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Program Lead – Cost & Strategy

Epitec, Inc

Lisle, IL

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JOB DETAILS
SALARY
SKILLS
Analysis Skills, Cadence, Cargo/Freight, Category Management, Coaching, Communication Skills, Consulting, Cost Control, Cross-Functional, Data Analysis, Data Sets, Detail Oriented, Establish Priorities, Finance, Leadership, Legal, Microsoft PowerPoint, Multitasking, Negotiation Skills, Performance Analysis, Performance Management, Performance Metrics, Presentation/Verbal Skills, Problem Solving Skills, Procurement Strategy, Project/Program Management, Purchasing/Procurement, Request for Proposals (RFP), Sourcing Strategy, Strategic Planning, United States Citizen
LOCATION
Lisle, IL
POSTED
Today
Job Title: Program Lead – Cost & Strategy
Location: Lisle, IL. (Must be local)
Job Type: Business
Expected hours per week: 40 hours per week
Schedule: Onsite 
Pay Range: $40+ an hour
Job Description:
Program Lead – Cost & Strategy
Onsite: Lisle, IL
40 day position might go a little longer but not sure

They need to come in hit the ground running and assist with cost savings for the year


An operator, challenger, and change agent.
They need to:
• Influence category leaders without owning their categories
• Turn broad savings targets into executable initiatives
• Know procurement levers: RFQ, negotiation, indexing, VA/VE, consolidation, BCC, supplier rationalization, terms, freight, demand management



The International Procurement group is seeking a Program Lead – Cost & Strategy to join their team! This role is responsible for driving the successful execution of the most critical cost-saving procurement initiatives. It brings structure, rigor, and project discipline to high-value opportunities—ensuring they are clearly defined, well-governed, and effectively executed by sourcing teams.

Works closely with:
• Procurement Insight Consultant (opportunity identification)
• Category Managers / Sourcing Leads (execution)
• Finance / Stakeholders (validation & tracking)


Key Duties:
• Opportunity Execution & Value Delivery
• Own the end-to-end orchestration of priority cost-saving initiatives
• Translate identified opportunities into structured execution plans
• Ensure initiatives are clearly scoped, measurable, and time-bound
• Track and drive value realization against targets
• Project Management & Governance
• Apply strong project management discipline across initiatives:
o Timelines, milestones, dependencies, risk tracking
• Establish and maintain governance routines (cadence, reporting, escalation)
• Proactively remove blockers and ensure forward momentum
• Rigor & Performance Management
• Introduce standardized frameworks, tools, and templates for execution
• Challenge assumptions and strengthen the quality of opportunity cases
• Ensure alignment between procurement, finance, and business stakeholders
• Act as a “performance accelerator” across key initiatives
• Negotiation Strategy Support
• Provide expert input into negotiation strategies and tactics
• Coach and support sourcing teams in approach, preparation, and positioning
• Strengthen negotiation outcomes without acting as the lead negotiator
• Stakeholder Alignment & Enablement
• Prepare execution teams with the clarity, tools, and structure needed to deliver
• Drive alignment across cross-functional stakeholders
• Communicate progress, risks, and outcomes effectively to leadership
• Strategy & Transformation Support
• Contribute to the Procurement strategic development, deployment, and execution process.
• Globally collaborate with our TRATON brand partners in the TRATON Procurement Transformation space to support transformation initiatives.

This is a highly visible, challenging, and rewarding position in a supportive, fast-paced environment.

Key Capabilities & Experience

Core Skills
• Strong procurement / sourcing experience (category or strategic sourcing background preferred)
• Advanced project management skills (formal or practical experience)
• Proven ability to drive execution and deliver measurable results
• Excellent analytical thinking and attention to detail

Specialized Strengths
• Deep understanding of cost drivers and value levers in procurement
• Strong negotiation expertise (strategy and coaching, not execution ownership)
• Ability to add structure and rigor to ambiguous or loosely defined opportunities
• Skilled in performance tracking, KPI management, and governance

Ways of Working
• Structured, disciplined, and outcome-oriented
• Comfortable operating across teams without direct authority
• Able to challenge constructively and elevate performance
• Strong communicator with executive-level clarity


Minimum Requirements:
• Bachelor's degree and at least 5 years of purchasing/procurement experience
• At least 1 year of lead experience
OR
• Master's degree and at least 3 years of purchasing/procurement experience
• At least 1 year of lead experience
OR
• At least 8 years of purchasing/procurement experience
• At least 1 year of lead experience

Additional Requirements:
• Qualified candidates must be legally authorized on an unrestricted basis (US Citizen, Legal Permanent Resident, Refugee or Asylee) to be employed in the United States. Client does not anticipate providing employment related work sponsorship for this position (e.g., H-1B status).

Desired Skills:
• Technical & Analytical Skills: Strong data analysis skills with the ability to interpret large, complex datasets. Experience working with spend or financial data.
• Discipline & rigor: Ability to bring discipline and rigor to loosely defined opportunities.
• Negotiation: Strong experience in complex negotiation (preparation & execution).
• Powerpoint / Presentation: Ability to build and deliver information to all levels of the organization whether leading or supporting a specific opportunity.
• Collaboration & Communication: Strong communication skills with the ability to translate data into clear, actionable insights. Ability to present findings to non-technical stakeholders in a compelling way.
• Positive Attitude & Work Ethic: Demonstrates a positive, accountable, results-oriented mindset.
• Prioritization & Problem Solving: Ability to multi-task, prioritize, anticipate issues, and adjust resources as needed.
• Learning Agility: Quickly learns new concepts, processes, and tools.

#INDOEM
#LI-SH1

About the Company

E

Epitec, Inc

Epitec is a leading staffing and recruiting services company with a mission to make staffing personal. We go beyond traditional hiring by truly understanding our candidates and matching them with the perfect opportunities. We offer competitive compensation, career growth, and support throughout the entire process. Working with top Fortune 500 companies, we are recognized for our excellence with numerous awards, including Best & Brightest and diversity recognitions. At Epitec, we're redefining the future of employment. 

COMPANY SIZE
2,500 to 4,999 employees
INDUSTRY
Staffing/Employment Agencies
EMPLOYEE BENEFITS
Professional Development, 401K, Employee Referral Program, Life Insurance
FOUNDED
1978
WEBSITE
https://epitec.com/

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