Supply Chain Support Specialist

​​​​​​​This position has opportunities to work in a virtual/onsite hybrid work environment. Consumers Energy has facilities all around the state of Michigan (Lower Peninsula only). Candidate must be located within 30-60 miles of a Consumers Energy Service Center OR willing to relocate (relocation package available).

We are looking for:

The Supply Chain Category Specialist supports strategic sourcing and category management processes that create sustainable value through lower costs, improved supplier performance and efficiency with a keen appreciation/consideration for Business Partner needs and priorities. Works with cross-functional teams in the implementation of category management processes. Conducts research and analysis to develop strategy and drive decision-making regarding spend, suppliers and markets. Develops category and commodity cost models, in partnership with the Sourcing Specialist. Works with Supply Chain (SC) staff and Business Partners to provide day-to-day support for strategic sourcing and procurement, responds to questions and solves problems. The Category Specialist Reports to the Portfolio Manager (or Category Manager).

We encourage you to apply if you have: equivalent combination of education and experience will be considered and reviewed.

• Bachelor’s degree in an applicable field.
• 3 years of supply chain experience, including 1 year of experience working with cross-functional teams.

These skills may set you apart:

• Certified Professional in Supply Management (CPSM) preferred
• Procurement, preferably within the utility, manufacturing, or construction sector

In this role, you will:

• Category Management, Spend Analysis, Strategic Sourcing: Supports Portfolio Managers and Category Leads in category management activities and processes that ensure Business Partner satisfaction and value creation. Helps implement, in collaboration with Portfolio Managers and Category Leads, leading practices for spend/market analysis to develop value-adding sourcing strategies. Supports regular assessment of Business Partner requirements and matching procurement plans to meet/adapt to business needs. Seeks to develop category expertise, market dynamics and trends knowledge, insights about suppliers, pricing, and negotiating tactics.
• Supplier Relationship Management: As directed, communicates with suppliers and is knowledgeable about procurement practices and category strategy. Develops, maintains and appropriately builds strong, positive and influential relationships with suppliers and Business Partners to assure CMS of long-term, cost-effective, procurement strategy in procurement of key services and goods.
• Supply Chain Strategy: Supports the SC and category strategy development process with analysis and helps integrate it with regular business planning and budgeting cycles for SC and CMS. Works closely with Category Leads to align strategy making processes with Business Partner processes. Assists in the preparation and communication of business cases to support SC initiatives and priorities.
• Continuous Improvement: Uses continuous improvement framework to sustain SC strategy and compliance with CMS objectives. To achieve process excellence and stay current with industry innovations, the Specialist helps identify and implement, in collaboration with the SC Leads, leading practices throughout the organization. Communicates initiatives and improvements to Business Partners as appropriate.

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 Engineering Network (WEN), 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, sexual orientation, gender identity or national origin.