Sourcing Specialist III (RFQ)

Aquent is proud to partner with a leading organization that stands at the forefront of operational excellence and strategic procurement. This company plays a critical role in delivering essential services and products, constantly striving for efficiency and value within its robust supply chain. They are deeply committed to innovation, fostering strong vendor relationships, and ensuring the highest quality and most cost-effective solutions for their customers. Join a team where your contributions directly support the delivery of vital services and products, making a tangible difference in daily operations and long-term success.

Are you a strategic thinker with a knack for negotiation and a passion for optimizing procurement processes? We are seeking a highly skilled and dynamic professional to join our client's team as a Sourcing Specialist. In this pivotal role, you will be instrumental in managing large, complex Request for Quotation (RFQ) processes, directly impacting the organization's bottom line and operational efficiency. Your expertise will drive significant value by securing the best pricing and terms, ensuring the continuous flow of high-quality goods and services, and fostering robust vendor partnerships. This is an exciting opportunity to make a tangible difference, contributing to critical projects and initiatives that underpin the success of a major enterprise, empowering our client to deliver vital services and products effectively.

What You'll Do

• Gather detailed information from internal stakeholders to develop precise and comprehensive specifications for RFQs.
• Lead the solicitation of bids and quotes, meticulously analyzing proposals to determine the best pricing and overall value for the organization.
• Procure finished goods and services for resale, effectively leveraging established vendor networks and proactively identifying and engaging new, alternative sources of supply.
• Proactively recommend substitutions and alternative solutions that result in significant cost savings, quantity optimization, quality improvements, or enhanced delivery timelines.
• Collaborate closely with vendor representatives to swiftly resolve any shipping discrepancies, backorder issues, or overstock challenges, ensuring smooth supply chain operations.
• Develop and qualify new sources and vendors, consistently achieving optimal pricing and delivery through expert negotiation and strategic relationship building.
• Maintain comprehensive and up-to-date files of vendor catalogs and price schedules, serving as a critical resource for procurement decisions.
• Stay abreast of new product developments and market trends, effectively communicating relevant insights to designated internal channels to inform strategic planning.

What You'll Bring

Must-Have Qualifications

• Demonstrated strong negotiation and customer-service skills, with a proven track record of achieving favorable outcomes.
• A high degree of integrity and ethical conduct in all business dealings.
• Exceptional ability to analyze complex situations and resolve a variety of issues simultaneously and effectively.
• Strong interpersonal skills, with the ability to interact effectively and gain cooperation from internal staff and external partners.
• Proficiency in writing detailed customer orders that accurately capture complex product requirements.
• Adeptness in a MS Windows-based environment and efficient 10-key by touch skills.
• Sufficient mathematical skills to accurately calculate order pricing, freight rates, and label measurements.
• Bachelor's degree in Business Administration or a related field, or an equivalent combination of education and/or experience.
• 5-7 years of progressive experience in sourcing, procurement, or a related supply chain role.