Contracts & Sourcing Specialist
About the job
Role Overview
The Sourcing Specialist III leads end-to-end sourcing initiatives and supplier strategy across 1-5 assigned categories. This role manages competitive sourcing events, analyzes supplier markets, and delivers measurable improvements in cost, risk mitigation, and supplier performance.
The position operates with a high degree of independence and collaborates cross-functionally to translate business requirements into scalable, contract-ready supplier solutions.
Key Responsibilities
Category & Supplier Strategy
- Own sourcing strategy for 1-5 procurement categories, including demand assessment, market research, sourcing approach, and supplier performance evaluation.
- Develop category strategies that balance cost optimization, risk mitigation, capacity, and service quality.
- Monitor supplier market trends, capacity constraints, and potential risk signals; develop mitigation strategies where necessary.
Strategic Sourcing Execution
Lead end-to-end competitive sourcing events, including:
- RFI (Request for Information): Market research and supplier capability assessment
- RFP (Request for Proposal): Evaluation of supplier solutions, commercial models, and service delivery approaches
- RFQ (Request for Quotation): Pricing and specification-based quote analysis
Sourcing Documentation & Analysis
Develop sourcing documentation including:
- Scopes of Work (SOW)
- Requirements documentation
- Bid instructions
- Evaluation criteria
- Supplier recommendation summaries
Additional responsibilities include:
- Building should-cost models and pricing benchmarks to evaluate supplier proposals
- Performing commercial and total cost analysis, including risk, service levels, lead times, and contractual terms
Supplier Selection & Negotiation
- Facilitate structured supplier evaluations using scorecards, stakeholder reviews, and decision frameworks
- Lead negotiation planning and support commercial negotiations with suppliers
- Prepare and present award recommendations and decision materials for stakeholder governance
Cross-Functional Collaboration
- Partner with Legal/Contracts, Finance, Operations, and business stakeholders to finalize agreements and ensure successful supplier onboarding
- Support contracting, supplier implementation, and operational handoff
Performance & Reporting
Track and report sourcing outcomes including:
- Cost savings
- Cost avoidance
- Supplier performance metrics
- Cycle time improvements
- Risk mitigation outcomes
Manage multiple sourcing initiatives simultaneously while maintaining clear documentation and timelines.
Required Qualifications
- 6-8 years of experience in strategic sourcing, procurement, supplier management, or category management
- Demonstrated experience managing RFIs, RFPs, and RFQs and delivering data-driven supplier recommendations
- Strong commercial capabilities including:
- Negotiation support
- Bid analysis
- Total cost modeling
- Business case development
- Proven ability to work independently and manage competing priorities
- Strong stakeholder management and communication skills, including presenting sourcing strategies and recommendations
- Proficiency with procurement tools and advanced Excel/Google Sheets, including analysis of large datasets and vendor proposals
Preferred Qualifications
- Experience working in fast-paced, complex sourcing environments such as technology, infrastructure, operations, facilities, or data center supply chains
- Familiarity with supplier risk management and performance management frameworks
- Experience supporting large global organizations or enterprise procurement teams
