Category Buyer - Procurement Specialist

At PGE, our work involves dreaming about, planning for, and realizing a smarter, cleaner, more enduring Oregon neighborhood. Its core to our DNA and we haven’t stopped since we started in 1888. We energize lives, strengthen communities and drive advancements in energy that promote social, economic and environmental progress. We’re always on the lookout for people passionate about leading and being a part of teams that are advancing innovative clean energy solutions that are also affordable and accessible to all.

PGE is hiring a Category Buyer/Procurement Specialist.

As a Category Buyer (Procurement Specialist - P2), you will provide tactical procurement support for assigned categories. This role bridges strategy and execution—managing sourcing events, contract negotiations, and supplier coordination for mid-complexity spend. You’ll ensure compliance, deliver cost savings, and maintain operational efficiency across the procurement lifecycle.

Key Responsibilities

Tactical Sourcing & RFx Management

• Execute RFx (RFI/RFP/RFQ) events for deals with high dollar deals, ensuring alignment with category strategies set by P3 and P4 Category Managers.
• Develop bid packages, evaluate supplier responses, and coordinate selection processes.
• Negotiate pricing and terms to achieve best value while adhering to company policies and regulatory requirements.
  
  

Contract Administration

• Draft, review, and finalize contracts for mid-complexity sourcing initiatives.
• Manage renewals, amendments, and terminations; ensure timely execution and system workflow compliance.
• Maintain accurate contract records and documentation for audit readiness.
  
  

Supplier Coordination

• Serve as primary point of contact for suppliers on tactical matters.
• Monitor supplier performance and escalate issues to P3 and P4 Category Managers as needed.
• Support supplier onboarding and compliance with governance standards.
  
  

Stakeholder Collaboration

• Partner with internal stakeholders to clarify requirements, timelines, and deliverables.
• Provide guidance on procurement processes and ensure stakeholder satisfaction.
  
  

Process & Policy Compliance

• Apply procurement best practices and ensure adherence to sourcing policies.
• Identify opportunities for process improvement and cost optimization within tactical scope.
  
  

Education/Experience/Certifications

P2 – Procurement Specialist (Grade 6/EX)

Education: Requires a bachelor’s degree in supply chain management, business, finance or other related field or equivalent experience.

Experience:

• Typically two or more years in procurement, sourcing or contract management category management/strategic sourcing or related field.
  
  

Preferred Experience

• 3 years in procurement, sourcing, or contract management.
• Experience managing RFx and negotiating contracts for mid-complexity categories.
• Familiarity with ERP/Procurement systems and procurement workflows.
  
  

Functional Competencies

Proficiency Level: Intermediate / Working

• Knowledge of inventory control practices and systems (depending on area of specialization)
• Knowledge of contracting and procurement methods, standards, procedures and processes
• Knowledge of business practices and market conditions applicable to program and technical requirements sufficient to evaluate bids, contractor responsibility and contractor performance
• Skills in formulating sourcing strategies that accomplish performance and savings goals, anticipate potential threats or opportunities and are consistent with company goals and policies
• Skills in negotiating contracts for goods and services
• Computer skills using Microsoft applications (Word, Excel, PowerPoint) and enterprise resource-planning systems and record systems (e.g., PeopleSoft, SharePoint, eRecords)
  
  

Preferred Certifications P2: CPSM, CIPS, or similar procurement credentials.

General Competencies

P2 Proficiency Level: Working

• Analytical skills
• Decision-making skills
• Influence skills
• Interpersonal skills
• Negotiation skills
• Organization and prioritization skills
• Presentation and facilitation skills
• Written and oral communication skills
  
  

Physical, Schedule/Attendance, and Cognitive Demands

Cognitive Level:

Intermediate: Consistent use of relevant principles to solve practical problems and to deal with a variety of concrete variables in situations where only limited standardization exists.

Cognitive Demands

• Ability to adhere to set response times, deadlines and time-sensitive tasks
• Ability to follow accuracy standards
• Ability to follow through on decision-making tasks
• Ability to interact effectively and collaboratively within a team environment Ability to communicate and problem solve when under stress
• Ability to respond and adapt to frequent change
• Ability to accept and demonstrate self-awareness when provided constructive feedback Ability to discern feedback and acknowledge ownership of areas of improvement
• Ability to avoid future mistakes by applying reasonable skills to new but similar work situations or tasks
• Ability to successfully collaborate with peers, managers and others within the organization Demonstrates sound memory
• Ability to process new information to be applied consistently to work tasks
  
  

Schedule/Attendance

• Ability to work long hours
  
  

Physical Capabilities

• Computer use (use computer regularly for entire work shift)
  
  

Environment - Indoor/Outdoor

• Office
• Field
  
  

Actual total compensation, including a performance based incentive bonus, is commensurate with experience, skills, qualifications, education, training, and internal equity.

PGE believes in rewarding dedicated performance. We provide a total rewards package that is designed to reward your contributions to the company, and, at the same time, support your well-being and professional development, both now and into the future. To find out more, click here.