Procurement Specialist [AQ-26053]

Aquent; Louisville (KY); On-site; USD 95,000 - 135,000; Full time

Job summary

Aquent is seeking a strategic sourcing professional to lead high-impact procurement initiatives for a major client in the United States. You will drive supplier evaluations, negotiations, and contracting for professional services and consulting engagements, shaping commercial strategies and value across multiple categories.

This role requires strong financial acumen, independent execution, and the ability to collaborate with cross-functional business leaders in a fast-paced, dynamic environment.

Qualifications

• Four+ years in strategic sourcing, procurement, or related roles.
• Experience sourcing consulting or professional services.
• Proven ability to lead competitive sourcing and negotiations independently.
• Strong understanding of services pricing and commercial models.

Responsibilities

• Lead strategic sourcing from intake to contracting.
• Develop RFIs, RFPs, bids, evaluations, and negotiation strategies.
• Support consulting and project-based engagements.
• Analyze supplier proposals, pricing, and total cost of ownership.
• Evaluate alternative commercial models (time-and-materials, fixed-fee, milestones).
• Collaborate with leaders and cross-functional teams to translate objectives into sourcing strategies.
• Manage multiple concurrent sourcing initiatives.

Skills

Strategic sourcing

Procurement

Negotiation

Financial analysis

Stakeholder management

Independent contributor

Tools

Coupa

Zip

Icertis

Job description

Our client, a leading organization dedicated to improving health and well-being, has partnered with Aquent to find an exceptional procurement professional. As a champion of innovation and strategic growth, this company is committed to delivering high-quality solutions and building strong, collaborative relationships with industry partners. By joining this dynamic team through Aquent, you will have the opportunity to make a tangible impact on the organization’s strategic initiatives and operational excellence.

To Be Considered For This Role, You Must

• Be authorized to work in the United States
• Not require sponsorship of any kind for the duration of the assignment
• Be able to work on a W-2 basis. C2C or 1099 is not permitted for this position

The Opportunity

Are you a strategic thinker who thrives on driving high-impact business decisions and leading complex negotiations? We are looking for a dynamic and versatile sourcing professional to step into a pivotal role, driving strategic sourcing initiatives from concept to execution. In this role, you will have the unique opportunity to shape commercial strategies, evaluate supplier partnerships, and lead negotiations for critical professional and consulting services. Your expertise will directly influence business outcomes, helping to optimize value and foster innovation across diverse categories. If you are ready to bring your analytical acumen and collaborative spirit to a fast-paced, forward-thinking environment, this is the perfect opportunity to showcase your skills.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead strategic sourcing initiatives from intake and strategy development through supplier selection, negotiation, and contracting.
• Develop and execute RFIs, RFPs, competitive bids, supplier evaluations, and negotiation strategies.
• Support complex consulting, professional services, and project-based services engagements.
• Structure sourcing approaches based on business requirements, market dynamics, incumbent considerations, and commercial opportunities.
• Analyze supplier proposals, rate structures, pricing models, spend, and total cost of ownership.
• Evaluate alternative commercial models, including time-and-materials, fixed-fee, milestone-based, and outcome-oriented structures.
• Identify cost, demand-management, and commercial optimization opportunities to drive business value.
• Partner effectively with business leaders and cross-functional teams, translating business objectives into practical sourcing and negotiation strategies.
• Manage multiple concurrent sourcing initiatives, adjusting priorities as business needs evolve.

Required Qualifications

• Four or more years of strategic sourcing, procurement, category management, or related experience.
• Demonstrated experience sourcing consulting and/or professional services.
• Proven experience independently leading competitive sourcing initiatives and commercial negotiations.
• Strong understanding of services pricing and commercial models, including rate cards, fixed-fee arrangements, and project-based pricing.
• Strong analytical and financial acumen with experience evaluating supplier proposals and developing recommendations.
• Excellent stakeholder management, communication, and negotiation skills.
• Ability to operate independently and effectively in ambiguous, fast-moving environments.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with management and strategy consulting sourcing.
• Experience with legal, financial, or other specialized professional services.
• Experience drafting, negotiating, redlining, and executing complex statements of work and services agreements.
• Knowledge of supplier rationalization and preferred-provider strategies.
• Familiarity with industry-standard procurement tools such as Coupa, Zip, and Icertis.
• Experience sourcing across multiple indirect categories.