Strategic Sourcing Associate

Aston Carter; United States; Hybrid; USD 36,000 - 44,000; Full time

Job summary

Aston Carter is seeking a Strategic Sourcing Associate for on-site work in Woodinville, Washington. The role focuses on supplier management, negotiations, and proactive sourcing aligned with business goals.

You will collaborate with cross-functional teams, analyze data, and drive cost-saving initiatives while maintaining strong supplier relationships and contract compliance. This is a strong entry-level opportunity in procurement and supply chain within a large organization.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree or 2+ years of relevant experience.
• Procurement and/or supplier management experience.
• Strong analytical and data analysis skills.
• Demonstrated negotiation skills with vendors and suppliers.
• Experience with Oracle systems.

Responsibilities

• Partner with finance, client services, buyer planners, analysts, and sourcing leadership to conduct vendor negotiations and support sourcing strategies.
• Assist with supplier performance management by tracking metrics, evaluating results, and ensuring contract compliance.
• Drive cost reduction and process improvement initiatives.
• Serve as escalation point for supplier-related issues and identify root causes.
• Build strong relationships with internal stakeholders to understand business requirements and opportunities.
• Monitor industry and supplier trends to forecast future needs and support sourcing decisions.
• Track cost savings and prepare reporting for leadership review.
• Develop and maintain strong supplier relationships to ensure quality and pricing.
• Assist with supplier contract reviews and NDAs.
• Utilize Microsoft Office and Oracle to analyze data and manage supplier information.

Skills

Vendor management

Negotiation

Analytical skills

Cross-functional

Microsoft Office

Communication skills

Education

Bachelor's degree

Tools

Oracle systems

Job description

Job Title: Strategic Sourcing Associate

Job Description

The Strategic Sourcing Associate supports key business partners, programs, and vendors by providing comprehensive supplier management and sourcing support. This role focuses on source selection, vendor management initiatives, supplier performance tracking, and strategic sourcing activities that align with broader business objectives. The position offers strong entry-level experience and an opportunity to gain exposure and build a career in procurement and supply chain within a large, established organization.

Responsibilities

• Partner with finance, client services, buyer planners, analysts, and sourcing leadership to conduct vendor negotiations and support sourcing strategies.
• Assist with supplier performance management by tracking metrics, evaluating results, and ensuring compliance with contractual requirements.
• Drive process improvement initiatives focused on improving quality, reducing costs, increasing productivity, and enhancing service levels.
• Serve as an escalation point for supplier-related issues and use data and analysis to identify root causes and drive effective solutions.
• Build strong relationships with internal stakeholders to understand business requirements and identify supplier-related opportunities.
• Monitor industry and supplier trends to help forecast future needs and support proactive sourcing decisions.
• Work cross-functionally with various teams to support business goals, profitability, and customer satisfaction.
• Track cost savings associated with sourcing initiatives and prepare reporting and analysis for leadership review.
• Develop and maintain strong supplier relationships to ensure consistent quality, reliable service, and competitive pricing.
• Assess supplier processes and controls and recommend improvements to strengthen performance and compliance.
• Assist with organizing and supporting supplier fairs and showcases to highlight supplier capabilities and offerings.
• Support the execution and administration of non-disclosure agreements and supplier contract reviews.
• Utilize Microsoft Office and Oracle tools to analyze data, prepare reports, and manage supplier and sourcing information.
• Communicate professionally with vendors, including crafting clear and concise business emails and correspondence.

Essential Skills

• Bachelor's degree or a minimum of 2+ years of relevant experience in a related field.
• Minimum of 2+ years of procurement and/or supplier management experience.
• Solid experience in supplier management, including performance tracking and relationship management.
• Strong analytical skills with experience in data analysis to support sourcing decisions and supplier performance evaluation.
• Demonstrated negotiation skills with vendors and suppliers.
• Knowledge of supply chain management fundamentals and sourcing concepts.
• Strong organizational and time management skills with the ability to prioritize workload, multitask, and adapt to changing priorities.
• Experience working effectively in a cross-functional team environment.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills suitable for internal stakeholders and external suppliers.
• Professional demeanor with strong attention to detail and accuracy.
• Strong problem-solving abilities with a structured approach to resolving supplier and process issues.
• Intermediate to advanced Microsoft Office skills, including the ability to create and manage spreadsheets, presentations, and reports.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Experience with Oracle systems, particularly in procurement, sourcing, or vendor management modules.
• Vendor management experience, including managing supplier relationships and performance.
• Experience communicating directly with vendors and crafting professional business emails and correspondence.
• General understanding of supply chain and sourcing processes gained through education or practical experience.
• Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to build rapport with internal stakeholders and external suppliers.
• Interest in developing a career in procurement, sourcing, or supply chain within a large organization.

Work Environment

This role is based onsite Monday through Thursday, with core hours typically from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., with flexibility to work from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. The position operates in a professional office environment within a large company, working closely with cross-functional teams such as finance, client services, buyer planners, and analysts. Daily work involves frequent use of Microsoft Office tools and Oracle systems to analyze data, prepare reports, and manage supplier information. The environment emphasizes collaboration, clear communication, and professional conduct, offering a strong entry-level opportunity and a pathway to grow within procurement and supply chain functions.

Job Type & Location

This is a Contract position based out of Woodinville, WA.

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $26.00 - $32.00/hr.

Individual compensation offered for this position within this range will depend on many factors, including qualifications, skills, relevant experience, job knowledge, geographic location, internal equity, and other pertinent job-related factors.

Eligibility requirements apply to some benefits and may depend on your jobclassification and length of employment. Benefits are subject to change and may besubject to specific elections, plan, or program terms. If eligible, the benefitsavailable for this temporary role may include the following: Medical, dental & vision Critical Illness, Accident, and Hospital 401(k) Retirement Plan – Pre-tax and Roth post-tax contributions available Life Insurance (Voluntary Life & AD&D for the employee and dependents) Short and long-term disability Health Spending Account (HSA) Transportation benefits Employee Assistance Program Time Off/Leave (PTO, Vacation or Sick Leave)

Workplace Type

This is a hybrid position in Woodinville,WA.

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on Oct 2, 2026.

The company is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all applications without regard to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protected by law.

If you would like to request a reasonable accommodation, such as the modification or adjustment of the job application process or interviewing process due to a disability, please email [e-mail] for other accommodation options.

San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance: Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, for all positions located in the city and county of San Francisco, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.

Massachusetts Lie Detector: It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.

Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI): We may use Artificial Intelligence (AI) to support parts of our hiring process, including sourcing, screening, and evaluating candidates. AI helps assess applications and qualifications, but final decisions are made by our hiring team. By applying, you acknowledge and agree that your application may be reviewed using AI tools.