Strategic Sourcing Analyst (S2)
careers.astoncarter.com
Job at a glance
Job Title: Strategic Sourcing Analyst (S2) Job Description The Strategic Sourcing Analyst (S2) supports the end-to-end procurement and strategic sourcing lifecycle for IT-related categories, with a strong focus on software, cloud services, and technology vendors. In this role, you manage a pipeline of sourcing engagements, lead competitive bidding events, and negotiate SaaS and technology deals. You partner closely with internal stakeholders across procurement, finance, IT, and vendor management to drive sourcing strategy, optimize value, and support enterprise-level initiatives and high-value contracts.
Responsibilities Lead sourcing engagements from initial intake through contract execution for IT-related categories, including software and cloud services. Build, issue, and manage RFx documents (RFPs, RFIs, RFQs) to support competitive sourcing activities. Conduct competitive bidding events, analyze vendor proposals, and develop clear recommendations based on value, risk, and strategic fit. Negotiate pricing, commercial terms, and contract language with suppliers to secure favorable outcomes for the organization.
Partner with internal stakeholders across IT, procurement, finance, and vendor management to gather requirements and shape procurement strategy. Support Category Leads on complex sourcing projects, large enterprise initiatives, and high-value technology contracts. Collaborate closely with vendor management, legal, and third-party risk teams to ensure compliance, mitigate risk, and maintain strong supplier relationships.
Utilize procurement systems, with a preference for Oracle Procurement / ERP tools, to track sourcing activities, maintain documentation, and report on progress. Identify and recommend process improvement opportunities within sourcing and procurement workflows to enhance efficiency and effectiveness. Maintain accurate documentation of sourcing activities, decisions, and contract details to support transparency and audit requirements.
Contribute to strategic transformation initiatives within procurement and help influence overall sourcing strategy and vendor selection decisions. Essential Skills Three to five years of related procurement experience, ideally focused on sourcing and negotiating SaaS and software/cloud services deals. Hands-on experience in IT procurement and strategic sourcing for technology vendors and services.
Proven track record in contract negotiation, including pricing and commercial terms for technology and SaaS agreements. Strong stakeholder management skills with the ability to partner effectively across IT, procurement, finance, legal, and vendor management teams. Proficiency with procurement systems, preferably Oracle Procurement or ERP platforms, to manage sourcing activities. Advanced Microsoft Excel skills for analysis, modeling, and reporting, and strong Microsoft PowerPoint capabilities for presenting recommendations.
Strong analytical skills with the ability to interpret data, compare proposals, and support fact-based decision-making. Clear, concise communication skills and strong documentation abilities for RFx materials, negotiation summaries, and contract records. Experience working within large enterprise procurement environments and navigating cross-functional processes. Vendor management and supplier relationship management experience, including collaboration with third-party risk and legal teams.
Additional Skills & Qualifications Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience, ideally in Business, Supply Chain, Finance, or a related field. Experience in technology sourcing, particularly software, cloud services, and SaaS agreements. Familiarity with AI-related stakeholder engagement or solutions is a plus. Exposure to enterprise-level IT sourcing initiatives and high-value contracts (approximately $250K and above).
Strong focus on integrity, ownership, and a process-driven approach to procurement and sourcing. Ability to thrive in a high-visibility role and interact