Interim Senior Sourcing Specialist
Interim Senior Sourcing Specialist

Interim Senior Sourcing Specialist

Portsmouth +1 Temporary Home office (partial)
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At a Glance

  • Tasks: Lead sourcing projects and manage supplier relationships in a dynamic procurement environment.
  • Company: Join a forward-thinking organisation that values procurement and is undergoing exciting changes.
  • Benefits: Enjoy a hybrid work model, competitive daily rates, and potential contract extension.
  • Why this job: Make an impact by enhancing procurement credibility while working autonomously on live projects.
  • Qualifications: Strong sourcing experience in IT or indirect categories; excellent stakeholder management skills required.
  • Other info: Flexible working patterns available; ideal for those ready to hit the ground running.

An exciting opportunity has arisen for an experienced Senior Sourcing Specialist to join a forward-thinking, procurement-empowered organisation going through a period of change and increased visibility. Sitting within a highly valued Strategic Sourcing team, this interim role will focus on the effective execution of tenders and supplier management across either IT or broad indirect categories such as FM, HR, professional services, and marketing.

This position requires someone who can hit the ground running - you will be given a set of live sourcing projects and expected to run with them with a good degree of autonomy. While this isn’t a strategy development role, your ability to build credibility, partner with the business, and demonstrate procurement's value will be key to success.

Key Responsibilities:
  • Lead and deliver sourcing projects end-to-end, particularly tenders, across IT or indirect spend areas.
  • Engage stakeholders early, build strong working relationships, and guide them through the procurement process.
  • Own and manage RFPs, contracts, and supplier selection activities with minimal handholding.
  • Provide supplier insight and contract negotiation support in alignment with company objectives.
  • Track project timelines and deliverables independently, reporting progress with clarity.
  • Support supplier relationship management and performance monitoring via scorecards and reviews.
  • Be an enabler, not an enforcer - taking stakeholders on the procurement journey while remaining flexible and pragmatic.
  • Champion lean procurement processes - minimising admin while still following core compliance steps.
Key Skills and Experience:
  • Strong hands-on sourcing experience in either IT procurement or a broad spectrum of indirect categories.
  • Excellent stakeholder relationship management - credible, collaborative, and communicative.
  • Proven ability to manage multiple tenders simultaneously and autonomously.
  • Comfortable operating in a "work in progress" procurement environment with evolving tools and processes.
  • Skilled in contract review, negotiation, and supplier performance management.
  • Able to demonstrate value beyond cost savings, e.g. risk mitigation, service improvement, or innovation.
  • Confident communicator who can take accountability, while being supported by a proactive, empowering manager.
  • Experience in professional services, FM, or marketing procurement is a bonus.

Locations

Portsmouth Hampshire

Interim Senior Sourcing Specialist employer: Cedar

Join a dynamic and innovative procurement-empowered organisation that values autonomy and collaboration, offering a hybrid working model in the picturesque locations of Dorking or Basingstoke. With a strong focus on employee growth and development, you will have the opportunity to lead impactful sourcing projects while being supported by a proactive management team. Enjoy a flexible work culture that champions lean processes and encourages meaningful contributions to enhance procurement's credibility within the business.
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Contact Detail:

Cedar Recruiting Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice 🀫

We think this is how you could land Interim Senior Sourcing Specialist

✨Tip Number 1

Familiarise yourself with the latest trends in IT procurement and indirect sourcing. This will not only help you understand the current market landscape but also enable you to engage in informed discussions during interviews.

✨Tip Number 2

Network with professionals in the procurement field, especially those who have experience in IT or indirect categories. Attend industry events or join relevant online forums to build connections that could lead to valuable insights or referrals.

✨Tip Number 3

Prepare to discuss specific examples of how you've successfully managed tenders and supplier relationships in the past. Highlight your ability to work autonomously and deliver results, as this role requires a hands-on approach.

✨Tip Number 4

Showcase your understanding of lean procurement processes. Be ready to explain how you've minimised administrative tasks while ensuring compliance, as this is a key aspect of the role we're looking to fill.

We think you need these skills to ace Interim Senior Sourcing Specialist

IT Procurement Expertise
Indirect Procurement Knowledge
Stakeholder Relationship Management
End-to-End Sourcing Project Management
RFP Management
Contract Negotiation Skills
Supplier Performance Management
Ability to Manage Multiple Tenders
Communication Skills
Flexibility and Pragmatism
Lean Procurement Processes
Risk Mitigation Strategies
Service Improvement Techniques
Innovation in Procurement

Some tips for your application 🫑

Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience in sourcing, particularly in IT procurement or indirect categories. Use specific examples that demonstrate your ability to manage tenders and build stakeholder relationships.

Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: In your cover letter, express your enthusiasm for the role and the organisation. Highlight your hands-on sourcing experience and how it aligns with the responsibilities outlined in the job description. Be sure to mention your ability to work autonomously and manage multiple projects.

Showcase Relevant Skills: When detailing your skills, focus on those mentioned in the job description, such as contract negotiation, supplier performance management, and stakeholder engagement. Provide concrete examples of how you've successfully applied these skills in previous roles.

Proofread Your Application: Before submitting your application, carefully proofread all documents for spelling and grammatical errors. A polished application reflects your attention to detail and professionalism, which are crucial in procurement roles.

How to prepare for a job interview at Cedar

✨Showcase Your Sourcing Experience

Be prepared to discuss your hands-on experience in sourcing, particularly in IT procurement or indirect categories. Highlight specific projects you've led and the outcomes achieved, as this will demonstrate your capability to hit the ground running.

✨Engage Stakeholders Effectively

Since building strong relationships is key, think of examples where you've successfully engaged stakeholders. Prepare to explain how you guided them through the procurement process and the impact it had on project success.

✨Demonstrate Your Negotiation Skills

Expect questions about your contract negotiation experiences. Be ready to share specific instances where you provided supplier insight and how your negotiations aligned with company objectives, showcasing your ability to add value beyond just cost savings.

✨Emphasise Your Autonomy and Project Management Skills

The role requires managing multiple tenders independently. Prepare to discuss how you track project timelines and deliverables, and provide examples of how you've reported progress clearly in previous roles.

Interim Senior Sourcing Specialist
Cedar
Location: Portsmouth
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  • Interim Senior Sourcing Specialist

    Portsmouth +1
    Temporary
  • C

    Cedar

    50-100
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