Af64p4-Senior Indirect Sourcing Specialist

CAS uses intuitive technology, unparalleled scientific content and unmatched human expertise to help companies create groundbreaking innovations that benefit the world. As the scientific information solutions division of the American Chemical Society, CAS manages the largest curated reservoir of scientific knowledge, and for 115 years, has helped innovators mine, assess and apply that information to keep businesses thriving. The CAS team is global, diverse, endlessly curious and strives to make scientific insights accessible to innovators worldwide.

CAS is currently seeking a Senior Indirect Sourcing Specialist. This position will be located in our headquarters in Columbus, Ohio.

Job Summary:

The Senior Indirect Sourcing Specialist serves as a strategic partner responsible for developing and executing comprehensive sourcing strategies for technology-related goods and services across the organization. This senior-level role involves leading complex supplier relationships, negotiating enterprise-wide contracts, driving innovation in procurement practices, and providing strategic counsel to technology and business leaders while ensuring cost optimization and organizational compliance.

Job Accountabilities:

• Serve as a trusted strategic advisor to senior technology and business leaders, translating complex business needs into innovative sourcing strategies that support organizational objectives and technology roadmaps.
• Lead and facilitate cross-functional collaboration across IT, legal, finance, and business stakeholders to ensure alignment on requirements, timelines, and risk mitigation strategies. Serve as primary liaison on cross-functional teams.
• Lead negotiations for enterprise-wide agreements, securing favorable terms, pricing structures, and service levels. Negotiate and manage sophisticated contract structures, including Master Service Agreements (MSAs), Statements of Work (SOWs), licensing agreements, and intellectual property arrangements.
• Exercise independent judgment and authority to analyze and resolve complex matters impacting the department and broader organization, including vendor disputes, contract conflicts, and strategic sourcing decisions.
• Set priorities and evaluate procurement outcomes across multiple concurrent initiatives, making recommendations that influence departmental strategy. Influence and shape procurement policies and practices through collaboration with executive leadership.
• Manage the complete contract lifecycle for strategic vendor relationships, ensuring compliance, performance optimization, and value realization. Build and maintain strategic relationships with key suppliers and vendor partners at executive levels.
• Conduct comprehensive market research, competitive analyses, and lead RFP/RFI processes for strategic technology purchases. Assess market trends, emerging technologies, and supplier capabilities to proactively identify risks and cost-saving opportunities.
• Provide coaching, mentoring, and guidance to sourcing team members and cross-functional partners. May supervise and coordinate activities of procurement staff or project teams. Determine methods and procedures for new sourcing initiatives.
• Present complex sourcing strategies and recommendations to senior management and executive stakeholders. Conduct training sessions for internal stakeholders on procurement processes, policies, and best practices.
• Drive continuous improvement in sourcing practices, introducing innovative approaches and tools. Structure innovative procurement solutions for complex technology acquisitions while maintaining or improving quality and service levels.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in Business, Finance, Technology, or related field; Equivalent combination of education and experience
• 8+ years of progressive indirect sourcing experience, strategic procurement, or vendor management
• Demonstrated experience managing complex, high-value technology contracts and vendor relationships
• Proven track record of leading strategic sourcing initiatives with measurable business impact
• Experience influencing senior leadership and driving organizational change
• History of resolving complex procurement challenges and mitigating organizational risks
• Wide-ranging experience and specialized knowledge in technology sourcing concepts, principles, and procedures
• Comprehensive understanding of procurement best practices, contract law, and vendor management frameworks
• Deep knowledge of technology market dynamics, emerging trends, and supplier ecosystems
• Expert-level negotiation and contract management capabilities for complex, multi-faceted agreements
• Demonstrate creativity and ingenuity in developing procurement solutions and resolving complex challenges
• Strategic thinker with proven ability to translate business needs into actionable sourcing strategies
• Advanced analytical capabilities with attention to detail and data-driven decision making
• Ability to assess and communicate complex information to diverse stakeholders
• Exceptional communication and executive-level stakeholder engagement abilities
• Proven ability to influence decisions and shape organizational practices
• Experience coaching, mentoring, or supervising team members
• Strong facilitation and presentation skills for cross-functional and senior audiences
• Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Office suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Visio, Outlook)
• Experience with collaboration platforms (Teams, Slack, etc.)
• Familiarity with procurement tools and ERP systems
• Experience with specialized software highly desired: PeopleSoft, Basware, Ivanti, contract and vendor management systems
• Proficiency in sourcing platforms and contract lifecycle management tools
• Comprehensive understanding of corporate technology landscape and digital transformation trends
• Knowledge of intellectual property licensing and complex procurement structures
• Understanding of financial analysis, total cost of ownership, and value creation models
• Resolving complex contractual and vendor relationship issues

CAS offers a competitive salary and comprehensive benefits package, including a generous vacation plan, medical, dental, vision insurance plans, and employee savings and retirement plans. Candidates for this position must be authorized to work in the United States and not require work authorization sponsorship by our company for this position now or in the future. EEO/Disabled/Veteran