International Paper
Position Title:
Category Manager, Energy Sourcing Department:
Containerboard Mills Sourcing Reports To:
Senior Manager, Energy and Raw Materials Pay Rate:
$101,000-$134,600 Work Location:
Memphis, TN Corporate HQ; Hybrid Schedule
Overview International Paper is seeking a highly skilled and strategic Category Manager, Energy Sourcing to lead the sourcing, contracting, and supplier management of energy-related spend across 4–5 primary mills. This role is responsible for managing over $100MM in annual spend, ensuring reliable energy supply, driving cost savings, and supporting the company’s GHG emissions reduction goals. The ideal candidate will bring deep expertise in energy markets, strong negotiation skills, and the ability to influence cross-functional teams in a dynamic and evolving energy landscape.
Key Responsibilities
Strategic Sourcing & Contracting: Develop and execute team-based energy sourcing strategies focused on mill reliability and cost reduction; Lead competitive bidding processes and sole-source negotiations to secure optimal energy contracts; Create business cases to support sourcing decisions, cost reduction, and greening initiatives; Award and implement contracts in accordance with corporate policy, ensuring compliance and value delivery.
Supplier & Stakeholder Management: Manage ongoing supplier relationships to ensure performance, reliability, and continuous improvement; Serve as the primary liaison between suppliers and facilities for issues related to energy reliability, on-site generation, quality, pricing, and delivery; Partner with internal stakeholders including facilities, technology, sustainability, and government relations to align sourcing strategies with business needs; Communications will include responding to energy supply needs in a 24x7 manufacturing environment.
Market Intelligence & Risk Management: Monitor and analyze market conditions, commodity trends, and regulatory developments at local, state, and federal levels; Provide facilities and business units with timely pricing forecasts, budget support, and strategic guidance; Drive alternative fuel decisions and support the transition to lower carbon-intensive energy sources.
Cost Optimization & Efficiency: Identify and implement opportunities to reduce total cost of ownership through operational improvements, transportation efficiencies, and process enhancements; Collaborate with suppliers and internal teams on energy audits and efficiency initiatives; Negotiate innovative supply and transportation contracts that minimize cost increases and maximize savings.
Regulatory & Tariff Analysis: Analyze utility and pipeline tariff filings and assess their impact on operations and cost structures; Communicate regulatory changes and market impacts to internal stakeholders and support compliance efforts; Participate in state sponsored energy councils to better understand the markets in which we operate.
Capital Project Support: Collaborate with project teams to forecast energy needs, assess utility availability, model long-term energy costs for capital planning; Lead utility negotiations to secure favorable rates, capacity, and infrastructure; Advise on energy efficiency and regulatory incentives to support sustainability goals.
Forecasting, Reporting and Other: Complete month-end reporting and provide other annual/quarterly forecasts; Assist with invoicing issues; Perform related tasks as assigned.
Key Challenges: Lead complex, high-value negotiations; align diverse stakeholder interests; pursue value creation amid market volatility and regulatory complexity; work independently within a 4-person mill sourcing team.
Qualifications
Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Business, Supply Chain, or related field.
5-10+ years of experience in energy procurement, commodity management, gas marketing or related field.
Knowledge of energy commodities: natural gas, electricity, oil, TDF, RTDF, petcoke, coal, renewables.
Strong analytical, communication, and organizational skills.
Proficiency in Microsoft Office, especially Excel for data analysis and modeling.
Preferred
Experience in manufacturing environments.
Familiarity with energy tariffs, regulatory bodies, and market dynamics.
Experience managing large energy portfolios or working with utilities, brokers, and energy consultants.
Exposure to energy trading platforms, ISO/RTO markets, or demand response programs is a plus.
Understanding of pipeline operations and energy deal structuring.
Experience interacting with state and federal regulatory bodies and industrial user groups.
Knowledge of emerging trends in energy efficiency and renewable energy.
Experience mitigating cost increases and ensuring energy reliability.
Deep understanding of what drives energy prices and how to communicate risk effectively.
The Benefits You Will Enjoy International Paper offers a comprehensive benefits package including medical, dental, life insurance, flexible spending accounts, disability coverage, 401(k) with company contributions, paid time off, education and development assistance, student loan repayment assistance, and voluntary benefits for home, auto, vision, and pets.
The Company You Will Join International Paper (NYSE: IP) is the global leader in sustainable packaging solutions with headquarters in Memphis, Tennessee, and EMEA headquarters in London. We employ more than 65,000 team members and operate in over 30 countries. IP is committed to sustainable practices and building a better future for people and the planet.
Equal Opportunity International Paper is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, religion, age, disability, marital status, veteran status, genetic information or any other status protected by law. Reasonable accommodations are available for applicants with disabilities upon request.
