Planner/Buyer 2 or 3 (Emphasis on Construction & Engineering Projects)

Planner/Buyer 2 or 3 (Emphasis on Construction & Engineering Projects) 

Non-Union Position; Up to 4 positions
Purchasing Staff; Portland, Oregon (US-OR)  

Hybrid schedule available for Oregon & Washington residents. 
Regular FT 
Posting # 4861  

 

About Us:

 

At NW Natural, we offer more than rewarding career opportunities and a vibrant, inclusive work culture. We invite you to join us in providing safe and reliable utility services and renewable energy to better the lives of the communities we serve. Our vision is to be the leader in service excellence, innovation and environmental stewardship for our customers, while building on our strengths as a trusted energy provider and environmental leader for our industry.  

 

In addition to environmental stewardship, We’re also deeply committed to Diversity, Equity and Inclusion at NW Natural. Our DEI Council started 21 years ago, and today we continue to foster a culture where all employees can experience a sense of belonging, shared purpose and possibility.
 

The Role:

 

This position will assist in driving our initiative to move from a tactical, to a more strategic, proactive enabler of business outcomes. Across the assigned book of construction projects this role will be responsible for planning, procurement and sourcing of services, equipment, and materials; through the review of specifications, evaluation of proposals, and negotiations with vendors. In addition, this role will play a key part in the development and monitoring of vendor performance.  

Day to Day:

 

• Deliver best-in-class products and services with the right balance of cost control, risk mitigation and speed.
• Provide excellent customer service to our stakeholders by working in a collaborative, plan-full and communicative manner.  
• Serves as a vital liaison with key stakeholders to ensure forecasted requirements are incorporated into the procurement process. 
• Respond to approved requisitions and create Purchase Orders within a timeline that meets customer expectations.
• Partner with Legal and other internal stakeholders to negotiate and finalize contracts, agreements, NDA’s.
• Monitor PO delivery dates to ensure on-time receipt and maintain current and accurate PO information in SAP.
• Ensure vendors comply with service level agreements and resolve issues related to shipments, defective material and discrepancies. 
• Monitor supplier performance by ensuring that product/services are delivered as scheduled and meets specifications; maintaining appropriate files and records of meetings with suppliers to ensure company requirements are met and that supplier is aware of their performance.
• Ensure the development and maturity of key procurement competencies, such as business relationship management, best practices for negotiating, and overseeing contract terms and conditions.
• Participate or lead process improvement projects to improve procurement service delivery to exceed internal stakeholder satisfaction and requirements.
• Develop and maintain a network of suppliers to ensure timely purchases and deliveries
• Support the implementation and management of emerging suppliers through effective contract management practices, supplier due diligence and supplier risk management.
• Monitor and support key strategic supplier relationships, including contract and conflict resolution.
• Maintain a thorough understanding of the current market conditions, identifying the drivers, shifts, market dynamics and trends to advise stakeholders with option analysis.
• Support team training and continuous improvement, along with team and individual KPIs.
• Supports Company’s commitment to a culture of safe work practices.

Come on your first day with:

 

• Bachelor’s degree in business or other related discipline, such as supply chain management required. An advanced business degree is preferred.
• Possess a minimum of 5 years’ experience in procurement planning, contracts and purchasing, preferably related to engineering, construction and/or gas pipeline operations for a Level 2 position. Additional years of experience required for a Level 3 position. 
• Certification by purchasing and supply chain professional body, such as ISM or the CIPS or ASCM (APICS).
• Experience developing an effective procurement strategy and providing proactive, high-value procurement consultation to the business through a thorough understanding of the business needs.
• Project management experience preferred.
• Strong negotiating skills including ability to develop strategies, tactics, and influence decisions.
• Analytical, process improvement and assessment skills including the review and e