American Electric Power

Purchasing Manager

American Electric Power • $118K — $128K *
Manufacturing & Automotive
5 - 7 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • Bachelor's degree in a related field + 8 years of relevant experience, or equivalent work experience without a degree
  • Minimum of seven years in purchasing or supply chain roles
  • Proven success in leading complex sourcing initiatives and negotiations
  • Ability to influence senior leaders across multiple business units
  • Experience with procurement software like Maximo, Ariba, Celonis, or Agiloft

Responsibilities

  • Provide enterprise-level leadership for complex purchasing activities across business units
  • Serve as the senior escalation point for purchasing strategy and supplier performance issues
  • Lead the development and execution of sourcing strategies and supplier consolidation initiatives
  • Drive high-impact negotiations on pricing and commercial terms
  • Partner with cross-functional teams to align on contracts and commercial strategy
  • Oversee critical supplier relationships and performance management frameworks
  • Mentor procurement professionals and contribute to best practices in purchasing

Benefits

  • Opportunity for professional development and mentorship
  • Involvement in high-stakes procurement initiatives
  • Engagement with senior leadership and cross-functional teams
  • Potential for travel to various business locations and sites
  • Focus on continuous improvement and innovation in purchasing processes
Full Job Description
Job Posting End Date
10-11-2026
Please note the job posting will close on the day before the posting end date.

Job Summary

The Purchasing Manager is the highest level individual contributor and functional leader within the purchasing organization, providing enterprise wide leadership for complex procurement activities, strategic sourcing execution, and business unit alignment. This role serves as the primary escalation point for high risk, high value, and highly complex procurement initiatives and acts as a trusted advisor to senior business, operational, and supply chain leadership.

The Purchasing Manager leads cross functional sourcing strategies, mentors procurement professionals, drives continuous improvement of purchasing processes, and ensures alignment with corporate objectives, risk management requirements, and long term supply strategies.

Job Description

What You'll Do:

Enterprise Purchasing Leadership

  • Provide enterprise level leadership for highly complex, high value, and mission critical purchasing activities across multiple business units.
  • Serve as the senior escalation point for purchasing strategy, supplier performance issues, commercial disputes, and contract negotiations.
  • Act as a trusted advisor to business unit and senior leadership on purchasing strategy, market conditions, and supply risk.

Strategic Sourcing & Commercial Excellence

  • Lead the development and execution of enterprise sourcing strategies, including competitive sourcing events, long term agreements, and supplier consolidation initiatives.
  • Drive complex, high impact negotiations involving pricing, commercial terms, risk allocation, and performance commitments.
  • Ensure sourcing strategies align with financial objectives, risk management standards, and operational requirements.

Cross Functional & Stakeholder Leadership

  • Partner closely with Legal, Risk Management, Finance, Engineering, Operations, and Category Management to ensure alignment on contracts, specifications, and commercial strategy.
  • Lead and influence cross functional teams without direct authority to achieve purchasing and sourcing objectives.
  • Represent the Purchasing organization in senior level discussions, governance forums, and enterprise initiatives.

Supplier Relationship & Performance Management

  • Provide executive level oversight of critical and strategic supplier relationships.
  • Guide supplier performance management frameworks, including scorecards, corrective action plans, and continuous improvement initiatives.
  • Support supplier innovation, value creation, and long term partnership development.

Talent Development & Mentorship

  • Serve as a mentor and technical authority for Purchasing Analyst, Senior, and Principal level professionals.
  • Provide guidance on complex sourcing strategies, negotiations, and issue resolution.
  • Contribute to the development of purchasing standards, best practices, and knowledge sharing across the organization.

Governance, Risk & Continuous Improvement

  • Lead continuous improvement initiatives to enhance purchasing processes, tools, and governance.
  • Ensure compliance with corporate purchasing policies, regulatory requirements, and audit standards.
  • Support enterprise initiatives related to cost optimization, risk mitigation, supplier diversity, and operational resilience.


What We're Looking For:

Education/Experience:

Bachelor's degree in related field of study + 8 years of relevant work experience.

(Or) In lieu of Bachelor's degree must possess an Associate's degree in related field of study, and a minimum of 10 years of relevant work experience.

(Or) In lieu of Associate's degree must possess a High School Diploma or equivalent, and a minimum of 12 years of relevant work experience.

