Sourcing Specialist III (RFQ) [AQ-24303]

Aquent; Houston (TX); On-site; USD 70,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

Aquent is seeking a strategic procurement professional to manage large RFQ processes, negotiate terms, and secure best pricing for a broad range of goods and services. This role focuses on sustaining efficient supply chains and strong vendor partnerships to support the organization’s operations.

You will gather precise specifications, lead bid solicitations, and continually identify cost-saving opportunities while maintaining quality and timely delivery across the supplier network.

Qualifications

• Demonstrated negotiation and customer-service skills with a proven track record.
• Honesty and ethical conduct in all business dealings.
• Ability to analyze complex situations and resolve multiple issues.
• Strong interpersonal skills to gain cooperation from internal staff and external partners.
• Proficiency in writing detailed customer orders capturing complex product requirements.
• Adeptness with a MS Windows environment and 10-key by touch.
• Sufficient math skills to calculate pricing, freight, and measurements.
• Bachelor's degree or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• 5–7 years of progressive experience in sourcing, procurement, or related supply chain roles.

Responsibilities

• Gather detailed information from internal stakeholders to develop precise RFQ specifications.
• Lead the solicitation of bids and quotes, analyze proposals for best pricing and overall value.
• Procure finished goods and services for resale, leverage vendor networks and identify new sources.
• Proactively recommend substitutions to achieve cost savings and improved delivery timelines.
• Collaborate with vendor representatives to resolve shipping discrepancies and backorders.
• Develop and qualify new sources and vendors to ensure optimal pricing and delivery.
• Maintain up-to-date vendor catalogs and price schedules for procurement decisions.
• Stay informed on product developments and market trends to guide strategic planning.

Skills

Negotiation

Customer service

Integrity

Analytical thinking

Interpersonal skills

Technical writing

MS Windows

10-key by touch

Sourcing

Education

Bachelor's degree in Business Administration or related field

Tools

MS Windows

10-key by touch

Job description

Aquent is proud to partner with a leading organization that stands at the forefront of operational excellence and strategic procurement. This company plays a critical role in delivering essential services and products, constantly striving for efficiency and value within its robust supply chain. They are deeply committed to innovation, fostering strong vendor relationships, and ensuring the highest quality and most cost-effective solutions for their customers. Join a team where your contributions directly support the delivery of vital services and products, making a tangible difference in daily operations and long-term success.

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 professional 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 internal stakeholders 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 staff and external partners.
• 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.