Associate Planner Jobs in Minnesota (NOW HIRING)

Are you looking for an exciting job where you can put your skills and talents to work at a company you can feel proud to be a part of? Do you want a workplace that will challenge you and offer you opportunities to learn and grow? A position at Xcel Energy could be just what you're looking for.

Associate Planner Buyer or Planner Buyer

Position Summary
Execute and coordinate material/service procurement & fulfillment activities. Implement procurement strategies to achieve cost, schedule, and quality goals. Support and align with inventory management, scheduling coordination, supplier performance management, and process improvement objectives. Lead material/service procurement issues resolution, negotiate Supplier/customer disputes, and address performance issues.
Planner Buyer Essential Responsibilities

• PROJECT MANAGEMENT: Proficient in end-to-end Supply Chain concepts and processes, from Work Order (WO) reviews through all aspects of procurement processing in ERP.
• BUSINESS PARTNER RELATIONSHIPS: Work with BU to ensure early demand visibility of planned projects and communicates sourcing & category strategy. Lead cross-functional teams for specific procurement events. Ensure BU understands risks for materials, equipment, and services supply continuity. Negotiate material delivery strategy, including date and time. Demonstrate basic understanding of use, form, fit, and function of materials. Train BU partners on Supply Chain processes as required.
• MATERIALS & SERVICES COORDINATION: Ensure material/service fulfillment requirements are met through Supply Chain processes. Ensure flow of demand to inventory, master agreements, and other purchase transactions are handled correctly. Execute POs accurately and in a timely manner.
• SOURCING STRATEGY & PRACTICE: Participate in sourcing strategy development in collaboration with sourcing, BU, and category teams. Ensure adherence to sourcing best practices, policies, and procedures. Drive demand to existing master agreements when possible. Manage materials delivery/pickup for large projects.
• BIDDING/AWARD PROCESS: Manage RFX bid packages for regional category buys and small projects, utilizing Category Plan and approved Suppliers as per Sourcing Strategy. Lead bid evaluation, analysis, and supplier selection. Identify spend/savings opportunities with category manager and develop contracts or agreements with key suppliers. Analyze and interpret statistical data.
• CONTRACTING: Partner with BU for contract review, analysis, and supplier performance/compliance tracking. Represent company interests during negotiations with suppliers/contractors. Resolve or escalate issues to Category Manager and escalate legal exceptions to General Counsel.
• SUPPLIER/CUSTOMER RELATIONSHIPS: Develop supplier relationships and provide timely response to questions, concerns, and issues. Use reporting tools and analysis for material delivery, disposition, returns, and issue resolution. Monitor supplier activities and collaborate with category manager/customers to improve relationship. May contribute to formal supplier performance meetings and lead continuous improvement efforts.

Associate Planner Buyer Essential Responsibilities

• REQUISITIONS: Analyze materials/services requisitions to determine if fulfillment exists or is needed from Sourcing department. Process requisitions in ERP system in alignment with established procedures. Utilize master agreements and ensure material/service fulfillment aligns with category strategy. Receive mentorship and guidance from Planner Buyers and Sr Planner Buyers.

• BIDDING/AWARD PROCESS: Develop RFX bid packages for category buys and projects, with mentorship from Planner Buyers or Sr Planner Buyers. Assist with bid evaluation, analysis, and supplier selection. Identify spend/savings opportunities and assist with the development of Purchase Orders and contracts with approved suppliers in line with category strategy. Analyze and interpret statistical data.

• CONTRACTING: Partner with Planner Buyer/BU in PO/contract execution, creation, review, analysis, and supplier performance tracking. Represent company interests with suppliers/contractors during terms and conditions negotiations. Advise business in problem solving. Resolve or escalate issues to Sr. Planner Buyer or Supervisor.

• BUSINESS PARTNER RELATIONSHIPS: Develop relationships with BU partners to ensure understanding of business process. Ensure supply needs and field location questions are met. Facilitate communication between suppliers, BU partners, and Supply Chain staff. Collaborate with suppliers to mitigate construction risk for late materials. Manage logistics of job site deliveries. Basic understanding of use, form, fit, and function of materials. Train BU partners on Supply Chain processes as needed.

• SUPPLIER RELATIONSHIPS: Develop supplier relationships and provide timely response to questions. Utilize reporting tools and analysis to support material delivery, disposition, and returns. Monitor supplier activities and collaborate with Planning & Purchasing to improve the supplier relationship. May contribute to formal supplier performance meetings and lead continuous improvement efforts.

• SOURCING STRATEGY: Ensure adherence to sourcing policies, procedures, and maintenance of documentation and records. Drive demand to existing master agreements when possible.

• MATERIAL/DELIVERY MANAGEMENT: Partner with logistics staff and ensure efficient use of inventory and critical direct ship items. Monitor status of material orders/service contracts and expedite deliveries to meet schedule commitments.

Planner Buyer Minimum Requirements ($64,100-$90,967)

• Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain Management, Business, technical/analytical field, or related field or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Two years of purchasing, logistics, or other relevant supply chain experience.
• Experience in plant or utility operations preferred.
• Contract and purchasing knowledge required.
• Procurement planning, negotiation, sourcing, and supplier relationships experience preferred.
• Certified Professional in Supply Management (CPSM) or equivalent preferred. Strong interpersonal and collaboration skills.
• Up to 10% travel; driver's license required.

Associate Planner Buyer Minimum Requirements ($58,700-$79,767)

• Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain Management, Business, technical/analytical field, or related field or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Certified Professional in Supply Management (CPSM) or equivalent preferred.
• Excellent problem solving, organizational, teamwork, and communication skills.
• Up to 10% travel; driver's license required.
• Preferred: one year of Supply Chain related experience.
• Experience in plant or utility operations preferred.
• Basic contract knowledge, negotiation, and project management skills preferred.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office and ERP systems.

As a leading combination electricity and natural gas energy company, Xcel Energy offers a comprehensive portfolio of energy-related products and services to 3.4 million electricity and 1.9 million natural gas customers across eight Western and Midwestern states. At Xcel Energy, we strive to be the preferred and trusted provider of the energy our customers need. If you're ready to be a part of something big, we invite you to join our team.

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or status as a protected veteran.

Individuals with a disability who need an accommodation to apply please contact us at recruiting@xcelenergy.com.

Non-BargainingThe anticipated starting base pay for this position is: $58,700.00 to $90,967.00 per yearThis position is eligible for the following benefits: Annual Incentive Program, Medical/Pharmacy Plan, Dental, Vision, Life Insurance, Dependent Care Reimbursement Account, Health Care Reimbursement Account, Health Savings Account (HSA) (if enrolled in eligible health plan), Limited-Purpose FSA (if enrolled in eligible health plan and HSA), Transportation Reimbursement Account, Short-term disability (STD), Long-term disability (LTD), Employee Assistance Program (EAP), Fitness Center Reimbursement (if enrolled in eligible health plan), Tuition reimbursement, Transit programs, Employee recognition program, Pension, 401(k) plan, Paid time off (PTO), Holidays, Volunteer Paid Time Off (VPTO), Parental Leave

Benefit plans are subject to change and Xcel Energy has the right to end, suspend, or amend any of its plans, at any time, in whole or in part.

In any materials you submit, you may redact or remove age-identifying information including but not limited to dates of school attendance and graduation. You will not be penalized for redacting or removing this information.

Deadline to Apply: 07/30/26

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