Job Description

Bring YOUR energy to Alliant Energy!

At Alliant Energy, our purpose is to serve customers and build stronger communities. We are passionate about powering beyond the market challenges of today, while powering what's next in energy. When our employees say "I am energy", it means they take pride in the work we do when disaster strikes, as well as all the days in between. We want you to be safe, happy and healthy. That's why we prioritize safety, offer volunteer opportunities and provide competitive pay, comprehensive health and retirement benefits, tuition reimbursement and paid time off.

Alliant Energy is searching for a dynamic Senior Category Manager. In this influential position, the Senior Category Manager will work hand-in-hand with senior leadership and key vendor partners to oversee intricate, high-stakes contracts, optimize supplier performance, and drive substantial cost savings through data-driven decision-making. This role presents a unique opportunity to lead comprehensive RFP processes, navigate complex contract negotiations, and cultivate robust cross-functional partnershipsThis role can be based in any of our service territories and will require occasional travel to the candidate’s home office in either Madison, WI or Cedar Rapids, IA.

Senior Category Manager is responsible for integrating internal client initiatives, strategy, and business direction with supply management. This position leads and cultivates strategic partnerships with clients and vendors to create value for the company by advancing business objectives. This role collaborates with client subject matter specialists and managers to assess business requirements and develops strategic plans for ongoing sourcing needs. This position works seamlessly with supply chain contract management and business performance teams to execute projects successfully.
What you will do

• Supports supply chain portfolio and relationship management functions by bringing considerable subject matter expertise and mentorship to others in the group.
• Leads the effort to issue and evaluate strategic requests for information (RFI) and requests for proposal (RFP).
• Provides recommendations and supports programs to evaluate new and existing vendors as well as their products and services to create synergy across business organizations.
• Develops strategic portfolio management plans to promote value creation both through decreasing costs–via improved vendor selection and management, as well as process efficiencies–and increasing top-line growth.
• Develops strategic plans in conjunction with client groups to meet ongoing sourcing needs.
• Facilitates routine business review meetings with clients and key suppliers.
• Works on cross-functional teams to effectively engage key stakeholders to best advance supply chain initiatives that support Alliant Energy’s strategic objectives.
• Manages relationship requirements–supply chain, customer, supplier, legal, risk, environmental, and safety–within portfolio activities.
• Works with business units and functional leadership to determine metrics required to assure performance, supply continuity, and manage risk.
• Engages in other duties as needed that support Alliant Energy’s Values and helps deliver on our Purpose to serve customers and build stronger communities.

Education Requirements

• Bachelor's Degree Business Administration, Purchasing or Supply Chain Preferred
• Certification Certified Purchasing Manager (CPM), Certified in Production and Inventory Management (CPIM) or Certified Professional in Supply Management (CPSM) designation Preferred

Required Experience

• 7 years of related experience in purchasing or supply chain.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Demonstrated cross-functional team work experience, including the ability to track and report project status from start to finish, as well as the ability to gain trust and confidence of internal and external personnel.
• Persuasive communication skills (oral and written), with an ability to communicate to senior executives in client organizations.
• Advanced ability to guide collaborative projects with suppliers to deliver value, efficiencies and/or improvements in safety and quality.
• Excellent analytic, negotiation, and problem solving skills.
• Experience handling multiple high-profile projects simultaneously and ability to take ownership of assigned projects.
• Demonstrate established proficiency utilizing evolving technological tools to streamline daily tasks and communications.
• Ability to work effectively in a collaborative and inclusive work environment.

Key Skills

• • Business Negotiations • Category Management • Category Strategy • Change Management • Contract Lifecycle Management • Contract Management • Cost Analysis • Cost Optimization • Partnership Strategy • Procurement Management • Sourcing Strategies • Stakeholder Management • Supplier Management • Supplier Selection

Our people are passionate about what they do, the product they sell, and the customers they serve. If you're looking for an opportunity to be a part of a work family that values collaboration, innovation and dedication, we're the right company for you.

Alliant Energy offers a comprehensive total rewards package including competitive compensation and benefit programs. Information on these benefit programs is available on our Careers site.

Pay Range:

$95,000-$110,000

This position is eligible to participate in the annual incentive program. The final salary offered will generally fall within this range and is dependent on various factors including but not limited to the responsibilities of the position, experience, skill set, internal pay equity and other relevant qualifications of the applicant.

It's not just what we do; it's how we do it.

Live Safety. Everyone. Always | Make Things Better | Care For Others | Do The Right Thing | Act For Tomorrow | Think Beyond. Be Bold

Alliant Energy and its subsidiaries are committed to creating a culture of belonging and is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer where an applicant's qualifications are considered without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or any other basis prohibited by law.

All candidates selected for employment with Alliant Energy will be required to successfully complete a background check, and a drug screen where applicable.

Disclaimer:
The above information on this description has been crafted to indicate the general nature and level of work performed by employees within this classification. It is not crafted to contain or be interpreted as a comprehensive inventory of all duties, responsibilities and qualifications required of employees assigned to this job.

Applicants in need of a reasonable accommodation for any part of the hiring process, please email talent@alliantenergy.com