The Strategic Sourcing Principal – Enterprise Applications is a highly experienced professional within Sourcing who leads the development and execution of strategic sourcing strategies for complex goods and services. This role focuses on sourcing Enterprise SasS based applications for complex Investment Systems, Global Business Services, Client Services, Enterprise Data, and Enterprise Architecture.  They collaborate with internal stakeholders to identify cost-saving opportunities, manage supplier relationships, and negotiate favorable contract terms while ensuring compliance with company policies and best practices.

Responsibilities:

• Conduct in-depth market research to identify potential suppliers and assess market trends.
• Develop comprehensive sourcing strategies for assigned categories, including cost reduction targets, supplier selection criteria, and risk mitigation plans.
• Collaborate with internal stakeholders to understand business needs and translate them into clear sourcing requirements.
• RFx Management:
• Lead the design and execution of Request for Information (RFI), Request for Quotation (RFQ), and Request for Proposal (RFP) processes.
• Analyze supplier responses, evaluate proposals based on price, quality, delivery, and other relevant factors.
• Supplier Negotiation:
• Develops negotiation strategies and leads negotiations of complex contract provisions
• Conduct complex contract negotiations with suppliers, ensuring optimal pricing and terms while balancing risk and value.
• Develop and manage master agreements, including legal terms and conditions.
• Vendor Relationship Management:
• Build and maintain strong relationships with key suppliers, addressing performance issues and driving continuous improvement.
• Monitor supplier performance against contractual obligations and KPIs.
• Cost Optimization:
• Analyze spend data to identify cost-saving opportunities and implement strategic sourcing initiatives.
• Utilize cost modeling and total cost of ownership (TCO) analysis to evaluate sourcing options.
• Stakeholder Management:
• Communicate sourcing strategies and progress to internal stakeholders, including senior management.
• Proactively manage expectations and address concerns related to sourcing activities.

Required Skills:

• Sourcing Expertise:
• 7+ years of advanced strategic sourcing experience with mastery of strategic and tactical procurement principles, practices, and models.
• Deep understanding of sourcing principles, sourcing methodologies, and contract law.
• Proven track record with clearly articulated examples of negotiating SaaS based enterprise business applications at scale in a global environment
• Ability to concisely convey contracting options and recommended path forward in summary fashion
• Analytical Skills:
• Proficiency in data analysis, spend analytics, and financial modeling to identify cost savings opportunities.
• Market Knowledge:
• Extensive knowledge of relevant supplier markets, industry trends, and competitive landscape.
• Communication Skills:
• Excellent written and verbal communication to effectively interact with stakeholders at all levels.
• Project Management Skills:
• Ability to lead and manage complex sourcing projects from initiation to completion.
• bility to manage individual project timelines and drive completion of projects under limited supervision.

Education:

• Bachelor’s degree, preferably in a business, supply chain or economics or equivalent experience

The target hiring compensation range for this role is $82.674 to $91.86 an hour. Compensation is based on several factors including, but not limited to education, relevant work experience, relevant certifications, and location.

About Aquent Talent:

Aquent Talent connects the best talent in marketing, creative, and design with the world’s biggest brands.

Our eligible talent get access to amazing benefits like subsidized health, vision, and dental plans, paid sick leave, and retirement plans with a match. We also offer free online training through Aquent Gymnasium. More information on our awesome benefits! 
Aquent is an equal-opportunity employer. We evaluate qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, veteran status, and other legally protected characteristics. We’re about creating an inclusive environment-one where different backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives are valued, and everyone can contribute, grow their careers, and thrive.

This client is one of our largest financial services clients. But don't let that stop you from reading further!

We place so many freelancers here who consistently tell us its one of the best places they’ve worked. Why? The teams, the culture, the management, and most recently, the client's willingness to recognize that it was important to step up to the digital demands of the marketplace:

• A new CMO and high level digital leadership that have transitioned in from top technology, retail and CPG companies

• Transitioning their marketing structure to Agile methodology to be able to deliver valuable content to its audiences faster

• They even followed this up with a floor remodel, to support the methodology, creativity & collaboration

We hear often that the constant here is change. The company is consistently trying new approaches that they think will improve not only their product offerings but the worklife as well. If you're used to "going with the flow", this is a great opportunity for you!

These are key elements to be able to walk away with and add to your resume, especially if you're coming from a traditional marketing structure. What a great way to help transition your career in this trending direction!