Purchasing Lead

YK Solutions•Dearborn, MI

6d•Hybrid

About The Position

The Purchasing Lead maintains and enhances the company’s strategic sourcing function, overseeing end-to-end sourcing activities for software, services, and products. The role focuses primarily on sourcing for digital marketing and advertising, technology, and general business activities. It develops and improves sourcing strategies and policies to secure high-quality goods and services, favorable commercial terms, cost avoidance, and risk mitigation in support of business growth and objectives. The role supports due diligence, contract and supplier management, and supplier operations with the Security and Privacy teams, including onsite supplier assessments. It evaluates supplier capability, capacity, and historical performance; applies financial analysis, particularly Total Cost of Ownership (TCO); communicates cost drivers; and documents negotiated savings. The Purchasing Lead collaborates closely with Legal to finalize contracts and present sourcing strategies, supplier recommendations, financial analyses, negotiations, and risks to VP-level and more senior stakeholders. This is a hybrid position requiring work in the office Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday.

Requirements

At least 5 years of strategic sourcing experience involving marketing and IT-related spend, such as advertising, media, market research or analytics, PR, digital, web design, promotional materials, consulting, staff augmentation, software, or related services.
At least 5 years of contract negotiation experience.
At least 4 years of experience formulating strategies and driving initiatives.
At least 4 years of experience in digital media, advertising, and marketing industries.
At least 4 years of experience in information technology industries, particularly software, consulting, and staff augmentation.
Experience with ERP systems for purchasing or sourcing applications.
Fluency with AI-enabled tools and a working understanding of their appropriate use, limitations, and application to job-related tasks.
Understanding of contractual terms and conditions and their impact on the organization.
Ability to build credibility with executive-level stakeholders.
Demonstrated accomplishments in end-to-end sourcing responsibilities and deliverables.
Experience with contract management systems, ERP systems, and sourcing workflow tools; examples include Gatekeeper and NetSuite.
Ability to proactively problem-solve and multitask while maintaining composure and attention to detail.
Follow-through mindset and commitment to a ‘close the loop’ culture.
Positive approach to customer service.
Good judgment, high ethics, and a professional image.
Ability to work independently and collaboratively with a positive, can-do attitude.
Drive to identify and pursue continuous-improvement opportunities as business needs change.
Strong organization, flexibility, and time-management skills, including the ability to work in a dynamic, deadline-driven environment.
Exceptional interpersonal and business communication skills, including written, verbal, and listening skills.
Proficiency in Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.
Bachelor’s degree in business administration or a related area.

Nice To Haves

Experience developing or implementing sourcing methodology.
MBA and/or a degree in Finance.

Responsibilities

Enhance the sourcing function by educating the organization and encouraging program adoption at all levels.
Develop and analyze program policies and procedures, implement new procedures, and interpret policies for business units engaging the sourcing team.
Improve sourcing strategies and events to achieve high-quality decisions while mitigating contract risks.
Create benchmarks for competitive rates and department performance, and initiate corrective actions when targets are not met.
Monitor market conditions and adjust sourcing strategies accordingly.
Use AI-based tools and technologies to improve work efficiency, accuracy, and quality.
Manage assigned indirect spend categories and deliver annual cost savings through cost reduction and avoidance.
Negotiate contracts and company agreements with selected suppliers to secure favorable commercial terms and conditions.
Evaluate, recommend, and guide supplier selection in alignment with business owners and company objectives.
Use the contract management tool to track and respond to assigned contract matters.
Lead competitive bid events and make sourcing award decisions.
Track invoices throughout the life of approved purchase orders as needed for Finance.
Review and approve single-source forms for purchases above the assigned threshold.
Support supplier assessments, including reviews of financial matters, legal matters, and security or data-use issues.
Collaborate with Legal, Security, Privacy, Finance, business owners, and senior stakeholders on sourcing and supplier matters.
Present concise sourcing strategies, supplier recommendations, financial analyses, negotiations, and risks to VP-level and more senior stakeholders.
Develop and improve training content based on current team policies and processes.