What are the responsibilities and job description for the Senior Specialist, Electrical Distribution position at CenterPoint Energy?
CenterPoint Energy and its predecessor companies have been in business for more than 150 years.
Our Vision: Our vision is to become the most admired utility in the United States through the execution of our long-term growth strategy. We have an unwavering commitment to safely and reliably deliver electricity and natural gas to millions of people.
Our Commitment: CenterPoint Energy is committed to creating an inclusive work environment where business results are achieved through the skills, abilities and talents of our diverse workforce.
At CenterPoint Energy, individuals are respected for their contributions toward our company objectives. We strive for an inclusive work environment across all levels that is reflective of the available workforce in the communities we serve.
Job Summary
The Sourcing Specialist is responsible for the development, implementation, and management of company-wide supply chain strategies/sourcing plans for assigned commodities/services consistent with Corporate and Departmental policies and procedures; is aware of market and industry trends/conditions, corporate risk tolerance, quality and completeness of scope of work statements, market pricing, quality and delivery requirements, and other factors in the performance of duties. The Sourcing Specialist drives down total cost of ownership and contributes to the performance and profitability of the Company using supply chain expertise to deliver value through complete, effective market research, supplier strategy development, negotiation strategy planning, and effective contract/order writing and management. The Sourcing Specialist is required to interface and/or negotiates with Vendors (sales/project management personnel), internal clients (users), lawyers, accountants, auditors, insurance agents, etc. to achieve total overall value to the Company; thus, must be able to communicate effectively and efficiently. Develop, implement, and manage strategies and plans to support the supply chain process for assigned commodities/services, or areas of responsibilities consistent with corporate and department policies and procedures. Research and develop a working knowledge of the assigned commodities/services or areas of responsibilities, including how the commodities/services are made, rendered, specification requirements, and how the commodities/services are used by the Company. Research and analyze inventory consumption data, inventory levels, work order requirement(s) signals, outstanding delivery orders, and provide recommendations for ordering, supply chain process consideration, and/or improvement.
Essential Functions
Requires a bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Engineering, Computer Science or other related discipline. In lieu of a degree, will consider a combination of education and related experience totaling eight (8) years, where each year of applicable college = 1 year and each year of applicable work experience = 0.5 year.
Experience
Requires a minimum of five (5) years direct experience as a Sourcing Specialist with advanced proficiency in the Essential Duties / Responsibilities of that role. Minimum of one (1) of the following or similar.
We want you to know
Being a part of the CenterPoint Energy team is more than a career alone. It's an opportunity to make a positive impact. You will be an integral part of enabling everyday life and the pursuit of possibilities for the customers we serve and the communities we share. The vital services we provide are at the core of making our world work, and by sharing your energy with us, we'll create a better tomorrow together.
What We Bring To You
Posting Start Date: 07/30/2026
Posting End Date: 08/14/2026
This contractor and subcontractor shall abide by the requirements of 41 CFR
Our Vision: Our vision is to become the most admired utility in the United States through the execution of our long-term growth strategy. We have an unwavering commitment to safely and reliably deliver electricity and natural gas to millions of people.
Our Commitment: CenterPoint Energy is committed to creating an inclusive work environment where business results are achieved through the skills, abilities and talents of our diverse workforce.
At CenterPoint Energy, individuals are respected for their contributions toward our company objectives. We strive for an inclusive work environment across all levels that is reflective of the available workforce in the communities we serve.
