Procurement Specialist

Job Description The Strategic Procurement Specialist is responsible for developing and executing sourcing strategies, leading competitive procurement processes, and managing supplier relationships to ensure cost-effective, reliable supply of goods and services. This role blends strategic planning with hands‑on procurement execution, including RFP management, contract negotiation, cost optimization, and supplier performance management. Operating within the Procurement organization, this role collaborates cross‑functionally with Operations, Finance, Legal, and other stakeholders to align procurement activities with business objectives, mitigate risk, and drive continuous improvement in supply chain performance. Key Responsibilities Strategic Sourcing & Procurement Execution Develop and implement travel and real estate sourcing strategies to support business objectives and ensure continuity of supply. Lead end-to-end competitive bidding processes including scope development, supplier engagement, bid evaluation, and award recommendation. Conduct market analysis, supplier benchmarking, and risk assessments to inform sourcing strategies and decisions. Identify and execute cost reduction initiatives through supplier consolidation, demand management, and negotiation strategies. Supplier & Contract Management Negotiate commercial terms, pricing structures, and contracts to optimize value while minimizing operational, legal, and financial risks. Partner with Legal to review and finalize contractual agreements. Develop and maintain strong supplier relationships across regions, acting as a primary point of contact for performance, issue resolution, and continuous improvement. Evaluate and manage supplier performance using defined KPIs (cost, quality, delivery, responsiveness). Cost Analysis & Performance Optimization Perform detailed spend analysis, cost modeling, and trend analysis using historical data and market insights. Track procurement metrics, savings realization, and supplier performance outcomes. Develop business cases and cost-benefit analyses to support sourcing initiatives and strategic decisions. Recommend and implement process improvements to enhance procurement efficiency and effectiveness. Cross-Functional Collaboration Collaborate with Operations, Finance, and Legal teams to ensure procurement requirements are clearly defined and executed. Partner with Finance and Accounts Payable on payment terms, and invoice resolution. Communicate sourcing strategies, supplier updates, and pricing changes to internal stakeholders. Support leadership with procurement metrics, strategic recommendations, and special projects as required. Collaborate with Latin America team to identify and execute synergies across regions. Project Management & Continuous Improvement Manage multiple sourcing projects simultaneously while meeting timelines and delivering measurable results. Ensure compliance with company policies, standards, and regulatory requirements. Drive continuous improvement aligned with procurement KPIs and organizational goals. Qualifications Education & Experience Bachelor’s degree in Business, Supply Chain Management, Procurement, or related field (or equivalent) professional experience. 5+ years of experience in procurement, strategic sourcing, or supply chain roles. Preferred experience in a corporate environment with experience managing travel, real estate, fleet, and/or lab consumables. Proven track record in leading RFP processes, negotiating contracts, and delivering cost savings. Technical Skills & Knowledge Strong understanding of procurement processes, contract management, and sourcing best practices. Experience with ERP systems (e.g., JD Edwards or similar platforms). Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel (data analysis, pivot tables, cost models) and Office Suite. Ability to analyze spend data, supplier performance metrics, and market trends. Core Competencies Negotiation: Strong ability to secure favorable commercial and contractual terms. Analytical Thinking: Skilled in data-driven decision-making and cost optimization. Communication: Excellent written and verbal skills with the ability to influence stakeholders. Project Management: Effective at prioritizing and managing multiple initiatives simultaneously. Collaboration: Ability to work cross-functionally with internal teams and external suppliers. Problem Solving: Proactive in identifying risks, resolving issues, and implementing solutions. #J-18808-Ljbffr