Strategic Sourcing Specialist I

Position Summary

Strategic Sourcing is used to create a competitive advantage for NPPD by promoting and implementing strategies and initiatives based on any, some or all of the following: total NPPD buying leverage, multi-year agreement incentives, combined category buying power, best practices, specification optimization, market competition and more. These and other strategies will be used to positively affect price, efficiency and supplier/contractor performance for the best interest of the District.
The individual must demonstrate high potential and be a self-starter capable of handling multiple assignments with a high degree of initiative, accountability, and accuracy. This person will need to have good communication skills in order to lead teams, promote ideas, articulate vision, and represent the District to a wide range of suppliers. This person will need to have good analytical skills in order to effectively evaluate a large amount of internal and external spend and market data with the ability to interpret what the data is telling us and the appropriate strategy to implement in order to achieve an optimal outcome for the District.
The Strategic Sourcing Specialist I will s expected to lead projects and manage spend categories that will have a direct impact on the business unit in which they are assigned. Sourcing projects and initiatives may involve other business units, but the assignment of responsibility will be based on the need of their own unit.

Education, Training and Experience

Bachelor's Degree in Business, Engineering, or a related area

OR

Associates Degree in Business or related area and 3 years’ experience as described below;

OR

High School Diploma or GED and 5 years’ experience as described below. 

Experience: Professional level experience in supplier development, Strategic Sourcing, Procurement, buying, agreement preparation, supplier negotiations, supplier selection, agreement administration, materials management, inventory or logistics support, freight and transportation services is highly preferred. Ability to read, analyze, and interpret financial reports and legal documents. Experience in negotiating long-term agreements and / or contracts with a high spend potential over the life of the agreement is preferred.
 

Licenses and/or Certifications

Certified Purchasing Manager (CPSM) certification is highly desired for this position.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities

The Strategic Sourcing Specialist I is expected to manage request for proposals and bidding process. Establishing and supporting relationships with key suppliers to ensure competitive pricing, a best total cost of ownership outcome, and long-term supplier partnership with District business units for projects as assigned. Lead business level or District-wide collaborative strategic sourcing projects and joint procurement initiatives. Responsible for managing the process for identifying, developing, implementing, and administering the District's strategic sourcing agreements for assigned spend categories. When appropriate, provide direction on procurement practice and strategies with internal stakeholders and suppliers to reduce the cost of acquiring the products and services. The Strategic Sourcing Specialist I will perform this function primarily at the business level.
Utilize and lead cross-functional teams to: 1) analyze total expenditures and requirements, 2) analyze the conditions of the market, 3) identify the opportunity for improvement and 4) develop and execute a strategy for reducing the total cost of ownership satisfying business unit requirements. After the completion of the initiative, coordinate, manage or administer the results in the best interest of all parties.
Conduct research and learning sessions and analyze market conditions and supply channels. Prepare market projections and compare to District historic use and forecasted requirements to develop the lowest total cost of ownership strategy to acquire the product or services for the District. The division of responsibility across spend categories and effected markets will be based on the way they impact the District. Categories primarily impacting one business will be managed by a Strategic Sourcing Specialist I.

Assist in the development and administration of the sourcing contracts and/or agreements in the best interest of the District. This administration will primarily include (but is not limited to): Identifying a need for a sourcing or procurement process and method, coordinating the development of technical and commercial requirements (scope of work), negotiation of exceptions and review of final documentation.
 

Accountable for other duties as assigned.

Core Competencies