Memphis, TN 38197
#J-18808-Ljbffr
Category Manager, Energy Sourcing Department:
Containerboard Mills Sourcing Reports To:
Senior Manager, Energy and Raw Materials Pay Rate:
$101,000-$134,600 Work Location:
Memphis, TN Corporate HQ; Hybrid Schedule
Overview International Paper is seeking a highly skilled and strategic Category Manager, Energy Sourcing to lead the sourcing, contracting, and supplier management of energy-related spend across 4–5 primary mills. This role is responsible for managing over $100MM in annual spend, ensuring reliable energy supply, driving cost savings, and supporting the company’s GHG emissions reduction goals. The ideal candidate will bring deep expertise in energy markets, strong negotiation skills, and the ability to influence cross-functional teams in a dynamic and evolving energy landscape.
Key Responsibilities
Strategic Sourcing & Contracting: Develop and execute team-based energy sourcing strategies focused on mill reliability and cost reduction; Lead competitive bidding processes and sole-source negotiations to secure optimal energy contracts; Create business cases to support sourcing decisions, cost reduction, and greening initiatives; Award and implement contracts in accordance with corporate policy, ensuring compliance and value delivery.
Supplier & Stakeholder Management: Manage ongoing supplier relationships to ensure performance, reliability, and continuous improvement; Serve as the primary liaison between suppliers and facilities for issues related to energy reliability, on-site generation, quality, pricing, and delivery; Partner with internal stakeholders including facilities, technology, sustainability, and government relations to align sourcing strategies with business needs; Communications will include responding to energy supply needs in a 24x7 manufacturing environment.
Market Intelligence & Risk Management: Monitor and analyze market conditions, commodity trends, and regulatory developments at local, state, and federal levels; Provide facilities and business units with timely pricing forecasts, budget support, and strategic guidance; Drive alternative fuel decisions and support the transition to lower carbon-intensive energy sources.
Cost Optimization & Efficiency: Identify and implement opportunities to reduce total cost of ownership through operational improvements, transportation efficiencies, and process enhancements; Collaborate with suppliers and internal teams on energy audits and efficiency initiatives; Negotiate innovative supply and transportation contracts that minimize cost increases and maximize savings.
Regulatory & Tariff Analysis: Analyze utility and pipeline tariff filings and assess their impact on operations and cost structures; Communicate regulatory changes and market impacts to internal stakeholders and support compliance efforts; Participate in state sponsored energy councils to better understand the markets in which we operate.
Capital Project Support: Collaborate with project teams to forecast energy needs, assess utility availability, model long-term energy costs for capital planning; Lead utility negotiations to secure favorable rates, capacity, and infrastructure; Advise on energy efficiency and regulatory incentives to support sustainability goals.
Forecasting, Reporting and Other: Complete month-end reporting and provide other annual/quarterly forecasts; Assist with invoicing issues; Perform related tasks as assigned.
Key Challenges: Lead complex, high-value negotiations; align diverse stakeholder interests; pursue value creation amid market volatility and regulatory complexity; work independently within a 4-person mill sourcing team.
Qualifications
Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Business, Supply Chain, or related field.
5-10+ years of experience in energy procurement, commodity management, gas marketing or related field.
Knowledge of energy commodities: natural gas, electricity, oil, TDF, RTDF, petcoke, coal, renewables.
Strong analytical, communication, and organizational skills.
Proficiency in Microsoft Office, especially Excel for data analysis and modeling.
Preferred
Experience in manufacturing environments.
Familiarity with energy tariffs, regulatory bodies, and market dynamics.
Experience managing large energy portfolios or working with utilities, brokers, and energy consultants.
Exposure to energy trading platforms, ISO/RTO markets, or demand response programs is a plus.
Understanding of pipeline operations and energy deal structuring.
Experience interacting with state and federal regulatory bodies and industrial user groups.
Knowledge of emerging trends in energy efficiency and renewable energy.
Experience mitigating cost increases and ensuring energy reliability.
Deep understanding of what drives energy prices and how to communicate risk effectively.
The Benefits You Will Enjoy International Paper offers a comprehensive benefits package including medical, dental, life insurance, flexible spending accounts, disability coverage, 401(k) with company contributions, paid time off, education and development assistance, student loan repayment assistance, and voluntary benefits for home, auto, vision, and pets.
The Company You Will Join International Paper (NYSE: IP) is the global leader in sustainable packaging solutions with headquarters in Memphis, Tennessee, and EMEA headquarters in London. We employ more than 65,000 team members and operate in over 30 countries. IP is committed to sustainable practices and building a better future for people and the planet.
Equal Opportunity International Paper is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, religion, age, disability, marital status, veteran status, genetic information or any other status protected by law. Reasonable accommodations are available for applicants with disabilities upon request.
Memphis, TN 38197
#J-18808-Ljbffr