Associate Buyer

Unitil Service Corporation•Exeter, NH

About The Position

More than a utility company, Unitil provides energy for life. Our work helps keep homes comfortable, businesses thriving and communities connected. Unitil is an investor-owned public utility proudly serving Maine, Massachusetts and New Hampshire. We are dedicated to delivering energy to our customers safely and reliably. Unitil is committed to creating an inclusive environment that welcomes and values the differences among all of our employees, customers, suppliers and the communities in which we live and conduct business. The continued success of Unitil is enhanced through initiatives that promote diversity and value our employees. Take advantage of a comprehensive benefits package. Unitil offers competitive salaries, a consumer-driven health plan, dental and vision coverage, flexible work, company-paid holidays, a, robust, highly competitive retirement plan and educational assistance. Note: Benefit offerings may differ between union and non-union employee groups Position Purpose Provide a full range of support activities within the Procurement team. Possess a working knowledge of Company procedures and practices as they relate to assigned responsibilities. Provide hands on support and professional feedback to Supervisor. Assignments must be completed in a professional manner at all times maintaining confidentiality of all tasks. Individual will strive to ensure procurement best practices are followed throughout the organization. Maximize value of Unitil expenditure for internal and external customers.

Requirements

Associates degree in Business or equivalent work experience
3-5 years of progressively responsible experience related to Supply Chain Management or Procurement
Experience with Vendor negotiation which achieves or exceeds stakeholder expectations.
Ability to calculate figures and amounts such as discounts, interest, proportions, percentages, and volume.
Project a positive and professional approach in all areas of responsibilities
Demonstrated reliability and flexibility to manage assigned projects effectively.
Strong analytical skills and attention to detail, working knowledge of personal computers and software including: Microsoft Office (Outlook, Word, Excel, SharePoint, and PowerPoint), database, as well as, other business applications.
Requires excellent written and verbal communication skills.
High degree of organizational skills, PC skills, & knowledge and be extremely detail orientated.
May require working other than the regularly scheduled office hours
Be available for duties during times of system emergencies

Responsibilities

Provide exceptional support and service in the Procurement area while meeting the needs of both internal and external stakeholders of Unitil.
Collaborate with Supply Chain partners to develop innovative approaches and methodologies that address present and future requirements.
Prepare and participate in negotiations with Supply Chain partners.
Review, release, issue and expedite company Purchase Orders.
Manage Procurement email inbox for internal customer inquiries, including vendor on-boarding requests.
Provide Vendor Management services including Contract Administration and onboarding.
Create and maintain Service Purchase Orders throughout the year, keeping dollar amounts current and ensuring proper accounting at all times.
Assist with strategic sourcing initiatives including preparation of Request for Quotes.
Provides administrative services for Request for Proposals, Request for Information events, including hosting pre-bid meetings and negotiating best and final offers.
Regularly participate in inventory counts
Strong commitment to utilize continuous improvement to drive change throughout the organization and help “create the future”.
Provides support to business units in identifying vendor risk, including Cyber Security risk.
Prepare and present data to effectively influence stakeholders sponsorship and decision making.
Identifies and improves upon work practices and processes to maximize efficiencies and effectiveness of the department and other cross boundary functional areas.
Completion of special assignments resulting in enhancement, support, and/or resolution of present or anticipated issues affecting the quality of service delivered by the Procurement team. Fosters an environment and culture of workplace safety, where employee safety and well-being are an integral part of operational performance.
Responsible for the effectiveness of departmental controls; fosters an appropriate control environment including understanding and appreciation of critical controls, control activities, controls monitoring, risk assessment, information and communication. Designs, monitors and owns control activities that are integral to internal business processes; assesses risks and implements improvements as needed.