Join the diverse and dynamic team that powers Michigan's largest energy provider and one of the nation's largest gas and electric combination utilities. Consumers Energy services 6.8 million of Michigan's 10 million residents - caring for our friends and neighbors in all 68 Lower Peninsula counties. We embrace a cleaner and leaner utility vision focused on eliminating energy waste and adding renewable energy from sources such as wind and solar.

GENERAL SUMMARY OF JOB RESPONSIBILITIES

The Manager of Purchasing is responsible for contributing to the utility processes and developing initiatives to improve business operations and purchasing techniques for CMS. The incumbent will provide leadership and strategic direction for purchasing buyers sourcing across all portfolio categories for materials and services including but not limited to, supplies, equipment, fleet, gas, electric, generation, technology and related service agreements. Works with a team that negotiate contracts with trusted suppliers and vendors for high-quality resources and cost-efficient materials. Manages purchase order process from creation through delivery. Conducts data and statistical analysis with the current market trends to identify supply opportunities and sourcing costs.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Build, coach and mentor high performing teams, enabling maximum achievement. Provide ongoing training, exceptional resources and clear performance objectives that support effective bidding and negotiation strategies, purchase order creation through delivery, as well as optimal contract structure and finalization and ease of purchase
• Collaborate with stakeholder and business partners to define category specifications and acceptable service levels; work closely with leaders and stakeholders to project category purchases and develop strategies to maintain and maximize spend management opportunities and timelines
• Contribute to strategic supplier engagement and expand optimization efforts through development of high-performance contracts through integration of key performance indicators (KPIs) and structure business review process
• Other duties as assigned or may be necessary
• Provide leadership and direction to the Strategic Sourcing, Value Analysis and Procurement verticals of Supply Chain
• Provide strategies to effectively manage spend across various categories including supplies, services, capital and technology
• Work with stakeholders to gain support and collaboration through participation in cross functional teams, engagement in conversations that expose core business and service objectives and sharing best practices for comprehensive success

KNOWLEDGE/SKILLS/ABILITIES

• Advanced project management skills and ability to handle multiple projects at the same time.
• Confidence in communication, interpersonal and influencing skills.
• Excellent relationship management skills with the ability to engage, negotiate and manage key stakeholders, customers and external providers.
• Proficient in analysis techniques and tools to support budget planning, decision support, cost efficiencies and performance management.
• Proven leadership and management skills with the ability to optimize team performance and development.

EDUCATION

• Bachelor's Degree in Engineering, Quality Management, Supply Chain or related field. In lieu of a degree, candidate must have a High School Diploma or GED with 4 years of working experience related to the position.

EXPERIENCE

• 4 - 7 years Negotiations, Business partner relationships, problem solving.

Why should you join our team?

At Consumers Energy, we offer more than just a place to work. We foster a culture that supports career development, growth, and stability, and we take pride in offering our co-workers excellent benefits and compensation packages. We are deliberately creating an inclusive culture that makes our diverse team of co-workers feel valued, supported, and empowered every day. We're a company made up of thousands of people, all with different stories to share and work to do, but we stand united in our company purpose: world class performance delivering hometown service.

What we offer:

• Competitive compensation packages
• Medical, Dental and Vision
• 401k with company match
• Paid parental leave
• Up to 13 paid Holidays
• Paid time off
• Educational Assistance Program

Diversity, Equity & Inclusion:

We, at CMS Energy, value Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion. It is part of our DNA. We treat our employees with respect, we treat each other fairly and we value the opinions of others. We are passionate about building and nurturing an environment where everyone feels included. We don't discriminate. We seek to learn about each other and better understand our unique differences. Our uniqueness makes us authentic. We create safe spaces where everyone can be who they truly are. We invite difficult conversations and uncomfortable topics. We value diverse perspectives; this is what makes us great together. We harbor an inclusive environment where employees feel empowered to share their backgrounds, experiences, and ideas. Our Employee Resource Groups, Women's Advisory Panel (WAP), Women's in Energy (WE), Minority Advisory Panel (MAP), Pride Alliance of Consumers Energy (PACE), GENERGY, capable, Interfaith and Veterans Advisory Panel (VAP) are key enablers to living the values of our company culture: Caring, Empowered, Deliberate, Agility, and Ownership.

All qualified applicants will not be discriminated against and will receive consideration for employment without regard to protected veteran status, disability, race, color, religion, sex, age, sexual orientation, gender identity or national origin.