Sr. Director of Strategy & Procurement

Better Connected, Together: Employees Power Our Mission

At Arkansas Electric Cooperative Corporation (AECC) and Arkansas Electric Cooperatives, Inc. (AECI), our diverse, dedicated team powers a shared mission: to deliver electricity that is reliable, affordable and responsible. Better connected, together with Arkansas’ electric distribution cooperatives — we provide wholesale power and essential services that improve quality of life across the state, serving more than 1.2 million members and the communities they call home.

Our Employees are the Driving Force Behind Everything We Do

We believe in supporting, valuing, and investing in our people — because when our team thrives, our mission succeeds. If you're looking for meaningful work, a strong sense of purpose, and a place where your contributions truly matter, we invite you to consider joining us.

GENERAL DESCRIPTION OF POSITION

The Director of Strategy & Procurement is a key member of the leadership team responsible for developing and executing enterprise-wide strategic planning initiatives and overseeing the development of the procurement function into a strategic partner for growth. This role ensures the organization proactively aligns strategic priorities with long-term business goals and focuses on ways to execute strategic initiatives. The position is also the executive leader of the procurement function. The ideal candidate is a forward-thinking leader with deep expertise in strategic analysis, cross-functional collaboration, and requires a transformational leader capable of transforming procurement and supply chain to its desired future state.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Strategic Planning

Drive the strategic planning process, including environmental scanning, SWOT analysis, and scenario planning. Collaborate with senior leaders to define strategic goals, KPIs, and execution roadmaps. Monitor market trends, competitive intelligence, and macroeconomic factors to inform strategy. Facilitate cross-functional strategic initiatives and transformation programs. Provide insights and recommendations to support investment decisions, growth opportunities, and operational improvements.

Procurement

Develops and implements short-, medium-, and long-term strategies for enterprise-wide purchasing and asset management programs. Oversees cooperative purchasing activities for common goods and services, including equipment, vehicles, furniture, and corporate credit programs. Manages the full lifecycle of assets—from acquisition and tracking to disposal or resale of surplus and obsolete items. Leads vendor selection, negotiates contracts, monitors performance, and ensures alignment with service level agreements to mitigate risk. Utilizes technology to streamline procurement processes and improve efficiency across the asset management cycle. Identifies savings opportunities, enforces internal controls, supports legal negotiations, and maintains digital records for transparency and compliance. Supervises staff, collaborates with executives and legal counsel, supports training, and drives strategic initiatives including supplier diversity and performance metrics.

Leadership & Communication

Lead and develop a high-performing team of professionals. Foster a culture of strategic thinking and risk-informed decision-making across the organization. Works in close collaboration with the risk management function to align strategy and risk management. Build out a procurement department that is a strategic business partner to the enterprise.

The ability to handle stress and work well with others are essential functions of this position.

Performs any other related duties as required or assigned.

Due to our obligation to provide continuous, reliable electric service to our customers, the ability to maintain regular and punctual attendance and the ability to work outside your regularly scheduled office hours when necessary is an essential function of the job.

Maintain awareness of and compliance with applicable laws and regulations from various regulatory entities, internal policies, procedures, and directives. Ensure ongoing monitoring and timely incorporation of any changes to maintain adherence to compliance standards.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Bachelor’s degree in Business, Finance, Leadership, or related field. 10+ years of experience in risk management, procurement, strategy, or related discipline. 5+ years of management experience and leadership experience in a senior management role. Proven track record of developing and implementing strategic initiatives.

REQUIRED CERTIFICATES, LICENSES, REGISTRATIONS

Certified Risk Manager (CRM) or equivalent.

PREFERRED CERTIFICATES, LICENSES, REGISTRATIONS

MBA or Master’s degree in a related field.

Project Management Professional (PMP) certification.

ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS

The following work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. While performing the functions of this job, the employee is occasionally exposed to outdoor weather conditions. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.

PHYSICAL ACTIVITIES

The following physical activities described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions and expectations. Semi-repetitive, low physical. Semi-repetitive type work which requires periods of concentration for varied time cycles as prescribed by the tasks. While performing the functions of this job, the employee is regularly required to stand, walk, sit, use hands to finger, handle, or feel, reach with hands and arms, climb or balance, stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl, talk or hear. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 100 pounds; regularly lift and/or move up to 10 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision; distance vision; and color vision.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

Proven track record of leading enterprise strategic planning and or procurement functions. Strong analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making skills. Excellent communication and stakeholder engagement abilities. Prefer experience with SAP enterprise software solutions

Must be legally authorized to work in the United States without the need for employer sponsorship now or at any time in the future.

Why Join Us?

We invest in our employees with competitive pay, meaningful work, and a comprehensive benefits package that supports your well-being and future:

• 100% Company Funded Defined Benefit Pension Plan
• 401(k) with 3% Dollar-for Dollar Company Match
• Health, Dental, and Vision Insurance
• 9 Paid holidays
• 2 Floating holidays
• Educational assistance
• Paid time off accrual
• Short-term disability
• Long-term disability
• Free & confidential Employee Assistance Program

EEO/AA/M/F/VETS/DISABLED

Should you elect to apply for this position, AECC/AECI will review your qualifications. If after reviewing the qualifications and experience of all applicants, your skills and credentials meet our needs, someone from our organization may contact you. Please be advised that the time required to complete the applicant review process typically takes between 30 and 90 days but could extend beyond that. Once the position has been filled, all applicants will be notified via email.

Arkansas Electric Cooperative Corporation and Arkansas Electric Cooperatives, Inc. are Equal Opportunity Workplace and an Affirmative Action Employers. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, age or any other protected category.

Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities
This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws. For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.