Strategic Sourcing Specialist - Professional Services

Cohere; San Francisco (CA); On-site; USD 101,000 - 115,000; Full time

Job summary

Cohere seeks a Strategic Sourcing Specialist to support our Professional Services procurement function. You will focus on executing strategic sourcing activities across key categories and collaborate with FP&A, Accounting, Legal, and business stakeholders to optimize costs and efficiency.

This 12-month fixed-term role offers exposure to end-to-end procurement lifecycle, including RFPs, vendor management, and contract negotiations, with potential conversion based on business needs and performance.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Procurement, Finance, Business or related field.
• 8–10 years of progressive procurement experience.
• Experience leading Procurement for Professional Services categories.
• Strong Strategic Sourcing and negotiation skills.
• Experience managing vendor relationships and contracts.
• Demonstrated category management and strategic sourcing methodologies.
• Strong risk assessment and mitigation skills for supplier selection.
• Ability to conduct market research, benchmarking, RFPs, and competitive analysis.
• Experience with supplier evaluation, selection, and performance management.
• Proven track record of cost optimization and savings achievement.
• Proficiency in procurement software and ERP systems (Omnea preferred).
• Excellent analytical and problem‑solving abilities.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to influence stakeholders and drive procurement initiatives.
• Experience with P2P processes.
• Professional certification in procurement or supply chain (preferred).

Responsibilities

• Manage Procurement & Sourcing activities for Professional Services categories including Consulting, Marketing (events, media, services), Legal, Communications and other external services.
• Develop and execute strategic sourcing initiatives to optimize costs and service quality.
• Own the end‑to‑end Procurement lifecycle from needs assessment to contract execution.
• Lead and manage the complete RFP/RFQ process from development through vendor evaluation and selection.
• Develop and implement category management strategies across Professional Services.
• Conduct comprehensive market research, competitive analysis, and supplier benchmarking.
• Drive cost optimization initiatives and track savings realization.
• Analyze spending patterns and identify opportunities for cost savings and process improvements.
• Manage contract lifecycle including renewals, amendments, and terminations.
• Manage vendor relationships and negotiations for Professional Services providers.
• Evaluate vendor performance and conduct strategic sourcing initiatives.
• Ensure compliance with Procurement policy and regulations.
• Bridge the gap between Procurement and Accounting to ensure proper PO management and payment processes.
• Maintain robust documentation and internal controls.
• Collaborate with cross‑functional teams (FP&A, Accounting, Legal, business stakeholders) to align Procurement strategies with Business objectives.
• Prepare reports on Procurement performance, savings, and Vendor Management.

Skills

Procurement strategy

Negotiation

Vendor management

RFP/RFQ management

Category management

Market research

Stakeholder management

P2P processes

ERP systems

Analytical skills

Communication skills

Education

Bachelor's degree

Tools

Omnea

ERP systems

Job description

Cohere seeks a Strategic Sourcing Specialist to support our Professional Services procurement function. You will focus on executing strategic sourcing activities across key categories and collaborate with FP&A, Accounting, Legal, and business stakeholders to optimize costs and efficiency.

This 12-month fixed-term role offers exposure to end-to-end procurement lifecycle, including RFPs, vendor management, and contract negotiations, with potential conversion based on business needs and performance.