Contracts & Sourcing Specialist

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