Strategic Sourcing Manager at Clayens – Greenville, South Carolina

Job Summary:

The Indirect Strategic Sourcing Manager is responsible for leading and managing the strategic sourcing activities for indirect spend categories. This role involves identifying and implementing cost-effective procurement strategies, optimizing supplier relationships, and ensuring that non-product-related expenditures are aligned with business goals and objectives. The position requires strong analytical skills, market knowledge, and the ability to collaborate with cross-functional teams.

Duties and Responsiblites:

1. Strategic Sourcing & Supplier Management:

• Develop and implement strategic sourcing plans for various indirect categories (e.g., IT, marketing services, travel, HR services, facilities management, etc.).

• Lead supplier selection and negotiation processes, ensuring optimal pricing, quality, and service levels.

• Build and maintain strong relationships with suppliers, ensuring continuous improvement and value generation.

2. Cost Optimization & Savings Initiatives:

• Identify cost-saving opportunities through process improvements, supplier consolidation, and strategic negotiation.

• Collaborate with internal stakeholders to drive cost reduction initiatives and achieve savings targets.

3. Monitor and track savings performance against established goals.Market Intelligence & Trend Analysis:

• Continuously monitor market conditions, industry trends, and supplier capabilities to inform sourcing strategies.

• Conduct market research to assess potential suppliers and opportunities for innovation and efficiency.

4. Cross-Functional Collaboration:

• Partner with internal business units (e.g., finance, legal, operations) to understand their needs and ensure sourcing strategies align with business goals.

• Provide advice and guidance to internal stakeholders on sourcing best practices and supplier performance.

5. Contract Management:

• Oversee the negotiation and execution of contracts with suppliers, ensuring that terms and conditions protect the organization’s interests.

• Ensure compliance with corporate policies and legal requirements.

6. Risk Management:

• Assess and mitigate risks related to supply chain disruptions, supplier performance, and contract compliance.

• Develop contingency plans to ensure continuity of supply for critical indirect services.

7. Performance Monitoring & Reporting:

• Track and report on the performance of suppliers and sourcing initiatives, providing regular updates to leadership.

• Use data-driven insights to evaluate supplier performance and identify opportunities for improvement.

8. Process Improvement & Best Practices:

• Drive continuous improvement initiatives in sourcing processes, ensuring efficiency, transparency, and compliance.

• Stay updated on best practices in sourcing, procurement technology, and trends to enhance overall sourcing effectiveness.

Experience and Education

• Education: Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Supply Chain Management, or related field. A master’s degree or certifications in quality management

(e.g., Six Sigma, ISO 9001) is a plus.

• Experience: At least 5 years' experience in a similar position with a focus on indirect strategic sourcing.

• Strong experience in managing indirect categories such as IT, facilities, HR, Capital Equipment, Operational supplies, and professional services

• This position may require occasional travel.

• Strong knowledge of procurement processes, supply chain management, and strategy development process.

• Expertise in supplier negotiation, contract management, and cost optimization.

• Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills with the ability to make data-driven decisions.

• Strong communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to influence and collaborate effectively across all levels of the organization

• Mastery of IT and office automation tools.

• Fluent English and an additional language could be a plus (Spanish, French)

• Ability to work cross-functionally and manage multiple stakeholders.

• Clear and concise communication

• Conflict Resolution: Handle conflicts constructively and diplomatically, ensuring that issues are resolved in a way that maintains a positive working environment

• Ability to evaluate situations, data, and processes to assess problems and develop strategies to improve quality outcomes

• Decision Making: Making informed and timely decisions, especially in situations where there is uncertainty or ambiguity.

• Managing Change: Ability to adapt to changes in industry standards, technology, or organizational priorities. This includes leading teams through change smoothly.