Sourcing Specialist

Job Title: Sourcing Specialist (Capital Projects / Nuclear)

Client: Xcel Energy
Requisition ID: 1587
Location: Hybrid – Minneapolis, MN (Downtown Nuclear Sites)
Schedule: Mon & Fri remote | Tues–Thurs onsite

Overview

This Sourcing Specialist will support a high-performing strategic sourcing team focused on large capital projects and onsite services for the nuclear fleet. This is not a single-project role—the hire will step in to own a portfolio of sourcing activities and help manage ongoing workload across multiple initiatives.

This role is critical in ensuring vendors, contracts, and sourcing processes meet strict nuclear compliance standards while driving cost efficiency and supplier performance.

Key Responsibilities

• Own end-to-end strategic sourcing lifecycle:

  • Intake review & stakeholder alignment

  • Vendor identification & qualification

  • RFPs / sourcing events

  • Contract negotiation & execution

• Conduct vendor risk assessments and ensure compliance with nuclear requirements

• Negotiate pricing, terms, and service agreements

• Manage purchase orders and assist with invoice resolution

• Oversee supplier performance and drive recovery plans when needed

• Maintain contract documentation (life-of-plant retention standards)

• Partner with internal stakeholders across nuclear operations and external vendors

What a Typical Day Looks Like

• Reviewing sourcing requests and validating requirements

• Running or supporting RFP/bid events

• Negotiating contracts and pricing

• Coordinating with vendors for onboarding and compliance

• Managing supplier issues or performance gaps

• Working in SAP / Coupa to execute procurement activities

• Communicating with multiple stakeholders across projects

Top Skills & Qualifications

Must-Have:

• Strategic sourcing / procurement experience (NOT just logistics or materials buying)

• Strong contract negotiation and supplier management skills

• Experience supporting large, complex projects

• Proficiency in:

  • Microsoft Word (advanced formatting)

  • Excel & PowerPoint

• Ability to manage workload independently

Preferred:

• SAP (strongly preferred)

• Coupa or similar e-sourcing tools

• Nuclear or highly regulated industry experience

• CPSM (or equivalent certification)

Soft Skills That Matter

• Strong communicator (internal external stakeholders)

• Detail-oriented (compliance-heavy environment)

• Self-starter with high accountability

• Relationship builder

• Strong negotiation mindset

Work Environment & Culture

• Highly collaborative but self-directed

• Fast-paced, high accountability environment

• Requires proactive communication and ownership of work

• Exposure to high-impact nuclear capital projects

Compliance & Screening Requirements

Due to nuclear support:

• Enhanced background screening

• Nuclear data access screening

• Drug testing (including random testing)

• Must be a U.S. citizen (export control requirement)

Note: Work is administrative (no PPE or plant floor work required).

Why This Role is Attractive

• Work on high-visibility nuclear capital projects

• Broad sourcing exposure (services vendors, not just materials)

• Hybrid flexibility

• Strong resume builder in a regulated, complex industry