Senior Strategic Procurement Specialist, Engineering & Construction Services

Job description

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 Senior Procurement Specialist is responsible for leading strategic sourcing and procurement activities supporting Engineering & Construction Services within the Utility Procurement department. This role partners closely with internal stakeholders to develop sourcing strategies, execute complex procurement initiatives, negotiate contracts, manage supplier relationships, and drive value through cost optimization, risk mitigation, and operational excellence. The position serves as a trusted advisor to business partners and provides leadership on procurement best practices, supplier strategy, market intelligence, and contract management. The ideal candidate is comfortable operating independently, influencing stakeholders, and managing multiple complex initiatives simultaneously. Essential Functions • Lead sourcing strategies and competitive procurement events for engineering, construction, and professional service categories. • Negotiate contracts, pricing, commercial terms, and risk provisions with suppliers. • Develop and manage strategic supplier relationships to support operational and capital project objectives. • Partner with business stakeholders to understand requirements and develop procurement solutions aligned with company goals. • Identify opportunities for cost savings, process improvements, supplier consolidation, and risk reduction. • Manage contract lifecycle activities including amendments, renewals, funding strategies, and performance monitoring. • Support large capital projects by providing procurement guidance and ensuring timely execution of sourcing activities. • Analyze spend data, market trends, supplier capabilities, and industry developments to inform procurement strategies. • Collaborate with Legal, Finance, Operations, Engineering, and other internal stakeholders to resolve complex procurement issues. • Mentor junior procurement professionals and share category expertise across the organization. Education Description Requires a bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Supply Chain, 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 5+ years of procurement, strategic sourcing, supply chain, or related experience. Demonstrated experience negotiating complex service agreements and commercial contracts. Strong stakeholder management and relationship-building skills. Experience supporting capital projects or utility, industrial, infrastructure, engineering, or construction environments preferred. Strong analytical, problem-solving, and communication skills. Ability to influence decisions and drive results across multiple functional teams. Success Measures 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. 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 Job Type: Full Time 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. #LI-CNP