Strategic Sourcing Lead

Lead Strategic Sourcing Analyst

The Lead Strategic Sourcing Analyst supports the Strategic Sourcing Director as they engage cross functional teams in enterprise-wide strategic sourcing initiatives. The Lead Sourcing Analyst is responsible for assessing and executing the category strategy of specific spend areas using strategic sourcing best practices. Works independently taking a proactive approach in assigned commodities supporting the Sourcing team in ensuring Strategic Sourcing's value commitment to internal business partners is met. Lead Strategic Sourcing Analyst partners with external vendors, internal business partners, Belk's legal, corporate finance, and accounting teams on a daily basis. Capable of leading Sourcing bids and cross functional projects while being the direct liaison for Belk. Additionally, this person will mentor and train subordinate Analysts within the Strategic Sourcing organization to support team development and goal achievement. Responsible for assisting subordinate Analysts in their daily activities when guidance is needed.

Essential Functions:

• Independently manages most sourcing and contracting activities, including:
• Researching new vendor sources
• Developing and scoring RFI/RFPs
• Preparing for vendor and stakeholder meetings and negotiations
• Financial analysis of bids and contracts
• Contract negotiation (includes coordination with legal, internal stakeholders, and vendors)
• Completes supply market research and presents learnings from research/analysis
• Partners with Strategic Sourcing Director and business teams to identify future sourcing opportunities and support special projects or complex/high risk negotiations, as needed
• Develops strong working relationships with team members and business partners to achieve desired outcomes for issues and objectives
• Represents the organization as internal and external contact on sourcing events and contracts
• Meets periodically with internal executives
• Provides mentorship and training for subordinate analysts
• Trains analysts on necessary tools and systems to improve knowledge & skills
• Promotes strategic sourcing best practices
• Reviews and approves low spend / low risk contracts for analysts
• Conducts monthly development / coaching with analysts
• Requires designated hybrid in-office work schedule

Required for All Jobs

• Performs other duties as assigned
• Complies with all policies and standards

Education / Experience Requirements:

• Bachelor's Degree
• 5 or more years of applicable experience
• Experience collaborating across an organization and building strong relationships
• Substantial contract negotiations with new services, including Master Service Agreements
• Project tracking & management
• Hybrid Work Schedule

Preferred Education & Experience:

• MBA

Knowledge / Skills Requirements:

• Understands and utilizes Strategic Sourcing best practices
• Aptitude for conducting supply market research and implementing category strategies
• Team player; self-motivated; creative and persuasive
• Communicates effectively with all partners with ability to create strong, trust-based relationships
• Collaborates with others to address daily business issues
• Demonstrates ability to lead people and teams through communication and delegation
• Ability to work independently, meet deadlines and follow through
• Takes personal responsibility for the quality and timeliness of work
• High degree of accuracy and detail
• Desire to work in a fast-paced environment with ability to multi-task, manage time and be flexible to function in ambiguous and/or time-sensitive situations
• Excellent critical thinking skills
• Strong analytical skills
• Strong written and verbal communication skills

Reporting Relationships: Director, Strategic Sourcing