Strategic Sourcing Specialist

Mindlance; Foster City (CA); Hybrid; USD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

Mindlance seeks a Category Management Analyst/Strategic Sourcing Specialist in Foster City, CA, for a hybrid, 12+ month assignment. You will translate spend and supplier data into actionable insights, support RFPs and supplier rationalization, and enable category strategies across life sciences procurement areas including lab supplies and equipment.

The role emphasizes data analysis, market intelligence, and a collaborative approach with Category Managers, scientists, and operations to deliver

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Business, Supply Chain, Life Sciences, or related field.
• 3–6 years of experience in procurement, sourcing, analytics, or supply chain.
• Strong analytical and data management skills (Excel, Power BI, etc.).
• Experience working with large datasets and generating insights.
• Strong communication and stakeholder engagement skills.

Responsibilities

• Support Category Strategy development and execution across multiple procurement categories.
• Analyze spend, generate market intelligence, and support sourcing initiatives.
• Assist in supplier segmentation, negotiation preparation, and cost optimization opportunities.
• Maintain spend data accuracy and enable portfolio level decision making.

Skills

Analytical skills

Data management

Stakeholder engagement

Communication

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Business/Supply Chain/Life Sciences

Tools

Excel

Power BI

Job description

Job Title: Category Management Analyst/Strategic Sourcing Specialist

Location: Foster City, CA (Hybrid)

Duration: 12+ months

Description:

• A data-driven, execution-focused procurement professional who enables Category Managers by translating complex spend, supplier, and market data into actionable insights and operational execution. They act as the engine room of category management, ensuring strategies are grounded in data, implemented consistently, and scaled across categories.
• Execution-focused – thrives on turning strategy into tangible actions (RFPs, supplier rationalization, catalogs, etc.)
• Low ego, high ownership – supports multiple Category Managers seamlessly
• Commercially curious – develops category knowledge (e.g., CROs, chemicals, lab supply markets)
• Stakeholder-friendly – can interact with scientists, lab ops, and suppliers without friction

Typical Background 3–6 years in:

• Procurement / Strategic Sourcing
• Supply Chain / Operations
• Consulting (operations / sourcing)
• Experience in life sciences, biotech, pharma, or lab environment strongly preferred
• Exposure to categories such as:
• Mindset Fit for My Team
• Comfortable supporting multiple categories simultaneously
• Can operate in ambiguity and fast-moving portfolio reviews
• Understands value beyond savings (service, quality, supply continuity)
• Thinks in terms of category strategy enablement, not just transactions

Role Summary

• The Category Management Analyst supports the development and execution of category strategies across a portfolio of Research & Product Development Procurement categories, including research services, biologics, chemicals, reagents, lab supplies, and lab equipment.
• This role partners closely with Category Managers to analyze spend, generate market intelligence, support sourcing initiatives, and operationalize procurement strategies to deliver value across cost, quality, service, and innovation.
• This is a high-impact, high-visibility role supporting a large and complex spend portfolio.

Key Responsibilities

• Category Strategy Support
• Compile and analyze quantitative and qualitative data to support category strategies
• Develop category profiles, including supply market insights, supplier segmentation, and demand patterns
• Identify cost optimization, standardization, and supplier consolidation opportunities
• Spend & Data Management
• Manage and analyze spend data across multiple categories to identify trends and opportunities
• Ensure accurate spend classification and data integrity to enable portfolio-level decision making
• Build forecasts and track savings, value delivery, and pipeline initiatives
• Sourcing & Execution
• Support execution of sourcing events (RFPs, RFIs, negotiations) in partnership with Category Managers
• Develop recommendation materials and business cases
• Track sourcing pipeline and ensure execution against timelines
• Support supplier segmentation and performance tracking
• Assist in supplier rationalization and relationship management activities
• Maintain supplier data, contracts, and performance metrics
• Stakeholder Engagement
• Partner with Category Managers and business stakeholders to support demand management and execution
• Participate in cross-functional initiatives with scientists, lab operations, and finance teams
• Help ensure a consistent, high-quality procurement experience
• Operational Excellence
• Drive adoption of procurement processes, tools, and best practices
• Support catalog enablement, SOP development, and process standardization
• Identify and implement continuous improvement opportunities

Qualifications

Required

• Bachelor’s degree in Business, Supply Chain, Life Sciences, or related field
• 3–6 years of experience in procurement, sourcing, analytics, or supply chain
• Strong analytical and data management skills (Excel, Power BI, etc.)
• Experience working with large datasets and generating insights
• Strong communication and stakeholder engagement skills.

Preferred

• Experience in life sciences / biotech / pharma procurement.

Familiarity with:

• Lab consumables or equipment.
• Experience supporting category strategies or sourcing programs.
• Success Profile (What “Good” Looks Like in 12 Months).
• Clean, reliable, and actionable spend data across all assigned categories.
• Strong partnership with Category Managers (viewed as a “go-to” operator).
• Consistent pipeline of sourcing and value initiatives.
• Improved visibility into supplier performance and opportunities.
• Tangible support in delivering cost savings and value beyond savings.

EEO:

“Mindlance is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate in employment on the basis of – Minority/Gender/Disability/Religion/LGBTQI/Age/Veterans.”