Senior Sourcing Specialist - Buyer

About the role

As the Senior Sourcing Specialist - Buyer, you will handle cross-regional sourcing activities and actively contribute to building and executing category strategies. In this role, you will strategically manage regional stakeholders and key supplier relationships in alignment with the category strategy. You will play a key role in building and executing category strategies both regionally and globally, in close coordination with the Category Team, and may contribute to aligning and implementing global best practices. Operating under minimal supervision, you will take direction on sourcing and category priorities from the Buying Team Leader, provide guidance and coaching to Associate and Professional Buyers, and delegate tactical sourcing activities as needed.

Responsibilities

• Execute highly complex sourcing events, demonstrating expert-level understanding of Source-to-Contract processes, including sourcing execution, contract management excellence, procurement, market/spend data analysis, negotiations, procurement tools/systems, and Supplier Relationship/Partnership Management.
• Compile and analyze statistical data to resolve feasibility of buying products and establish price objectives.
• Provide technical expertise in regional spend, stakeholder, and procurement landscape.
• Lead all elements of contracting strategies, market intelligence, and risk mitigation for medium or full rigor projects.
• Negotiate with suppliers and analyze supplier operations to ensure the lowest cost consistent with quality, reliability, and ability to meet required schedules.
• Drive the implementation of cross-regional sourcing decisions.
• Lead key regional supplier and stakeholder relationship building and maintenance, and monitor performance to make necessary adjustments.
• Independently handle complex issues with minimal supervision, escalating only the most complex issues to appropriate staff.
• Other duties as assigned.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in a related field or equivalent experience (Supply Chain, Data Analytics, Business Administration, or Engineering).
• Proven ability to manage multiple priorities and meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment.

Preferred Qualifications

• Minimum of five to seven years of related work experience.
• Experience independently leading sourcing strategy and execution.
• Experience supporting indirect spend categories such as maintenance services, facility services, technical services, and corporate services.
• Proven experience influencing strategic direction with stakeholders.
• Ariba - SAP experience.
• Power BI and/or similar data analytics technology.
• Proven effective written and verbal communication skills.
• Experience working in a global or matrixed environment with cross-functional stakeholder management responsibilities.

Job Information

This position is open in Wayzata, MN or Wichita, KS. Relocation assistance will not be provided.

Pay

The expected salary for this position is approximately $100,000.

Benefits

• A comprehensive benefit program including medical and/or other benefits, dependent on the position offered and hours worked. Learn more (subject to certain collective bargaining agreements for Union positions).
• Minnesota Sick and Safe Leave accruals of one hour for every 30 worked, up to 48 hours per calendar year unless otherwise provided by law.