Sourcing Specialist

About the Role

We are seeking a detail-oriented and driven Sourcing Specialist to join our procurement team, reporting to the Sourcing Manager. This role is designed for individuals with a strong foundation in supply chain and procurement who are eager to grow within a dynamic and fast-paced environment. The Sourcing Specialist I will support sourcing projects and the RFI/RFQ process, analyze supplier performance, and ensure compliance with company standards. The role is based in Houston.

Key Responsibilities

• Support sourcing projects under the direction of senior staff or manager.
• Assist with vendor qualification and maintain supplier records.
• Conduct cost analysis and prepare supplier performance reports.
• Track commodity prices, raw material costs, currency exchange rates, and market trends that affect the business.
• Ensure compliance with sourcing policies, procedures, and standard auditing requirements, and that purchasing activities are completed accurately and on time.
• Participate in supplier reviews and cost negotiations at an introductory level.
• Support the RFI/RFQ process, including preparing requests and compiling supplier responses, to ensure best cost-for-quality.
• Conduct supplier scorecard reviews, tracking key metrics such as quality, on-time delivery, cost, and responsiveness; communicate results and follow-up actions to suppliers and use scorecard data to support Quarterly Business Reviews (QBRs).
• Perform heavy data analytics on spend, PPV, pricing, and supplier performance data to identify trends and cost-reduction opportunities; build reports and dashboards (including pre-reporting for supplier reviews) for the sourcing team and senior management.
• Work with suppliers to identify, develop, and track annual cost-saving ideas and initiatives.
• Support the identification and development of second/redundant sources for key products and components.
• Support basic supplier management and day-to-day communication with suppliers in North America and internationally.
• Apply basic contract principles when supporting supplier agreements.
• Assist in maintaining MRP system data accuracy from a costing perspective and support accurate available-to-promise (ATP) information used for customer delivery commitments.
• Other duties as required.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain or a related field.
• 2-4 years of experience in supply chain, procurement, or supplier coordination.
• Strong Microsoft Office (Excel, Word, PowerPoint) skills.
• Strong data analytics and reporting skills, including advanced Excel (pivot tables, lookups, data modeling).
• Exposure to negotiation processes, basic supplier management, and contract basics.
• Familiarity with MRP systems preferred.
• Understanding of demand/supply planning processes.

Physical Demands

• Prolonged periods of sitting and working at a computer.
• Frequent use of hands and fingers for typing, data entry, and operating standard office equipment.
• Ability to communicate effectively in person, by phone, video conference, and email.
• Occasionally required to stand, walk, bend, reach, or lift office materials up to 15 pounds.
• Ability to travel occasionally for supplier visits, business meetings, training, or industry events.
• May be required to work extended periods at a computer while analyzing data, preparing reports, and participating in virtual meetings.

Work Environment

• Primarily performed in an office environment with standard office equipment.
• Hybrid or remote work arrangements may be available based on business needs.
• Occasional travel may be required to supplier locations, manufacturing facilities, or company sites.