Category Manager, Energy Sourcing
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 45 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 (TCO) 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.Capital Project Support
Strategic Energy Planning : Collaborate with project teams early to forecast energy needs, assess utility availability, and model long-term energy costs for accurate capital planning.Utility Engagement & Negotiation : Lead utility negotiations to secure favorable rates, capacity, and infrastructure, while managing interconnection studies and applications for reliable energy supply.Sustainability & Efficiency Alignment : Advise on energy efficiency and regulatory incentives, ensuring utility sourcing supports corporate sustainability and decarbonization goals.Forecasting, Reporting and Other
Complete month end reporting to explain monthly results as well as other reporting throughout the year.Submit a monthly / quarterly / annual forecast for energy pricing.Assist with invoicing payment problems and troubleshoot when issues arise.Complete other related tasks as assigned.Key Challenges
Lead complex, high-value negotiations while achieving competitive pricing and reliable service.Align diverse stakeholder interests across facilities, engineering, finance, and supply chain.Persistently pursue value creation despite market volatility, regulatory complexity, and internal resistance.Work independently on mill specific sourcing, however this role is a part of a 4-person mill sourcing team that works closely together and collaborates on process and continuous improvement.Qualifications & Skills
Required
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 benefits package that includes health, welfare and retirement plans including Medical, Dental, Life insurance, Flexible Spending Accounts, Short-term and Long-term Disability, 401(k), Company-funded retirement contributions, Paid Time Off, Education & Development (including Tuition Reimbursement), Student Loan Repayment Assistance, and Voluntary Benefits including insurance for home, auto, vision and pets.
The Career You Will Build
Promotional opportunities within a global company
The Impact You Will Make
We continue to build a better future for people, the planet, and our company! IP has been a good steward of sustainable practices across communities around the world for more than 125 years. Join our team and you'll see why our team members say they're Proud to be IP.
The Culture You Will Experience
International Paper promotes employee well-being by providing safe, caring and inclusive workplaces. We have team members all around the world with diverse backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives. These are our strengths. We are committed to creating a culture where all individuals are respected, valued, engaged and have an opportunity to do their best work every day. We invite you to bring your uniqueness, creativity, talents, experiences, and safety mindset to be a part of our increasingly inclusive and diverse culture.
The Company You Will Join
International Paper (NYSE : IP) is the global leader in sustainable packaging solutions. With company headquarters in Memphis, Tennessee, USA, and EMEA (Europe, Middle East and Africa) headquarters in London, UK, we employ more than 65,000 team members and serve customers around the world with operations in more than 30 countries. Together with our customers, we make the world safer and more productive, one sustainable packaging solution at a time.
