Strategic Sourcing Specialist - Professional Services
Cohere · San Francisco, CA · Yesterday
RemoteRemotePurchasingContract
Key Responsibilities
- Manage Procurement & Sourcing activities for Professional Services categories including Consulting, Marketing (events, media, services), Legal, Communications and other external services
- Develop and execute strategic sourcing initiatives to optimize costs and service quality
- Own the end-to-end Procurement lifecycle from needs assessment to contract execution
- Lead and manage the complete RFP/RFQ process from development through vendor evaluation and selection
- Develop and implement category management strategies across Professional Services
- Conduct comprehensive market research, competitive analysis, and supplier benchmarking
- Drive cost optimization initiatives and track savings realization
- Analyze spending patterns and identify opportunities for cost savings and process improvements
- Manage contract lifecycle including renewals, amendments, and terminations
- Manage vendor relationships and negotiations for Professional Services providers
- Evaluate vendor performance and conduct strategic sourcing initiatives
- Ensure compliance with Procurement policy and regulations
- Bridge the gap between Procurement and Accounting to ensure proper PO management and payment processes
- Maintain robust documentation and internal controls
- Collaborate with cross-functional teams (FP&A, Accounting, Legal, business stakeholders) to align Procurement strategies with Business objectives
- Prepare reports on Procurement performance, savings, and Vendor Management
Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree in Procurement, Finance, Business or related field
- 8-10 years of progressive procurement experience
- Proven experience leading Procurement for Professional Services categories
- Strong Strategic Sourcing and negotiation skills
- Experience managing vendor relationships and contracts
- Demonstrated experience in category management and strategic sourcing methodologies
- Strong risk assessment and mitigation skills for supplier selection
- Experience with supplier evaluation, selection, and performance management
- Proven track record of cost optimization and savings achievement
- Proficiency in procurement software and ERP systems (Omnea preferred)
- Excellent analytical and problem-solving abilities
- Strong communication and interpersonal skills
- Ability to influence stakeholders and drive procurement initiatives
- Experience with P2P (procure to pay) processes