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For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: You'll lead sourcing projects, manage supplier relationships, and prepare bid specifications.
- Company: Join a dynamic team at UMass, a leader in higher education procurement.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive salary, potential remote work, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Why this job: Make an impact in a collaborative environment while honing your strategic sourcing skills.
- Qualifications: Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience with 3 years in purchasing or strategic sourcing.
- Other info: Salary up to $75,000 based on experience; occasional travel required.
The predicted salary is between 45000 - 75000 £ per year.
Position Summary
Reporting to the Category Manager or Strategic Sourcing Manager, the Strategic Sourcing Specialist is responsible for procuring materials, equipment, supplies and services of a specialized or complex nature in accordance with prescribed procurement policies and procedures. Will lead or provide sourcing support and prepare bid specifications, issue bid requests, review quotations, and lead or support contracting execution.
Essential Functions
- Guide identification and selection of suppliers to procure goods and services, meeting criteria such as price, quantity, quality, and delivery date as well as place orders.
- Assist campuses as needed to manage at least one multi-procurement project (i.e., commencement and other events that require several contracts and/or bids). Act as single point-of-contact for developing this portfolio and helping the campus project manage it.
- Identify requesting functions’ requirements and develop and refine specifications for goods and services.
- Interpret and communicate Procurement policies and procedures to stakeholders and lead sourcing efforts. Assist a category manager or Sr. Sourcing Specialist in writing specs for, or assisting in delivery of, specific process improvements related to UMass sourcing, such as BuyWays/Jaggaer forms & reporting, or job aids and manuals for sourcing.
- Write and distribute complex and technical bid invitations or requests for proposals; receive and analyze bids, quotes, and proposals, and award contracts.
- Resolve Procurement problems between function and supplier.
- Lead or support routine supplier business reviews, evaluating supplier performance and compliance.
Other Functions/Responsibilities
- Perform other duties as required
Minimum Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree or equivalent work experience
- 3 years of professional experience directly related to purchasing, strategic sourcing, or category management
Preferred Qualifications
- Experience working in an institution of higher education
- Experience with People Soft
- Knowledge of Procurement practices and procedures
- Knowledge of various categories in goods and services
- Skilled in preparing and analyzing complex technical specifications and bids
- Excellent communication skills, both verbal and written
- Experience in Change Management
- Skilled in establishing and maintaining effective working relationships
Working Conditions
- Typical office environment
- Must be able to travel occasionally to all UMass campuses and the Boston central office
Additional Information
Salary commensurate with experience up to $75,000. #J-18808-Ljbffr
Strategic Sourcing Specialist employer: University of Massachusetts
Contact Detail:
University of Massachusetts Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Strategic Sourcing Specialist
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with procurement policies and procedures specific to the higher education sector. Understanding these guidelines will help you demonstrate your knowledge during interviews and show that you're ready to hit the ground running.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with professionals in strategic sourcing or procurement within educational institutions. Attend relevant industry events or join online forums to connect with others in the field, which can lead to valuable insights and potential referrals.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss your experience with multi-procurement projects. Be ready to share specific examples of how you've managed complex sourcing tasks, as this will highlight your ability to handle the responsibilities outlined in the job description.
✨Tip Number 4
Brush up on your analytical skills, particularly in relation to evaluating supplier performance and compliance. Being able to articulate your approach to assessing suppliers will set you apart from other candidates.
We think you need these skills to ace Strategic Sourcing Specialist
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience in purchasing, strategic sourcing, or category management. Use keywords from the job description to demonstrate that you meet the qualifications.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that specifically addresses the responsibilities of the Strategic Sourcing Specialist role. Mention your experience with procurement policies and your ability to manage multi-procurement projects.
Showcase Communication Skills: Since excellent communication skills are essential for this role, provide examples in your application of how you've effectively communicated with stakeholders or resolved procurement issues in the past.
Highlight Relevant Projects: If you have experience with complex technical specifications or bid invitations, be sure to include specific projects in your application. This will demonstrate your capability to handle the responsibilities outlined in the job description.
How to prepare for a job interview at University of Massachusetts
✨Understand the Procurement Policies
Familiarise yourself with the procurement policies and procedures relevant to the role. Being able to discuss these in detail will show your understanding of the strategic sourcing process and how it aligns with the company's goals.
✨Prepare for Technical Questions
Expect questions related to complex technical specifications and bids. Brush up on your knowledge of various categories in goods and services, and be ready to provide examples from your past experience that demonstrate your expertise.
✨Showcase Your Communication Skills
As a Strategic Sourcing Specialist, excellent communication is key. Prepare to discuss how you've effectively communicated with stakeholders in previous roles, and be ready to demonstrate your ability to interpret and convey procurement policies clearly.
✨Highlight Project Management Experience
Since the role involves managing multi-procurement projects, be prepared to share specific examples of projects you've managed. Discuss your approach to project management, including how you handle timelines, budgets, and stakeholder engagement.
