Associate Planner Buyer / Planner Buyer

Xcel Energy (NASDAQ: XEL) is a leading energy provider and Fortune 500 company, dedicated to serving millions of electricity and natural gas customers across eight states: Minnesota, Colorado, Wisconsin, Michigan, North Dakota, South Dakota, New Mexico and Texas. We make energy work better for our customers, helping them thrive every day. That means always raising the bar - delivering better service and providing more reliable, resilient, and sustainable energy.  Xcel Energy is a place where you’ll have opportunities to grow, expand your skills, and help lead the clean energy transition. We offer meaningful rewards, recognition, and support to help you build your career and make an impact - both on the job and beyond. Most importantly, it means you’ll be joining a company that knows employees are the driving force behind its success and is committed to helping you be your best.   Xcel Energy supports a hybrid work model to enable collaboration and flexibility. Many roles are expected to work onsite three days per week (Tuesday–Thursday); however, work location expectations vary based on role, team, and business needs.   This position can be filled at either the Associate level or Planner Buyer level. Candidates will be aligned to the appropriate level based on qualifications. Associate Planner Buyer ($58,700-$79,767) Position Summary Coordinate materials/services procurement and fulfillment activities. Develop and implement local procurement strategies to achieve cost, schedule, and quality goals. Achieve inventory management, scheduling coordination, supplier management, and process improvement objectives. Support Planning and Purchasing organization as required.

REQUISITIONS: Analyze materials/services requisitions to determine if fulfillment exists or is needed from Sourcing department. Process requisitions in ERP system in alignment with established procedures. Utilize master agreements and ensure material/service fulfillment aligns with category strategy. Receive mentorship and guidance from Planner Buyers and Sr Planner Buyers. BIDDING/AWARD PROCESS: Develop RFX bid packages for category buys and projects, with mentorship from Planner Buyers or Sr Planner Buyers. Assist with bid evaluation, analysis, and supplier selection. Identify spend/savings opportunities and assist with the development of Purchase Orders and contracts with approved suppliers in line with category strategy. Analyze and interpret statistical data. CONTRACTING: Partner with Planner Buyer/BU in PO/contract execution, creation, review, analysis, and supplier performance tracking. Represent company interests with suppliers/contractors during terms and conditions negotiations. Advise business in problem solving. Resolve or escalate issues to Sr. Planner Buyer or Supervisor. BUSINESS PARTNER RELATIONSHIPS: Develop relationships with BU partners to ensure understanding of business process. Ensure supply needs and field location questions are met. Facilitate communication between suppliers, BU partners, and Supply Chain staff. Collaborate with suppliers to mitigate construction risk for late materials. Manage logistics of job site deliveries. Basic understanding of use, form, fit, and function of materials. Train BU partners on Supply Chain processes as needed. SUPPLIER RELATIONSHIPS: Develop supplier relationships and provide timely response to questions. Utilize reporting tools and analysis to support material delivery, disposition, and returns. Monitor supplier activities and collaborate with Planning & Purchasing to improve the supplier relationship. May contribute to formal supplier performance meetings and lead continuous improvement efforts. SOURCING STRATEGY: Ensure adherence to sourcing policies, procedures, and maintenance of documentation and records. Drive demand to existing master agreements when possible. MATERIAL/DELIVERY MANAGEMENT: Partner with logistics staff and ensure efficient use