Vice President of Strategic Sourcing

Job Specifications

Black Hills Energy is people powered and purpose driven. Our team uses the power of energy to improve life for over one million customers in 800+ communities across the West and Midwest. We seek talented, caring people who embody our core values and contribute to a culture of inclusion and growth. As an organization, we believe the best part of working on our team is our commitment to making tomorrow better than today-for our customers, communities and each other.

Position summary:

The VP of Strategic Sourcing is an integral role in the development and execution of sourcing strategies to grow our business while reducing costs and risks as we provide safe, reliable, and cost-effective service to our 1.3M customers. Supply chain responsibilities including developing and implementing supply chain strategies for cost-effective resilient delivery, market analysis and managing relationships with key suppliers. Logistics support functions include establishing comprehensive plans for cost-effective and functional support for materials management, facilities and fleet functions across the 8-state operational footprint. Effective leadership across both direct team and local operational functions are a key aspect. Results-focused leadership through first establishing data driven approaches to monitor and implementing strategies to drive continuous improvement as necessary in key areas. Matrixed leadership effectiveness is also required, through collaboratively establishing frameworks for success with local operations, while working to identify and drive consistency and efficiency across the enterprise balancing local needs and cost-effectiveness. Responsible for overall leadership and management of the departments and establishing and maintaining the vision, goals and budget.

Pay Range: $218,950 - $361,300 (This posting includes the full pay range for this position. Pay is based on a number of factors and may vary depending on job-related knowledge, skills, experience, and internal equity.)

Reporting Relationship: Vice President of Utility Services

Location: Rapid City, South Dakota

Relocation Assistance: Relocation assistance is available based on individual circumstances! Details to be shared during the offer process.

Essential Functions:
* Partner across the enterprise for materials procurement, contracts management, strategic sourcing and materials management, as well as with key suppliers, to ensure resilient and cost-effective supply chain requirements to business unit and Company initiatives.
* Lead Company-wide facility and fleet planning activities, working closely with various business units and across the logistics department. Develop and communicate a clear vision and oversee fleet and facility strategies that support cost-effective and safe operations.
* Collaborate with engineering and operations leadership to identify and drive increased efficiency and effectiveness through increased standardization, better work practices, and improved coordination of efficiencies in cost and service levels for supply chain, fleet and facilities functions. Develop and leverage supply chain and materials management analytical capabilities, including evaluation of AI and machine learning to identify, monitor and respond to operational needs and efficiency objectives.
* Lead initiatives to support key enterprise growth initiatives by identifying priorities, evaluating delivery strategies, proposing tailored approaches for contracting and procurement (multi-prime, EPC, alliances, etc.) and leading contractual negotiations for key initiatives as required.
* Lead enterprise-wide fleet and facilities capital planning initiatives balancing operational objectives, cost-effectiveness and risk to prioritize and categorize maintain, repair or replace decisions. Identify and implement technologies for fleet and facilities to increase security and safety of operations.
* Lead initiatives to identify, evaluate and score vendors, contractors and manufacturers to meet enterprise objectives for delivery, sustainability, resiliency and reliability.
* Lead and develop category strategies and sourcing processes that actively support business objectives, optimize costs, use working capital effectively and minimize risks. Lead enterprise initiatives building on material standards to target supplier resiliency for cost effective delivery fully evaluating alliance, third-party distributor and direct sourcing options for key materials and material categories.
* Invest and lead cultural initiatives to empower team members in an environment in which people feel valued, respected, and energized to explore new methods of doing business, generating revenue, and taking calculated risks. Develops leaders and employees based on individual need, linkage to business requirements and ensures employees are competent.
* Participate in industry forums to ensure understanding and engagement on industry best practices and challenges.

Additional Responsibilities:
* Act as an influential member of the utilities leadership team, helping to create a positive learning culture. Coach and counsel staff and team members and help them to develop. Build and establish long term cross-functional relationships improving collaboration.
* Establish business goals and objectives for the supply chain and facilities functions that complement overall goals and objectives of the Company.
* Other duties as assigned.

What Is Required:
* Bachelor's degree in business (finance, administration), supply chain, logistics or a related field. Bachelor's degree in supply chain management, logistics, business administration, or a related field
* Minimum of 10 years of experience in supply chain management, materials management, business, or other relevant experience
* Minimum of 5 years of leadership experience, specifically leading people, direct reports and/or matrixed leaders with increasingly progressive leadership and management skills.
* Experience leading complex projects impacting an entire organization to include project management, negotiation, communication, and influencing.
* Demonstrated ability to influence across with peer leaders and upwards with senior leadership.
* Demonstrated ability to positively represent the Company to internal and external stakeholders including vendors, contractors, business associates and public entities.
* Ability to lead complex negotiations for major enterprise or major project procurement initiatives with values exceeding $100 million.
* Knowledge of the benefits and complexity for programmatic materials procurement and contracting approaches.
* Ability to create and implement plans to achieve long-term strategic objectives that are aligned with company initiatives.
* Excellent organizational, multi-tasking and time management skills with the demonstrated use of KPIs to measure progress towards strategic and operational objectives.
* Excellent customer service skills, verbal and written communication skills; ability to communicate effectively with managers and employees at all levels.
* Proficient knowledge of supply chain best practices and industry benchmarks, with an emphasis on electric and gas utility operations needs.
* Knowledge and understanding of cost management, demand planning, forecasting, working capital reduction and inventory planning.
* This position requires driving responsibilities. You must hold and maintain a valid driver's license and a driving record that meets company and insurer standards.
* This role will be required to travel up to 15% of the time.

What Is Desired:
* Master's degree in business, finance, supply chain, or another relevant field.
* Direct experience leading enterprise-wide initiatives in supply chain or logistics in the water, gas or electric utility space.
* Knowledge of the regulated utility industry, with a focus on gas and electric operations a plus.
* Knowledge of Lean Six Sigma, Continuous Improvement or similar tools and techniques/strategies to achieve process improvement.
* Ability to learn and demonstrate knowledge from the following certifications: Production and Inventory Management (CPIM), Certified Supply Chain Professional (CSCP) or Certified Purchasing Manager (CPM) or similar credentialing programs.

This description is not intended to be an all-inclusive list of responsibilities, duties, and requirements for employees in this position. Job descriptions may and do change periodically. Where positions are covered by a collective bargaining unit agreement, the terms and conditions of the agreement will apply.

About our Company: We are a customer, growth and safety focused utility company that is dedicated to our communities. We improve life with energy as an energy partner of choice. Our diverse culture fuels unique perspectives, opening doors to new insights and possibilities. Based in Rapid City, South Dakota, we have over 3000 employees and serve 1.3 million natural gas and electric utility customers across eight states (South Dakota, Montana, Wyoming, Colorado, Nebraska, Iowa, Kansas, and Arkansas).

Enjoy our Comprehensive Benefits Package! Annual discretionary bonuses, 401(k) (6% company match and up to 9% company retirement contribution), tuition reimbursement, generous paid time off benefits, including paid holidays and parental leave, company paid life insurance and disability benefits (short and long term), an employee assistance program and well-being benefits, and competitive medical, dental and vision insurance.

Candidates must successfully pass a pre-employment drug screen and background check. If there is anything that may show up in these reports that may conflict with the position requirements, feel free to contact the Black Hills Energy recruiting team at jobs@blackhillscorp.com.

Black Hills Energy does not sponsor applicants for work visas. All applicants must be legally authorized to work in the US.

We are an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age, or status as a protected veteran. If you require reasonable accommodation, please visit careers.blackhillsenergy.com for more information.