Strategic Sourcing & Category Management Consultant

Harvard Partners Trusted IT Advisors•Providence, RI

About The Position

The Strategic Sourcing & Category Management Consultant will lead sourcing initiatives for assigned categories, execute category strategies aligned with business objectives, and optimize procurement operations. This role involves conducting spend analysis, supplier evaluations, market research, and leading negotiations. Additionally, the consultant will support the SAP Ariba procurement platform, act as an advisor to business stakeholders, and drive process improvements through digital solutions and automation. Ensuring compliance with company policies, procurement procedures, and regulatory requirements is crucial. The role also involves partnering with various departments like Finance, Legal, and Operations, and representing Procurement in strategic projects across US and European markets. Training and guidance on procurement best practices will also be a key responsibility.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Business, Economics, Engineering, or a related field required.
5+ years of progressive procurement and strategic sourcing experience, including category management, supplier negotiations, competitive sourcing events, contract management, and stakeholder engagement.
Experience with SAP Ariba and ERP systems.
Advanced Microsoft Excel skills, including data analysis, spend analysis, pivot tables, lookups, and reporting.
Working knowledge of procurement controls and SOX compliance requirements.
Experience supporting procurement activities across multiple regions, preferably the U.S. and Europe.
Strong negotiation, stakeholder management, and influencing skills.
Ability to lead sourcing initiatives and work independently with business stakeholders.
Demonstrates ownership, accountability, and a proactive approach to problem solving.
Comfortable managing competing priorities in a fast-paced environment.
Strong analytical and critical thinking skills.
Effective communicator with the ability to build relationships across Procurement, Finance, Legal, and business teams.

Nice To Haves

7+ years in procurement and exposure to global markets (US and/or Europe).
Experience working in cross-functional environments and driving initiatives with Finance, Legal, Operations, and business stakeholders.
Strong knowledge of supplier management, contract management, SOX compliance, and valuation analysis.
Spanish language proficiency is a plus.

Responsibilities

Lead sourcing initiatives for assigned categories, including RFIs, RFQs, and RFPs.
Execute category strategies aligned with business objectives, focusing on cost optimization, supplier performance, risk mitigation, and value creation.
Conduct spend analysis, supplier evaluations, market research, and benchmarking to identify sourcing opportunities.
Lead supplier negotiations and support contract development and execution in partnership with Legal and business stakeholders.
Build and maintain strong supplier relationships while driving continuous improvement and innovation.
Support the adoption and optimization of the SAP Ariba procurement platform, leveraging system capabilities to improve efficiency, compliance, and user experience.
Serve as a trusted advisor to business stakeholders throughout the procurement lifecycle.
Continuously evaluate and improve procurement workflows through digital solutions, process innovation, and automation.
Support supplier onboarding, procurement governance, and operational improvement initiatives as needed.
Assist in resolving procurement-related issues through collaboration with Finance, Accounts Payable, IT, Legal, ERP, and business teams.
Ensure compliance with company policies, procurement procedures, industry regulations, delegated authority requirements, and SOX controls.
Partner closely with Operations, Finance, Legal, and business leaders to align procurement activities with organizational goals.
Lead cross-functional sourcing initiatives and facilitate stakeholder alignment throughout the procurement process.
Represent Procurement in strategic projects and transformation initiatives across US and European markets.
Develop and deliver training, guidance, and best practices to support procurement process adoption and compliance.