Sourcing Specialist

This position oversees the strategic sourcing and management process of a category of lower-complexity materials and supplies. Responsibilities may include performing advanced analyses for commodity team, assisting Sourcing Manager / Director with complex data gathering and analysis, assisting with developing sourcing strategies, executing sourcing strategies, monitoring market movements, negotiating agreements, working with a broad base of business groups, and resolving issues with suppliers. Position may also work closely with the Sourcing Manager or a Sr. Sourcing Specialist supporting more strategic, complex, or specialized categories.

CORE RESPONSIBILITIES AND TASKS:

• Essential Functions
• With direction from Sourcing Manager, develop and implement sourcing strategies and plans for assigned categories consistent with global commodity team strategies and all applicable Business Unit business operating plans and objectives
• Develop, issue and analyze RFQ's for assigned commodities or those areas directed by Sourcing Manager
• Communicate to plants sourcing strategies, pricing, and market conditions impacting raw material supply.
• Support Marketing's strategy and requirements.
• Identify and develop new suppliers.
• Ensure uninterrupted supply of materials
• Develop and communicate material demand forecasts to suppliers
• Work with Sourcing Manager to negotiate and implement sourcing agreements/contracts which help to increase supply assurance and improve Sherwin-Williams' competitive position in the market
• Forecast pricing on assigned categories to provide top management with key information for determining future finished goods pricing and budgetary impacts.
• Management of established pricing (verification, resolution of discrepancies, etc.)
• With assistance from Sourcing Manager, negotiate and resolve any claims or disputes concerning a supplier's performance on categories managed.
• With assistance from Sourcing Manager, develop written category strategies for assigned categories.
• Develop and implement cost savings projects and initiatives for assigned categories.
• Work closely with technical to ensure strategy alignment with total cost and assured supply objectives; Work closely with suppliers to ensure that appropriate resources, data and specification information is made available to enable timely product qualifications
• Ensure compliance with department policies, procedures and applicable laws, rules and regulations.

FORMAL EDUCATION:

Required:

• Bachelor's degree from an accredited institution

KNOWLEDGE & EXPERIENCE:

Required:

• Minimum of two (2) years post college experience.

Preferred:

• Minimum of four (4) years successful Sourcing, Marketing, Technical, Operations, Supply Chain or related experience is desirable.
• Must be a self-starter with an ability to work with minimal direction/supervision in a fast-paced environment.
• Track record of increasing responsibility with strong performance and focus on cost savings and security of supply.
• Proficient with Microsoft Office Suite: Excel, Word, and Power Point.
• Strong written and verbal interpersonal skills.

TECHNICAL/SKILL REQUIREMENTS:

Required:

• PC Skills including Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, Power Point, Access)
• Excellent communication skills

Preferred:

• Multi Lingual

Travel 10%