Sourcing Specialist III (RFQ)

Aquent (United States); Houston (TX); On-site; USD 60,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

Aquent is partnering with a leading organization to fill a Sourcing Specialist role in Houston, TX. You will manage complex RFQs, negotiate favorable pricing and terms, and ensure a steady flow of goods and services through robust vendor partnerships. Your work will directly impact cost efficiency and procurement excellence.

This role emphasizes strategic sourcing, supplier collaboration, and continuous improvement across the supply chain in a dynamic enterprise environment.

Qualifications

• Proven negotiation and customer-service skills with a track record of favorable outcomes.

Responsibilities

• Gather information from sales and internal customers to develop precise RFQ specifications.
• Lead bid solicitations and evaluate proposals for best pricing and overall value.
• Procure finished goods and services for resale through vendor networks; identify new sources.
• Recommend substitutions and solutions to drive cost savings, quality, or delivery improvements.
• Collaborate with vendors to resolve shipping discrepancies, backorders, or overstock issues.
• Develop and qualify new sources and vendors; negotiate optimal pricing and delivery.
• Maintain up-to-date vendor catalogs and price schedules for procurement decisions.
• Monitor market trends and product developments; share insights with internal teams.

Skills

Negotiation

Customer service

Analytical thinking

Interpersonal skills

Vendor relations

Pricing analysis

Education

Bachelor's degree in Business Administration or related field

Tools

MS Excel

ERP systems

Job description

Aquent is partnering with a leading organization dedicated to operational excellence and strategic procurement. This company plays a critical role in delivering essential services and products, constantly striving for efficiency and value in its supply chain. They are committed to innovation and building strong vendor relationships to ensure the highest quality and most cost-effective solutions.

About the Role

Are you a strategic thinker with a knack for negotiation and a passion for optimizing procurement processes? We are seeking a highly skilled and dynamic Sourcing Specialist to join our client's team. In this pivotal role, you will be instrumental in managing large, complex Request for Quotation (RFQ) processes, directly impacting the organization’s bottom line and operational efficiency. Your expertise will drive significant value by securing the best pricing and terms, ensuring the continuous flow of high-quality goods and services, and fostering robust vendor partnerships. This is an exciting opportunity to make a tangible difference, contributing to critical projects and initiatives that underpin the success of a major enterprise.

What You’ll Do

• Gather detailed information from sales and internal customers to develop precise and comprehensive specifications for RFQs.
• Lead the solicitation of bids and quotes, meticulously analyzing proposals to determine the best pricing and overall value for the organization.
• Procure finished goods and services for resale, effectively leveraging established vendor networks and proactively identifying and engaging new, alternative sources of supply.
• Proactively recommend substitutions and alternative solutions that result in significant cost savings, quantity optimization, quality improvements, or enhanced delivery timelines.
• Collaborate closely with vendor representatives to swiftly resolve any shipping discrepancies, backorder issues, or overstock challenges, ensuring smooth supply chain operations.
• Develop and qualify new sources and vendors, consistently achieving optimal pricing and delivery through expert negotiation and strategic relationship building.
• Maintain comprehensive and up-to-date files of vendor catalogs and price schedules, serving as a critical resource for procurement decisions.
• Stay abreast of new product developments and market trends, effectively communicating relevant insights to designated internal channels to inform strategic planning.

What You’ll Bring

Must-Have Qualifications

• Demonstrated strong negotiation and customer-service skills, with a proven track record of achieving favorable outcomes.
• A high degree of integrity and ethical conduct in all business dealings.
• Exceptional ability to analyze complex situations and resolve a variety of issues simultaneously and effectively.
• Strong interpersonal skills, with the ability to interact effectively and gain cooperation from internal division staff and external customers.
• Proficiency in writing detailed customer orders that accurately capture complex product requirements.
• Adeptness in a MS Windows-based environment and efficient 10-key by touch skills.
• Sufficient mathematical skills to accurately calculate order pricing, freight rates, and label measurements.
• Bachelor's degree in Business Administration or a related field, or an equivalent combination of education and/or experience.
• 5-7 years of progressive experience in sourcing, procurement, or a related supply chain role.