JOB SUMMARY

The Supplier Inclusion Program Manager is responsible for leading the execution of comprehensive strategies and programs to drive our company’s efforts in support of the utilization and development of diverse suppliers at Southern Company. This position is to create, lead, and execute our strategies and programs to further embed supplier inclusion into the OpCos, including our category management and sourcing strategies.  To accomplish this, you will continually collaborate with internal and external leaders who support the business units’ operations of OpCos and other areas, as needed.  You will need to embody a problem-solving “customer at the center of everything we do” mindset while delivering solutions and driving operational effectiveness by balancing the needs of each stakeholder group – suppliers, business units, SCM, and external partners.  The program manager will partner with diverse business support groups to identify and develop qualified diverse and small businesses to support procurement needs across the enterprise. This role will also work with prime suppliers to develop and execute Tier II strategies and influence spend reporting. The successful candidate will work with consultants, data analytics and reporting team to prepare and communicate goals, areas of spend opportunities and data analysis. Additional responsibilities and opportunities may be assigned by manager as priorities evolve. This position will report to the Manager, Supplier Inclusion.

This position follows a Hybrid Work Schedule. Employees are required to be in the office Three (3) Days per week.

JOB REQUIREMENTS

Education

Required:

Bachelor's degree in business management, finance, supply chain, supplier diversity, sustainability, statistics, engineering, construction, or related fields.

Preferred: 

MBA; Juris Doctor; Six Sigma; P.E.; Project Management certification; or other advanced education

Required Work Experience:

Minimum 5 years management experience (leading people or managing projects). Minimum 5 years of experience specifically in Supply Chain, Enterprise Services, Engineering, Construction, Generation, Power Delivery, Gas or other relevant experience. 5+ years demonstrated ability to work across multiple departments and business verticals. Performing and utilizing analytics to influence decisions and drive business results. Demonstrated ability to form and cultivate relationships and alliances with multiple internal and external stakeholders.  Demonstrated strategic thinking and ability to influence internal leaders in support of supplier inclusion goals and objectives. Strong presentation skills with an ability to deliver to a wide variety of audiences including senior leadership, key external stakeholders, and business leaders. Advanced business development skills, including experience establishing, developing, and maintaining relationships with diverse suppliers, advocacy organizations and internal partners.

Knowledge and Skills

Excellent problem solving, and organizational skills required.  Excellent relationship building skills (internal and external stakeholders). Professional written and verbal communication skills. Knowledge of contract terminology. Facilitation skills, both virtual and in-person. Proven negotiation skills. Excellent project management skills. Strong skill in use of Microsoft Office. Knowledgeable of business equity and inclusion best practices. Proven analytical skills to evaluate metrics, perform data analysis and market research. Must demonstrate strong internal customer focus, commitment to stakeholder value and drive to meet business and supplier needs. Committed to and familiar with principles of diversity, equity, and inclusion. Ability to perform tasks and jobs in a virtual environment to collaboratively work on projects and meet goals and expectations. Passion for continued learning and proven ability to apply and operationalize learnings into practice.

JOB RESPONSIBILITIES & ACCOUNTABILITIES BY COMPETENCY

Functional Expertise:

Support the development and execution of the enterprise-wide Supplier Diversity strategy, initiatives, policies, and procedures that ensure alignment with Southern Company Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Strategy and compliance with governing Federal laws and requirements. Support the planning, organization and participation of supplier inclusion and other company personnel to inclusion events. Encourage and facilitate increased utilization of diverse suppliers by assisting strategic sourcing teams with the identification of eligible and capable diverse suppliers for procurement opportunities.

Business Acumen:

Research potential pathways and opportunities in support of responsible sourcing for local, small, and diverse businesses. Research and engage with programs for capacity building for local, small, and diverse businesses partnering with the Southern Company. Possesses and relays in-depth knowledge of OpCo requirements to prospective vendors/suppliers. Understand sustainability programs around the sustainability priorities for Southern Company, including our net-zero transition and how they link to suppliers and OpCo success.

Engagement:

Manage key relationships with diverse businesses and prime suppliers. Support communications and recruiting programs to deliver SOCO’s supplier inclusion messaging. Work with key stakeholders (i.e., business units, SCM personnel, prime suppliers, small and diverse suppliers, external groups, etc.) to champion diverse, local, and small businesses for both prime and Tier II opportunities. Partner and present to local civic and business groups on SOCO inclusion initiatives.

Driving Results:

Demonstrated ability to build relationships and credibility, coupled with strong influencing skills.  Proven analytical skills to evaluate metrics, perform data analysis and market research.  Working knowledge of operations and organizational structure to drive inclusion of diverse suppliers into procurement decisions in the assigned business footprint (Opco).  Ability to identify/vet potential new diverse suppliers and match them to internal business opportunities.  Strong understanding of SCM practices and groups within SCM; ability to communicate, integrate and influence. Working knowledge of regulatory framework in the assigned business footprint (Opco). 

WORKING CONDITIONS/PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

Infrequent travel required (25%)

BEHAVIORAL ATTRIBUTES

Demonstrate Southern Company Values – Safety First, Unquestionable Trust, Superior Performance, and Total Commitment. Safety focus and a strong personal safety record.