Procurement Specialist

Austin Powder Company, US & Canada; Beachwood (OH); On-site; USD 70,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

Austin Powder Company in the US & Canada seeks a Sourcing Specialist to drive strategic sourcing projects and category strategies. The role acts as an individual contributor, delivering value through cost savings, risk management, and collaboration with the supply community.

Responsibilities include spend analytics, market research, bid coordination, and supporting negotiations with suppliers to meet growth objectives across US & Canada.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree is required.
• Minimum of three (3) years of experience in Procurement, Business, Operations, Supply Chain, Finance.
• Demonstrated experience in data-driven cross-functional efforts and stakeholder communications.

Responsibilities

• Conduct spend analytics; use data to influence change and build ROI cases.
• Perform market research; analyze opportunities, risks, and trends for assigned categories.
• Model, monitor, and report trends in cost drivers.
• Execute sourcing events; create bid packages and coordinate bid processes.
• Support negotiations with suppliers and help develop category strategies.
• Track project status and results (savings, duration, supplier selection).

Skills

Sourcing policies

Analytical thinking

Cross-functional collaboration

Communication skills

Microsoft Office

Education

Bachelor’s degree

Tools

Market research

RFI/RFQ process

Job description

The Sourcing Specialist is a key member of the Procurement team, charged with driving compelling results and value to the US & Canada business through strategic and tactical procurement activities. This role shall serve as a individual contributor to the overall mission and vision of the team.

The Sourcing Specialist’s primary responsibility entails executing strategic sourcing projects and category strategies. The Sourcing Specialist will also be responsible for adhering to project plans and conducting negotiations with suppliers. In executing these responsibilities, the Sourcing Specialist will help US & Canada to meet strategic goals related to growth, cost savings, and risk management.

This role will work directly with the supply community and be a liaison between the suppliers and the business during competitive sourcing processes. The Sourcing Specialist will be responsible for delivering strong results that support the category strategy and provide significant value to the business units. This position will work cross-functionally with other individuals across US & Canada to drive close collaboration.

To accomplish this, the Sourcing Specialist must have strategic procurement and sourcing expertise as well as a solid understanding of the business and strong organizational skills.

Roles and Responsibilities:

• Conduct spend analytics; use data to influence change and build strong ROI cases
• Perform market research; conduct external research to analyze market opportunities, risks, and trends associated with assigned categories
• Model, monitor, and report trends in underlying cost drivers
• Develop category expertise to fully understand supply market, appropriate sourcing strategies, and typical savings levers for a category of spend
• Execute sourcing events, with some direction as needed; create bid packages and coordinate the bid (RFI,RFT,RFQ) process including, pre-bid/proposal meetings, walk-throughs, bid openings, and bid reviews
• Conduct total cost modeling and scenario analysis to help stakeholders understand trade-offs and benefits to various outcomes
• Help identify targets and leverage to support negotiations efforts
• Adhere to sourcing project plans; proactively communicate project timelines with business units
• Help develop and capture intellectual capital such as RFP templates, analyses, case studies, etc.
• Help develop relationships with business unit stakeholders and build credibility of Global Sourcing & Strategy Solutions team
• Tracks project status and project results (e.g. savings, duration, supplier selection, etc.)
• Performs other duties as assigned

Preferred Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree is required
• Minimum of three (3) years of experience in Procurement, Business, Operations, Supply Chain, Finance
• Demonstrated experience in strategically supporting data-driven cross-functional efforts and managing communications with diverse set of stakeholders.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Understanding and application of sourcing policies, procedures, and supply strategies
• Desire and ability to work well with diverse employees and partners in a cooperative and friendly manner
• Capable of coordinating across business units and sharing critical information, with particular strength in explaining complex concepts and coaching individuals through complex decision-making
• Capable of managing deadlines and balancing multiple priorities
• Comfortable with organizational change; able to thrive in a rapidly changing business environment
• Comfortable professionally challenging conventional thinking and existing processes
• Strong analytical and critical thinking skills
• Solid organizational skills
• Effective oral and written communications and presentation skills
• Professionalism and good judgment
• Creative problem solving
• Must be proficient in the use of the Microsoft Office Suite
• Possesses relevant category/technical knowledge, as applicable

Work Environment and Physical Demands

• Physical demands include sitting for extended periods of time while frequently typing, viewing computer screens and use of mouse/keyboard.
• Operation of office equipment to include but not limited to telephones, printers, copiers, and scanners.
• Repetitive motion of data entry, hand, finger wrist motion and dexterity.
• May include filing and handling paperwork may involve reaching, grasping, or bending.
• Will require walking and standing during the office hours.
• Good vision for reading and screen use.
• Clear verbal communication and active listening, often over the phone or video calls.