Job DescriptionThe Senior Specialist, Supplier Enablement, Engagement, and Development (SEED), will support and advance the SEED strategy by driving the inclusion and utilization of small businesses that support our internal customers and contribute to the economic vitality of the communities we serve. This role is responsible for identifying, developing, and enabling small suppliers to enhance safety, operational excellence, and customer experience. The Senior Specialist will lead and support initiative across reporting, outreach, supplier development, compliance, and strategic communications aligned with SEED objectives. The Senior Specialist will also leverage data driven dashboards, emerging AI technologies, and advanced analytics to enhance supplier enablement efforts, optimize operational efficiency, strengthen program oversight, and support informed decision making aligned with SEED objectives.
This position does not provide employment pursuant to the terms of a STEM OPT Training Plan.
ResponsibilitiesCore Responsibilities- Conduct supplier qualification reviews, including eligibility verification, operational assessments, financial viability evaluations, and site visits as needed.
- Analyze and report SEED performance, spend activity, and compliance metrics, including GSA, SBA, regulatory, executive, and economic impact reporting.
- Monitor, validate, and interpret supplier spend data to track trends, measure outcomes, and support achievement of SEED goals.
- Partner with internal stakeholders to identify, develop, and embed small business opportunities within sourcing and procurement strategies.
- Support supplier development and capacity-building initiatives through education, referrals, training, and business development programs.
- Administer and monitor supplier compliance programs, including bid list reviews, subcontracting plans, and Tier 2 supplier engagement and reporting requirements.
- Develop and deliver training, communications, and outreach programs to increase awareness of SEED policies, opportunities, and achievements.
- Represent the company at industry, supplier, community, and economic development events to strengthen relationships and expand the supplier ecosystem.
- Foster strategic partnerships with external organizations, councils, and development agencies to enhance supplier engagement and program impact.
- Contribute to Supplier Relationship Management (SRM) and other strategic initiatives by aligning supplier strategies with business objectives, enterprise priorities, and long-term partnership goals.
- Lead the development of modern, user centric dashboards and reports that advance SEED priorities, increase visibility to stakeholders, and thoughtfully evaluate the use of AI and advanced analytics to optimize reporting and insight delivery.
QualificationsRequired Education/Experience- Master's Degree in Supply Chain, Sustainability, Environmental Science, Engineering, Data Analytics, or related field, and minimum 2 years of related work experience or
- Bachelor's Degree in Supply Chain, Sustainability, Environmental Science, Engineering, Data Analytics, or related field, and minimum 3 years of related work experience or
- High School Diploma/GED in Supply Chain, Sustainability, Environmental Science, Engineering, Data Analytics, or related field, and minimum 5 years of related work experience
Relevant Work Experience- 3-5 years Relevant work experience in procurement, financial analysis/accounting, supplier inclusion or a related fields, required.
- Strong analytical skills with proficiency in Excel and data management, required.
- Effective communication skills (written and verbal) including presentation development, required.
- Data storytelling and ability to build strong relationships across internal and external stakeholders, required.
- Change management and organizational alignment, required.
- Supplier ecosystem development, required.
- Exposure to supplier engagement, reporting, and cross-functional collaboration, preferred.
- Experience supporting small business inclusion programs or SEED-like initiatives, preferred.
- Advanced Supplier Relationship Management, preferred.
Skills and Abilities- Demonstrated analytical skills and
- Excellent collaboration and team building skills and
- Ability to drive multiple projects to successful completion and
- Well organized, detail oriented and flexible to handle multiple assignments and
- Project Demonstrated project management skills and
- Demonstrates a high commitment to quality and
- Must be proficient in Microsoft Office including Word, Excel, Outlook and PowerPoint, etc. and
- Ability to build strong customer relationships
Licenses and Certifications- Driver's License Required
Additional Physical Demands- The selected candidate will be assigned a System Emergency Assignment (i.e., an emergency response role) and will be expected to work non-business hours during emergencies, which may include nights, weekends, and holidays.
- Able and willing to travel within and outside Company service territory, as needed.
- Able to respond to Company emergencies by performing a System Emergency Assignment to restore service to our customers.
- Able and willing to travel within Company service territory, as needed.
- Responsible for travel to various company and supplier locations; some of which may require overnight travel.
- Available to perform occasional off-hour emergency buyer or storm damage field assignments, some of which may require working extended or non-traditional hours.
- Support emergency response assignments when required.
Benefits:We are dedicated to supporting the physical, mental, and financial health of our employees and their families. This commitment extends beyond the workplace to foster personal growth and holistic wellbeing. Our life-changing rewards package includes:
- Rich medical & pharmacy benefits, including vision benefits
- Dental benefits
- Health Savings Accounts
- Health Care and Dependent Care Flexible Spending Accounts
- 401(k) with robust matching
- Employer paid Pension Plan
- Employee Stock Purchase Plan with a generous matching contribution
- State of the art Employee Assistance Program
- Paid Parental Leave
- Generous paid time off plus paid holidays
- Family support: emergency backup child, & elder care assistance
- Social responsibility and volunteer opportunities
- Employee discount program
- Commuter Benefits
- Culture of growth and learning: career development; tuition reimbursement; recognition program
- Life and Long-Term Disability Benefits
*Please be aware that some benefits may not apply to provisional or part-time job titles.