Job Summary
The Sourcing Specialist is responsible for the development, implementation, and management of company-wide supply chain strategies/sourcing plans for assigned commodities/services consistent with Corporate and Departmental policies and procedures; is aware of market and industry trends/conditions, corporate risk tolerance, quality and completeness of scope of work statements, market pricing, quality and delivery requirements, and other factors in the performance of duties. The Sourcing Specialist drives down total cost of ownership and contributes to the performance and profitability of the Company using supply chain expertise to deliver value through complete, effective market research, supplier strategy development, negotiation strategy planning, and effective contract/order writing and management. The Sourcing Specialist is required to interface and/or negotiates with Vendors (sales/project management personnel), internal clients (users), lawyers, accountants, auditors, insurance agents, etc. to achieve total overall value to the Company; thus, must be able to communicate effectively and efficiently. Develop, implement, and manage strategies and plans to support the supply chain process for assigned commodities/services, or areas of responsibilities consistent with corporate and department policies and procedures. Research and develop a working knowledge of the assigned commodities/services or areas of responsibilities, including how the commodities/services are made, rendered, specification requirements, and how the commodities/services are used by the Company. Research and analyze inventory consumption data, inventory levels, work order requirement(s) signals, outstanding delivery orders, and provide recommendations for ordering, supply chain process consideration, and/or improvement.
Essential Functions
- Ensure end user requirements are satisfied, develop change management activities, promote end user adoption, provide training and monitor end user satisfaction and needs.
- Ensure quality of sure, stable supply of materials/services, monitor the timeliness of the deliveries/performance, and identify patterns.
- Assess and implement various methods of inventory (e.g., consignment or self-inventory) and requirements forecasting (MRP).
- Work with client to formulate and define the scope and objective of purchases.
- Provide expertise to ensure that Service Level Agreements meet the needs of the end-user client area.
- Identify and pursue opportunities to lower the total cost of goods and services to enhance total enterprise cost of ownership; provide supply planning and analysis; and conduct supplier performance and relationship management.
- Acquire and manage procurements; provide appropriate materials, supplies and services for day-to-day requirements, as well as, emergent work, overhauls, projects; and focus on the strategic procurement while conducting complex negotiations under aggressive time demands.
- Monitor, prepare and present findings on important industry trends or abnormalities.
- Provide expertise to ensure that Service Level Agreements meet the needs of the end-user client area.
- Identify and pursue opportunities to lower the total cost of goods and services to enhance total enterprise cost of ownership; provide supply planning and analysis; and conduct supplier performance and relationship management.
- Acquire and manage procurements; provide appropriate materials, supplies and services for day-to-day requirements, as well as, emergent work, overhauls, projects; and focus on the strategic procurement while conducting complex negotiations under aggressive time demands.
- Monitor, prepare and present findings on important industry trends or abnormalities.
Requires a bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Engineering, Computer Science or other related discipline. In lieu of a degree, will consider a combination of education and related experience totaling eight (8) years, where each year of applicable college = 1 year and each year of applicable work experience = 0.5 year.
Experience
Requires a minimum of five (5) years direct experience as a Sourcing Specialist with advanced proficiency in the Essential Duties / Responsibilities of that role. Minimum of one (1) of the following or similar.
We want you to know
Being a part of the CenterPoint Energy team is more than a career alone. It's an opportunity to make a positive impact. You will be an integral part of enabling everyday life and the pursuit of possibilities for the customers we serve and the communities we share. The vital services we provide are at the core of making our world work, and by sharing your energy with us, we'll create a better tomorrow together.
What We Bring To You
- Competitive pay
- Paid training
- Benefits eligibility begins on your first day
- Transit subsidies
- Flexible work schedule, paid holidays and paid time off
- Access to discounts at fitness clubs and an on-site wellness center at our headquarters in Houston
- Professional growth and development programs including tuition reimbursement
- 401(k) Savings Plan featuring a company match dollar-for-dollar up to 6% and a company contribution of 3% regardless of your contribution
Posting Start Date: 07/30/2026
Posting End Date: 08/14/2026
This contractor and subcontractor shall abide by the requirements of 41 CFR
- 60-1.4(a), 60-300.5(a), and 60-741.5(a). These regulations prohibit discrimination against qualified individuals based on their status as protected veterans or individuals with disabilities and prohibit discrimination against all individuals based on their race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, or national origin. Moreover, these regulations require that covered prime contractors and subcontractors take affirmative action to employ and advance in employment individuals without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, protected veteran status or disability.