Category Leader
Category Leader/Senior Strategic Sourcing Specialist Job Summary We are seeking an experienced Senior Strategic Sourcing Specialist to develop and execute strategic sourcing initiatives, negotiate complex contracts, and manage supplier relationships. This individual will partner with business leaders and cross-functional teams to identify sourcing opportunities, evaluate suppliers, negotiate favorable commercial agreements, and drive procurement strategies that align with organizational objectives. The ideal candidate has strong sourcing and procurement experience, a solid understanding of contract management, excellent negotiation skills, and the ability to influence stakeholders at all levels of the organization.
Key Responsibilities
Develop, execute, and manage strategic sourcing initiatives in partnership with business units and senior leadership. Influence Lines of Business (LOBs) and key stakeholders to gain alignment, acceptance, and commitment to sourcing strategies. Lead the development, issuance, and evaluation of Requests for Information (RFIs), Requests for Proposals (RFPs), and Requests for Quotations (RFQs). Source, evaluate, and select suppliers based on cost, quality, performance, capabilities, and overall business requirements. Lead contract development, review, and negotiations for major supplier agreements to achieve favorable pricing, terms, and conditions. Apply contract management processes and procedures while ensuring compliance with applicable contractual, commercial, and regulatory requirements. Manage vendor relationships and participate in Supplier Relationship Management (SRM) programs, including supplier scorecards and performance reviews. Lead cross-functional sourcing and procurement projects, coordinating stakeholders from legal, finance, operations, supply chain, and business leadership. Identify opportunities for cost savings, process improvements, supplier consolidation, and procurement efficiencies. Analyze sourcing data, market trends, supplier proposals, and business requirements to develop recommendations and support strategic decisions. Independently manage complex sourcing assignments and projects with limited oversight. Communicate sourcing strategies, project updates, supplier performance, and recommendations to stakeholders and senior leadership.
Required Qualifications
Bachelor's degree in Business, Supply Chain Management, Procurement, Engineering, or a related discipline, or equivalent professional experience. Minimum of 5 years of experience in supply chain management, strategic sourcing, procurement, or a related field. Preferred 6+ years of experience in procurement, strategic sourcing, or contract management. Demonstrated experience developing and executing sourcing strategies. Strong experience preparing, issuing, and evaluating RFPs, RFQs, and other sourcing events. Proven contract negotiation and supplier management experience. Experience leading cross-functional projects and collaborating with senior business stakeholders. Strong analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making skills. Excellent written, verbal, interpersonal, and presentation skills. Ability to work independently, manage competing priorities, and deliver results with limited supervision.