Highlights of Category Sourcing Specialist Position

Category Sourcing Specialists determine with the business how to best place demand for goods and services into the external marketplace, understanding business objectives, applying and aligning procurement and supply chain management (PSCM) local and global market sector strategies, and effectively approaching external suppliers / contractors.

Category Sourcing Specialists execute the full sourcing process which includes supplier selection, contract execution and commitment of third party spend, management of supplier performance, and support of operations. The Sourcing Specialists will lead the development and execution of critical sourcing initiatives, adding value though their breadth of experience, expertise, and established networks. The role holder develops and executes sourcing strategies in alignment with applicable market sector and commodity strategies.

The position includes understanding the local business objectives and desired outcomes, engaging internal customers and building support for the initiatives, understanding options and risks associated with supply chain activities, building supplier relationships in order to achieve superior supplier performance, negotiating commercial terms to deliver best value solutions, and measuring / reporting the value delivered. The role holder will also provide coaching and guidance on PSCM practice and procedures to other PSCM and non-PSCM staff.

The Category Sourcing Specialist should have some commodity knowledge of the Credit Card / Payments industry.

The use of payment cards is increasing globally, and at our Client, it represents in excess of 50% of our retail sales. Opportunities to manage the costs and work on new payment products have increased significantly in recent years as a result of higher fuel prices and market conditions.

The Category Sourcing Specialist is accountable for all 3rd party spend in Payment Card Acquiring, Issuing, and Loyalty, exceeding $400M in annual spend.

The challenge in this role will be to generate the savings and value targets required, while at the same time meet the business objectives.

At a high level, this individual will support cross functional strategy development and sourcing delivery within the Market Sector and provide support to the Sector Manager to maintain accountability, establish vision, setting strategic direction and manage resources effectively to support, develop and execute value added Client business plans.

Company Information

Our client is a Fortune 20 global energy leader. With a workforce of nearly 100,000 employees, the client operates globally, with business activities and customers in more than 100 countries across six continents.

Job Location

Midwest US

Key Responsibilities of Category Sourcing Specialist Position

• Supports and contributes to Client’s top line agenda by implementing the PSCM agenda
• Operates across segments and Client businesses to the wider benefit of Client
• Routinely communicates openly and with integrity with key business stakeholders to align direction between PSCM and the internal customer intent
• Drives and supports compliance to standards. minimize risk and cost exposure
• Identifies and leverages opportunities presented by prevailing opportunities in the marketplace
• Actively explores the wider supply and industry markets to identify opportunities that Client can leverage for greater benefit delivery or to mitigate supply risk e.g. Technology developments, acquisition impacts
• Implements and realizes value through effective ”strategic cost management” utilizing best in class methods (e.g. should cost) and tools (e.g. e-auctions)
• Supports the due diligence in mitigating all external supply risk from supplier selection through to contract execution
• Supports Safety and Operational Integrity through effective Supplier Quality Management
• Exhibits behaviors that demonstrate inclusiveness and integration across the wider PSCM function
• Anticipates and identifies capability gaps in self and establishes plans to address
• Works with relevant market sector and commodity managers to implement sourcing processes across multiple geographies to ensure delivery of business plans and market sector/commodity strategies
• Understands the regional and global business requirements for third party goods and services

About the Author:

The Teldar Group is an Executive Search and Recruiting Firm specializing in placing professionals in Procurement, Strategic Sourcing, Purchasing, Logistics and Supply Chain positions.

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