Lead Sourcing Specialist

More Than A Career - A Chance To Make A Difference In People's Lives

Build an exciting, rewarding career with us – help us make a difference for millions of people every day. Consider joining the Duke Energy team, where you'll find a friendly work environment, opportunities for growth and development, recognition for your work, and competitive pay and benefits.

The preferred location for this role is Plainfield, IN, but the selected candidate could also sit in our Cincinnati, Charlotte or Raleigh headquarter locations.

The Lead Sourcing Specialist plays a key role in advancing Duke Energy's supply chain strategy by leading complex, high-value sourcing initiatives that support safe, reliable, cost-effective operations. This role offers the opportunity to influence enterprise-level sourcing decisions, partner with business leaders and project teams, and deliver measurable value through strong commercial strategy, supplier negotiations, and contract management.

Employees at this level solve complex problems, manage work with minimal supervision, and provide leadership and guidance to others. The successful candidate will develop and execute strategic sourcing plans for assigned categories of spend, assess internal customer needs and supply market conditions, lead competitive sourcing events, negotiate contracts, and institutionalize sourcing strategies that align with business unit requirements and Duke Energy standards. Keys to success include the ability to prioritize competing demands, navigate ambiguity, build consensus across functions, communicate effectively with stakeholders, and deliver actionable results with limited oversight.

Responsibilities

• Lead complex strategic sourcing initiatives for high-value or high-risk categories, including market analysis, sourcing strategy development, competitive events, supplier negotiations, contract award recommendations, and realization of annual savings or value targets.
• Develop and execute sourcing strategies that align with business unit priorities, project requirements, safety expectations, supplier diversity objectives, and broader Supply Chain and corporate initiatives.
• Lead contract management activities, including negotiation of commercial terms, evaluation of change orders, supplier performance discussions, and issue resolution.
• Partner with project management, construction, engineering, project controls, operations, legal, finance, and other stakeholders to support sourcing activities, supplier selection, and contract execution.
• Build and maintain strong supplier relationships, including strategic supplier alliances, performance management routines, market engagement, and continuous improvement opportunities.
• Analyze supply markets, commodity trends, supplier capabilities, cost drivers, diversity opportunities, and emerging risks that may impact future procurement decisions.
• Research and apply sourcing best practices, benchmarking insights, and external market intelligence to improve sourcing outcomes and identify innovative opportunities.
• Provide guidance, mentoring, and process support to sourcing personnel while modeling Duke Energy leadership behaviors and promoting consistent sourcing practices.
• Communicate sourcing strategies, recommendations, risks, and results to Supply Chain leadership, cross-functional stakeholders, and executive-level business partners.

Basic/Required Qualifications

• Bachelors degree + 7 years work experience
• In lieu of required degree, Associates degree + 9 years work experience OR HS/GED + 11 years work experience

Desired Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain Management, Business, Engineering, Finance, or a related field.
• Master of Business Administration or other advanced degree.
• Certified Professional in Supply Management, Certified Purchasing Manager, Project Management Professional, or similar professional certification.
• Strategic sourcing experience, including development and execution of sourcing strategies for complex, high-value categories of spend.
• Experience preparing market solicitation documents, conducting competitive market events such as RFPs, bids, and alliance negotiations, and measuring resulting cost savings or value.
• Strong negotiation, contract management, supplier relationship management, and supplier performance management experience.
• Experience in electric utility, power generation, engineering, EPC contracting, construction, environmental consulting, combustion products, or related industries.
• Demonstrated ability to lead cross-functional teams, influence stakeholders, and communicate effectively with executive management, business partners, and suppliers.
• Strong analytical, financial, business acumen, planning, organizational, oral communication, and written communication skills.
• Experience using e-sourcing tools and ERP or asset management systems, such as WoodMackenzie, CAS, or Maximo.
• Experience using Microsoft office software suite including Word, Excel, PowerPoint, PowerBI and CoPilot or other AI software.
• Ability to work independently, manage ambiguity, prioritize competing work, and deliver results in a fast-paced environment.

Working Conditions

• Hybrid – Work will be performed from both remote and onsite locations after the onboarding period, with a requirement of at least 3 days in the office. However, hybrid employees should live within a reasonable commute to the designated Duke Energy facility. Reliable, consistent transportation is required to ensure timely arrival at the applicable facility.
• Office-based role with plant, project site, and supplier visits as business needs require.

Travel Requirements

15-25%