At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead sourcing projects and manage supplier relationships in a dynamic environment.
- Company: Join a forward-thinking organisation focused on procurement excellence and innovation.
- Benefits: Enjoy a hybrid work model with competitive pay and potential for contract extension.
- Why this job: Be part of a strategic team making impactful decisions in procurement.
- Qualifications: Experience in IT or indirect procurement, strong stakeholder management skills required.
- Other info: Flexible working patterns available; ideal for those ready to make an immediate impact.
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 isnβt 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. This is dependent on your own category background. Key goal of the role is to deliver projects to continue to boost procurement's credibility internally.
- 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.
- 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.
Interim Senior Sourcing Specialist employer: Cedar
Contact Detail:
Cedar Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice π€«
We think this is how you could land Interim Senior Sourcing Specialist
β¨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the latest trends in IT procurement and indirect sourcing. Being knowledgeable about current market conditions and emerging technologies will help you engage stakeholders effectively and demonstrate your expertise during discussions.
β¨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 provide insights or referrals for this role.
β¨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss specific examples of how you've successfully managed tenders and supplier relationships in the past. Highlighting your hands-on experience will showcase your ability to hit the ground running and add immediate value to the team.
β¨Tip Number 4
Demonstrate your understanding of lean procurement processes by sharing ideas on how to minimise administrative tasks while ensuring compliance. This will show that you're not only capable but also innovative in your approach to procurement.
We think you need these skills to ace Interim Senior Sourcing Specialist
Some tips for your application π«‘
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.
Showcase Relevant Skills: Emphasise your skills in contract negotiation, supplier performance management, and your ability to operate in a dynamic procurement environment. Provide examples of how you've added value beyond cost savings.
Follow Application Instructions: Ensure you carefully follow any specific application instructions provided by the company. This may include submitting documents in a particular format or addressing your application to a specific person.
How to prepare for a job interview at Cedar
β¨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.
β¨Engage Stakeholders Effectively
Since stakeholder relationship management is crucial for this role, come equipped with examples of how you've successfully engaged stakeholders in past projects. Discuss your approach to building strong working relationships and guiding them through the procurement process.
β¨Demonstrate Autonomy and Accountability
This position requires a degree of autonomy, so be ready to share instances where you've managed multiple tenders or projects independently. Emphasise your ability to track timelines and deliverables while reporting progress clearly.
β¨Communicate Your Value Beyond Cost Savings
Prepare to discuss how you've added value in previous roles beyond just cost savings. This could include risk mitigation, service improvements, or innovative solutions you've implemented. Show that you understand the broader impact of procurement.