PPL Corporation · 14 hours ago
Lead Category Manager
Louisville, KY
Full-time
Onsite
Senior Level, Lead/Staff
8+ years expPPL Corporation is one of the largest investor-owned utility companies in the United States, committed to creating long-term, sustainable value for its customers and communities. The Lead Category Manager will manage the supply chain for various corporate requirements, overseeing contract commitments and procurement processes to ensure quality and compliance while driving continuous improvement and cost-effectiveness.
Electrical DistributionEnergyMarketing
Responsibilities
Develop negotiation strategies and company positions on complex (multi-million dollar) contracts, work with Office of General Counsel Legal or Risk Management Departments to identify and incorporate appropriate levels of commercial protection, and conduct negotiations to achieve the optimal business results for the company
Perform market analysis and financial analysis to determine business risk associated with a supplier or contract. Mitigate risk as necessary by using hedges for foreign currency, pursuing performance and payment bonds, or obtaining parental guarantees
Analyze and develop company position on claims and disputes, and subsequently consult with senior management to resolve/negotiate claims and disputes associated with complex procurements
Lead the supply chain process from specification/definition of need through contract administration and investment recovery. Evaluate sources of supply and develop optimal pricing methodology, warranty, and product/service performance requirements. Determine and utilize the most strategic supply chain model to acquire the necessary products and services at the maximum level of savings
Identify new sources of supply, and potentially acceptable new products/technologies. Establish/maintain professional relationships with suppliers/partners, based on the highest ethical business practices as set forth in the Standards of Integrity and PPL's Supply Chain Polices
Support complex capital projects (such as substation, gas pipe line construction, and line construction) by working with the project management team to develop the contracting strategy, project plan, identify required resources, acquire necessary equipment and services, and manage contract performance
Analyze and evaluate the levels of inventory in support of Electric and Gas Utilities. Determine and maintain appropriate stocking levels ($$$ or # of items), and identify the necessary warehousing locations, while at the same time reducing LKE’s or PPL's inventory carrying costs
Be the corporate expert for assigned Categories and know the market drivers, supplier base, emerging technologies, regulatory factors, categories spend by supplier, inventory, supplier and fill rate performance. Exhibit ownership of the entire supply chain for assigned Categories from cradle to grave
Acts as primary liaison to suppliers within assigned Category. Leads contract management activities, including conducting internal end user meetings to assess vendor performance; developing vendor performance scorecards as appropriate for the good or service; conducting and leading routinely scheduled vendor performance review meetings with critical vendors
May be assigned an LKE or PPL Electric Utilities emergency and storm role. This is a special assignment that comes into play during storms and other emergencies when the company needs to restore power or respond to other issues affecting customer service. This role may necessitate the need to work after-hours, outside of your normal schedule
Maintains complete knowledge of Company’s Information Classification policy and the New Technology Approval process to be able to advise proponents on how to appropriately classify and protect company information. Works with Legal and IT security to secure company data via commercial documents when it is in the possession of a vendor
All other duties and projects as assigned
Qualification
Required
Bachelor's degree in business, engineering, supply chain, or related field
Minimum of 8 years of logistics, materials, or services buying experience
Supply Chain and market knowledge of products, equipment, and services
Basic knowledge of business law, commercial terms and conditions, and related legal issues
Preferred
Experience in Gas and/or Electric Utility supply chain (Natural Gas Facilities, Distribution and/or Transmission and Substations)
Certified Purchasing Manager (C.P.M.) or Certified Professional in Supply Management (C.P.S.M.)
Background in Lean, Six Sigma, or similar process improvement models
Strong negotiation and analytical skills
Effective written, oral, and interpersonal communication skills
Knowledge of Microsoft Office applications and databases
Demonstrated problem assessment and problem-solving skills
Strong customer service focus supporting an operating company, with ability to build credibility with internal clients and external suppliers
Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously
Company
PPL Corporation
PPL Corporation’s family of companies provide electricity and natural gas to power our customers’ lives.
5001-10000 employees
H1B Sponsorship
PPL Corporation has a track record of offering H1B sponsorships. Please note that this does not
guarantee sponsorship for this specific role. Below presents additional info for your
reference. (Data Powered by US Department of Labor)
Distribution of Different Job Fields Receiving Sponsorship
Represents job field similar to this job
Trends of Total Sponsorships
2025 (4)
2024 (4)
2023 (8)
2022 (5)
Funding
Current Stage
Public CompanyTotal Funding
$1.29BKey Investors
US Department of Energy
2025-11-19Post Ipo Debt· $1.15B
2024-09-12Grant· $72M
2024-02-02Grant· $72M
Leadership Team
Vincent Sorgi
President and Chief Executive Officer
Dean A. Del Vecchio
EVP Chief Technology and Innovation Officer
Recent News
2025-12-05
Music Business Worldwide
2025-11-26
Company data provided by crunchbase