Procurement Specialist

Job Posting End Date 10-26-2026 Please note the job posting will close on the day before the posting end date. Job Summary This role will be primarily focused on the services, with an emphasis on Construction services categories and other complex, high-value service categories. The individual operates with high degree of autonomy and is responsible for leading major, high-dollar, complex sourcing initiatives, contract development, negotiations, and commercial strategies. Serves as the subject matter expert and strategic procurement lead for assigned categories involving significant spend, complex or customized requirements, and emerging or evolving business needs. Provides strategic sourcing, contracting, and commercial guidance to Category Managers, procurement professionals, business unit stakeholders, and leadership to develop solutions that balance cost, risk, operational requirements, supplier performance and long-term value. Leads the development of the commercial framework and business terms for complex agreements and partners with Legal, Risk, Safety, IT, and other key stakeholders to ensure business objectives are achieved and organizational interests are appropriately protected. Applies strong commercial judgment in structuring contracts, negotiating terms, allocating risk, and developing sourcing strategies that support both immediate business requirements and broader category objectives. Effectively engages and influences business unit leadership and Supply Chain leadership, building alignment across stakeholders and driving procurement initiatives from strategy development through execution. The individual is expected to demonstrate executive-level communication, sound business judgment, strong negotiation capabilities, and the ability to successfully lead complex procurement activities with significant financial, operational, and organizational impact. Job Description What You’ll Do Writes the summary and details for complex/non-standard contracts, including pricing, performance criteria, service levels, warranties, terms and conditions, and any risk mitigations. Writes modifications to existing complex/non-standard contracts, coordinating with Legal as necessary. Provides advisory support for contract development and negotiations to category managers and procurement professionals, as needed. Applies pricing models, cost containment models, pricing caps, total cost-of-ownership models, and indices during contract development. Supports category managers to refine sourcing strategies for complex spend. Works with the Service Center to ensure transactional and customer support services are aligned with category strategies. Collaborates, as needed, with the Supply Chain center of excellence (COE), the Service Center, and business partners on projects and other initiatives to address recurring issues, improve efficiency, and improve satisfaction. What We're Looking For: Education: Bachelor's Degree in business, accounting, finance, supply chain, or other related field is required; OR 4 years of relevant work experience. Experience: In addition to any experience required above, 4 years of relevant work experience in contract management or supply chain experience is required. Experience in the utility, manufacturing, or construction industry preferred. Preferred Qualifications: Deep understanding of contract design and structure, including terms, language, templates, performance criteria, and other components. Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and time management skills desired. Excellent communication skills (written and verbal) desired with an ability to communicate with business partners, stakeholders, and suppliers. Ability to be persuasive and build credibility desired. What You'll Get: In addition to competitive compensation, AEP offers a unique comprehensive benefits package that aims to support and enhance the overall well-being of our employees. Where Putting the Customer First Powers Everything We Do At AEP, we’re more than just an energy company — we’re a team of dedicated professionals committed to delivering safe, reliable, and innovative energy solutions. Guided by our mission to put the customer first, we strive to exceed expectations by listening, responding, and continuously improving the way we serve our communities. If you're passionate about making a meaningful impact and being part of a forward-thinking organization, this is the company for you. American Electric Power (On-Site) Compensation Data Compensation Grade: SP20-008 Compensation Range: $98,993.00 - $128,688.00 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. Hear about it first! Get job alerts by email. Log in to your Candidate Home Account today! If you don't have an account, you can create one. It is hereby reaffirmed that it is the policy of American Electric Power (AEP) to provide Equal Employment Opportunity in all respects of the employer-employee relationship including recruiting, hiring, upgrading and promotion, conditions and privileges of employment, company sponsored training programs, educational assistance, social and recreational programs, compensation, benefits, transfers, discipline, layoffs and termination of employment to all employees and applicants without discrimination because of race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, gender identity, and sexual orientation), national origin, age, veteran or military status, disability, genetic information, or any other basis prohibited by applicable law. When required by law, we might record certain information or applicants for employment may be invited to voluntarily disclose protected characteristics.