Specialist - Sourcing/Vendor Management

Description:

Core Responsibilities

- Identify, research, and evaluate suppliers based on price, quality, timing, and reliability standards

- Manage high-complexity strategic sourcing transactions, negotiations, and supplier selection as subject matter expert

- Perform supply market analysis, recommend vendors, and identify industry trends linked to business needs

- Negotiate and execute contracts in timely and accurate manner

- Interpret and communicate contract requirements, obligations, and risk exposures to stakeholders

- Monitor supplier performance and conduct regular performance reviews and KPI tracking

- Resolve escalated, complex sourcing issues with internal and external partners

- Drive supplier integration and continuous improvement programs

- Champion sourcing process compliance and educate stakeholders on commercial/legal considerations

- Establish supplier relationship management processes and improvement initiatives

- Monitor market dynamics impacting materials/services availability and pricing

- Partner with business leaders to define sourcing needs and develop category strategies

- Maintain supplier and contract data in procurement systems and databases

- Coach team members on supply market analysis and sourcing best practices

Ideal Candidate Profile

- Subject matter expert in strategic sourcing and category management

- Demonstrated ability to manage high-complexity negotiations and supplier relationships

- Data-driven analyst with market intelligence capabilities

- Cross-functional collaborator comfortable engaging with legal, risk, and business stakeholders

- Process-oriented professional focused on compliance and continuous improvement

- Adaptable leader capable of managing multiple priorities in dynamic environment

Key Requirements:

- Experience: Minimum 8 years in strategic sourcing, supplier management, or procurement

- Education: Bachelor's degree in supply chain management, Business Administration, Engineering, or related field (Master's preferred)

- Systems Expertise: SAP Ariba, Coupa, or Oracle Procurement Cloud proficiency

- Certifications (Preferred): CPSM, CSCP, or CIPS

- Core Skills: Strategic sourcing, supplier relationship management, contract negotiation, market/data analysis, category strategy, stakeholder engagement

- Competencies: Strong communication, analytical thinking, commercial acumen, complex deal management, cross-functional collaboration