Additional Expectations:

  • Minimum of seven (7) years of progressively responsible purchasing or supply chain experience.
  • Demonstrated success leading complex sourcing initiatives, enterprise negotiations, and cross functional teams.
  • Proven ability to influence senior leaders and drive results across multiple business units.
  • Experience with Maximo, Ariba, Celonis, and/or Agiloft

Preferred Qualifications:

  • Certified Purchasing Manager (CPM) or equivalent professional certification.
  • Experience leading enterprise level sourcing strategies or major capital and O&M procurement initiatives.
  • Advanced negotiation, stakeholder management, and strategic thinking skills.
  • Strong analytical, financial, and risk management acumen.


Additional Information:

  • Travel to business unit facilities, supplier locations, and construction sites may be required.
  • May be assigned to support critical operational events, outages, or emergency response activities.
  • Expected to lead with a continuous improvement mindset and proactively identify opportunities to enhance purchasing value.


What You'll Get:

Expected Salary Range: $118,000.00-$128,000.00 (USD)

Compensation Data

Compensation Grade:

SP20-009

Compensation Range:

$116,255.00 - $151,132.50

The Physical Demand Level for this job is: S - Sedentary Work: Exerting up to 10 pounds of force occasionally (Occasionally: activity or condition exists up to 1/3 of the time) and/or a negligible amount of force frequently. (Frequently: activity or condition exists from 1/3 to 2/3 of the time) to lift, carry, push, pull or otherwise move objects, including the human body. Sedentary work involves sitting most of the time but may involve walking or standing for brief periods of time. Jobs are sedentary if walking and standing are required only occasionally, and all other sedentary criteria are met.

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About American Electric Power

American Electric Power generates, transmits, and distributes electricity, serving residential, commercial, and industrial customers nationwide. AEP serves millions of customers across 11 states. It operates in the generation, transmission, and distribution of electricity, providing power to residential, commercial, and industrial customers. AEP generates electricity using diverse sources, including coal, natural gas, nuclear, and renewable energy like wind and solar. The company maintains a vast transmission network that delivers electricity from power plants to local distribution systems, ensuring a stable and reliable power supply. AEP is actively involved in renewable energy initiatives, investing in wind farms and solar facilities to diversify its energy portfolio and reduce its environmental impact. Additionally, the company engages in community outreach, supporting education, environmental conservation, and various social initiatives.

American Electric Power Careers

Join the dynamic team at American Electric Power (AEP), one of the largest electric utilities in the United States, and ignite your career with a company known for its commitment to innovation and leadership in the energy sector.

Opportunities Await

At AEP, we offer a multitude of job opportunities that cater to a variety of skills and professional interests. Whether you're seeking an entry-level position or a more senior role, our diverse range of employment options ensures that there's a place for every ambitious individual in our team.

Grow and Innovate

Embark on a journey of growth and professional development with AEP. Our company is at the forefront of the energy industry’s transformation, integrating sustainable and innovative practices that not only lead the market but also contribute to a greener planet. Engage in work that challenges the status quo, pushing the boundaries of what is possible in the energy sector.

Culture and Benefits

AEP is dedicated to fostering a culture of diversity and inclusion, where every team member’s contribution is valued. We offer competitive benefits that support the health, well-being, and financial security of our employees and their families. From comprehensive health benefits to professional development programs and diversity training, AEP ensures that our team is equipped for both personal and professional success.

Internship Programs

Kickstart your career with an AEP internship. Our programs provide invaluable industry experience and networking opportunities that pave the way for future employment. Interns at AEP work on real projects, learn from seasoned professionals, and gain the hands-on experience necessary to succeed in the fast-paced world of energy.

Leadership and Development

Leadership at AEP means more than guiding teams – it involves inspiring change and driving innovation. With leadership development programs, employees are prepared to take on challenging roles that shape the future of the company and the industry. Our focus on leadership and continuous improvement creates an environment where ambitious professionals can thrive.

Join Our Team

Explore the career possibilities at American Electric Power today. Search open positions that match your skills and interests. We are constantly hiring new talent and look for passionate, curious, and solution-driven team players. Prepare your resume, ace the interview, and join a company where your career can flourish.

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Whether you're a seasoned professional or new to the industry, AEP offers a dynamic work environment where innovation, leadership, and growth are part of everyday life. Join us in powering a new and brighter future for everyone.
Learn more about American Electric Power
Size
16,688 employees
Market Cap
$48.8 billion
Industry
Net Income
$2.2 billion
Founded
1906
5 Year Trend
+0.5%
Revenue
$14.9 billion
NASDAQ

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