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Contracts and Commercial Excellence Manager

CenterPoint Energy
paid time off, paid holidays, tuition reimbursement, 401(k)
United States, Texas, Houston
May 01, 2024

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 Manager - Contracts & Commercial Excellence reports to the Vice President - Supply Chain and Strategic Sourcing and leads a team of Contract Advisors to assist the overall Procurement department with contract creation, negotiation, and management processes to ensure operational excellence and compliance with CenterPoint Energy Policies. This role will be instrumental in re-imagining and continuously improving contracting processes, recommending technology improvements and enhancements, and leveraging existing technology platforms to streamline cycle times and improve contract quality and compliance. The Manager will elevate the performance and contracting acumen of the function in support of achieving short- and long-term strategic objectives and identify and manage risks through collaboration with the Procurement department, Legal, Cyber Security, Insurance, HSE and other stakeholder groups. The ideal candidate will bring deep commercial contracting expertise, familiarity with emerging contract technology, a collaborative approach, and a willingness to dive in and assist team members when necessary.

Essential Functions

  • Team Leadership: Direct and support a team of Contract Advisors to assist with the drafting, negotiation, and management of contracts and sourcing events in line with company policies.
  • Process Enhancement: Continuously assess and improve contracting processes by reimagining existing methods, integrating advanced technologies, and making strategic recommendations to enhance operational efficiency.
  • Technology Integration: Utilize and optimize existing technology platforms to speed up contract cycle times and enhance the quality and compliance of contracts, including development of an Artificial Intelligence playbook utilizing available contract management software.
  • Compliance and Quality Assurance: Ensure all contracts comply with CenterPoint Energy policies and maintain high standards of quality and operational excellence.
  • Strategic Alignment: Support the achievement of the company's short-term and long-term strategic goals by enhancing contracting practices and procedures.
  • Risk Management: Identify and mitigate risks by collaborating with other departments such as Legal, Cyber Security, Insurance, and Health, Safety, and Environment (HSE), ensuring a comprehensive approach to risk management across contracts.
  • Cross-Departmental Collaboration: Work closely with various stakeholder groups within the organization, including Procurement, Legal, and Cyber Security, to ensure contracts support the overall strategic objectives of the company.
  • Expertise and Support: Provide deep commercial contracting expertise, assist in training team members, and offer hands-on support to ensure departmental goals are met.

Essential Functions (cont.)

  • Assist in complex sourcing events, merger and acquisition activities or other special requests as needed.
  • Develop and implement contract policies and procedures to ensure alignment with company strategies and legal requirements.
  • Develop and deliver contract training content to promote good commercial and contracting practices in alignment with company strategies and legal requirements.
  • Collaborate with senior management and cross-functional teams to identify and mitigate risks associated with contract terms and compliance.
  • Demonstrate ability to develop, present and gain consensus on complex category strategies.
  • Successfully lead through influence, experience and bringing category strategies to adoption.
  • Self-starter, energetic and motivated to influence the future of the organization.
  • Directly involved in contract negotiations/relationship management of high complexity, high risk contracts with significant (potential) business strategy impacts.
  • Demonstrates a proactive approach in meeting business partners' expectations through frequent communication, scope alignment, business requirements gathering, project execution and timeline management.
  • Creates a shared vision by embedding and integrating the role of strategic sourcing into various parts of the business.
  • Other projects/activities/responsibilities as assigned

Education Description


  • Bachelor's degree or other advanced degreed required. Education requirements may be waived for candidates possessing the required experience and qualifications.



Experience

  • 10+ years of contract management and negotiation in a large organization supporting multiple stakeholders.
  • 5+ years of Direct/Indirect procurement experience within a large organization.
  • 2+ years of leading and managing teams, preferably within a contracts or procurement function. Experience in mentoring and developing staff is essential.
  • Demonstrated experience in streamlining processes, implementing technological solutions, and improving operational efficiencies within the contracting or similar functions.
  • Comprehensive knowledge of contract negotiation and category management methodology.
  • Experience working with multiple stakeholder groups such as Procurement, Legal, IT, Cyber Security, Insurance, and HSE to manage risks and ensure compliance with corporate policies.
  • Experience in identifying and managing legal, financial, and operational risks associated with contracts and procurement activities.
  • Hands-on experience in identifying, recommending, and deploying contract management tools and technologies that enhance business operations.
  • Experience in strategic planning and execution, with a strong ability to align the contracting processes with organizational goals.
  • Ability to influence others and to act as a change agent within the department and company.
  • Highly functional in Excel, PowerPoint and Word.

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.

Diversity, Equity and Inclusion

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.

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




Job Type:Full Time

Posting Start Date: 05/01/2024

Posting End Date: 05/10/2024

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.


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