers’ performance.
• Trend Analysis: Analyse trends and assist in strengthening the Company’s competitive position.
• Reporting: Develop and present reports to Networks and Purchasing leadership and senior management.

We are seeking a dynamic, forward-thinking leader passionate about driving change. The ideal candidate will proactively identify opportunities for improvement and implement solutions to enhance processes and results. Strong cross-functional team collaboration and leadership skills are essential.

• Bachelor’s Degree in Business, Supply Chain Management, Operations Management, Supply Chain Analytics, or a related field, and 10+ years of experience in purchasing, supply planning, operations, supply chain, sourcing, manufacturing, or a related area.
• OR Master’s Degree in Business, Supply Chain Management, Operations Management, Supply Chain Analytics, or a related field, and 7+ years of relevant experience.
• Advanced knowledge of supply chain methodologies, models, and procedures.
• Excellent interpersonal communication, negotiation, and influencing skills, including the ability to communicate concepts, data, and recommendations to management.

• Experience in Category Management for various materials and services.
• Experience directly in utility categories a plus, such as electric and gas construction, vegetation management, transformers, wire and cable, engineering and others.
• Experience with global and regional planning and development.
• Proficiency in producing and summarising relevant information to influence top management decisions.
• Proven leadership with excellent communication, organizational, interpersonal, and influencing skills.
• Self-starter with demonstrated performance leading initiatives and building consensus at all levels of a matrixed global organization.
• Strategic orientation with excellent analytical, project management, negotiation, presentation, interpersonal, and communication skills.
• Ability to manage complex situations and distill information rapidly.
• Strong decision-making skills based on data and facts.
• Advanced problem-solving skills and ability to find resolution to complex and demanding challenges.
• Strategic mindset with the ability to act strategically and tactically towards long-term goals.
• Capability to handle multiple competing projects, priorities, and deadlines.
• Strong customer service orientation.
• Demonstrated ability to work effectively with various stakeholders, including internal teams, external partners, and clients from diverse backgrounds.
• Strong commercial acumen with experience in developing contractual frameworks for relevant categories.
• Technical expertise in contract writing, sourcing plan development, and negotiation strategy execution.
• Ability to travel to Business meetings and supplier visits, maintaining a close relationship with key stakeholders.

• Prior experience in the energy industry.
• Master’s Degree in Supply Chain Management, Engineering, Business, Economics, or a relevant field with a minimum of 8 years of applicable experience.
• Bachelor degree with additional experience can be considered.
• Certified claims or supply chain certifications (CMP, C.P.S.M, or equivalent).