Strategic Sourcing Analyst
About the Role
Harvard University’s Strategic Procurement Department is a central administrative function that serves all Harvard schools, institutes, and administrative units. Our mission is to create value for Harvard by optimizing the procurement of goods and services while upholding the highest standards of integrity, compliance, and supplier partnership. We manage over $3.5 billion in annual addressable spend and are committed to practices that support balance of trade, environmental sustainability, and the University’s long-term financial health.
The Strategic Sourcing Analyst supports the end-to-end sourcing process by conducting supplier qualification and due diligence, issuing RFIs/RFQs, and analyzing supplier proposals for price, delivery, and compliance with requirements. This role researches market and industry trends to identify sourcing opportunities and risks, contributes to spend analysis and savings calculations, and applies basic total cost of ownership (TCO) principles to recommendations.
Responsibilities
- Conduct straightforward supplier qualification and due diligence
- Analyze market and supplier data to make recommendations and set team priorities
- Issue RFIs/RFQs and compile price comparison sheets
- Research industry trends to identify potential sourcing opportunities and risks
- Analyze offers for price, delivery, and alignment to requirements
- Coordinate with cross-functional teams for input on specifications
- Escalate supplier risks and non-compliance to management
- Communicate with suppliers to clarify or negotiate routine terms
- Utilize basic total cost of ownership (TCO) considerations
- Prepare and distribute regular reports on sourcing activities, savings, and spend
- Prepare first-draft sourcing recommendations for manager review
- Support contract execution and document management
- Assist in drafting SLAs and performance metrics
- Prepare presentations on supplier proposals
- Track and report supplier performance data
- Participate in supplier business review sessions
- Contribute to spend analysis and basic savings calculations
- Collaborate in resolving supplier disputes
- Provide feedback for process improvement and streamlining
- Support the development and implementation of sourcing strategies
- Participate in audits or internal reviews related to procurement
- Coordinate logistics for supplier meetings, evaluations, and site visits
- Support ad-hoc projects as assigned by sourcing managers or leadership
- Complete intermediate procurement or sourcing professional development courses
Requirements
Basic Qualifications:
- Bachelor’s degree or equivalent work experience required
- Minimum of 7 years’ relevant work experience
- Include a cover letter with your application
Qualifications
The following qualifications are strongly preferred. If you meet some, but not all, you are still encouraged to apply; we value employees with a willingness to learn.
- Strong analytical and communication skills, attention to detail, and the ability to collaborate with internal stakeholders and suppliers
- Strong organizational, analytical, and time management skills
- Self-motivated, takes initiative, and can effectively organize, multi-task, and prioritize a wide array of initiatives
- Comfortable communicating with internal stakeholders at various levels and with external suppliers
- Ability to manage multiple priorities and track progress on assignments
- Demonstrated ability to work effectively both independently and as part of a team
- Willingness to learn and adapt in a fast-paced environment
- Basic understanding of procurement, sourcing, or supply chain best practices
Schedule
Hybrid schedule; 1–2 days onsite per week on average, with additional on-site presence as needed.
Benefits
Harvard offers a comprehensive benefits package that is designed to support a healthy work-life balance and your physical, mental, and financial wellbeing. Benefits include, but are not limited to:
- Generous paid time off including parental leave
- Medical, dental, and vision health insurance coverage starting on day one
- Retirement plans with university contributions
- Wellbeing and mental health resources
- Support for families and caregivers
- Professional development opportunities including tuition assistance and reimbursement
- Commuter benefits, discounts, and campus perks
Learn more about these and additional benefits on our Benefits & Wellbeing Page.