Senior Strategic Sourcing Lead

 

This role manages and supports corporate‑wide purchasing and supply chain activities, focusing on indirect materials and services (such as IT, HR services, MRO, capital equipment, software, travel programs, and contract services). The role acts as a key link between suppliers, business units, and corporate finance/supply chain teams.

They are responsible for sourcing, negotiating, and managing suppliers for assigned commodity groups, ensuring the company gets the best value, quality, and reliability while staying compliant with company policies and contracts.

Key Responsibilities (What They Do Day‑to‑Day)

• Data & Analysis
• Gather and analyze purchasing, pricing, and supplier performance data
• Track market and price trends to set buying and negotiation strategies
• Evaluate cost feasibility and establish price objectives
• Procurement & Sourcing
• Source indirect materials and services (IT/HR subcontractors, equipment, tools, software, MRO, packaging, vehicles, travel programs, etc.)
• Prepare and issue RFPs/RFQs, review proposals, and award purchase orders
• Develop new suppliers based on price, quality, and on time delivery
• Supplier & Contract Management
• Negotiate contracts and pricing, often at a global or enterprise level
• Act as the primary relationship manager for assigned suppliers
• Monitor supplier performance and resolve cost, quality, or delivery issues
• Ensure supplier and purchasing compliance with company policies
• Internal Support & Collaboration
• Support corporate, business unit, and site‑level procurement needs
• Partner with Supply Chain, Finance, and Operations teams across locations
• Provide management with insights, reporting, and purchasing recommendations
• Governance & Administration
• Approve payments, maintain procurement records, and support audits
• Ensure contracts and purchases align with corporate policies and objectives
• Strategic Impact
• Contribute to procurement strategy and long‑term cost‑reduction initiatives
• Influence organizational sourcing decisions and purchasing objectives
• Represent the company on significant contracts and projects, including work with senior stakeholders
• Communication & Planning
• Communicate professionally with suppliers and internal stakeholders at all levels
• Plan and manage their own workload and timelines
• Solve complex procurement problems using policy, precedent, and judgment
• Travel
• Travel occasionally (up to ~25%) to support supplier meetings, negotiations, or site needs