Procurement Sourcing Category Strategist III

Procurement Sourcing Category Strategist

Location:

Birmingham Alabama 35203 Job Type: Contact to hire, 6 months Pay Range: $55–$65 Job  

Job Summary The Procurement Sourcing Category Strategist leads complex strategic sourcing initiatives and vendor engagements across assigned business units and procurement categories. This role is responsible for developing and executing competitive sourcing strategies, managing RFPs and bids, negotiating supplier contracts, and identifying opportunities to reduce expenses while improving quality, efficiency, and business outcomes. The Category Strategist works closely with cross-functional teams, senior business leaders, legal partners, vendors, and procurement stakeholders.

This position may also lead junior procurement consultants and support larger or more complex vendor engagements.

Key Responsibilities Lead strategic sourcing initiatives, competitive bids, and RFPs for assigned business units and categories. Develop sourcing strategies that improve efficiencies, reduce costs, and maximize supplier value. Define RFP and competitive bidding requirements in collaboration with business stakeholders. Identify qualified suppliers, solicit proposals, analyze responses, and develop sourcing recommendations. Set up and manage RFPs through the company’s procure-to-pay system. Negotiate pricing, contract terms, service-level agreements, and other commercial requirements.

Prepare and execute contracts that meet business, procurement, and legal requirements. Partner with senior leaders and key stakeholders to identify supplier-related expense reduction opportunities. Analyze market and industry conditions to support procurement strategies for non-IT goods and services. Communicate corporate procurement standards, policies, and expectations to vendors and business partners. Build and lead cross-functional teams to achieve sourcing objectives and business outcomes.

Manage supplier-related engagements and resolve disputes with internal customers and vendors. Provide guidance and coaching to junior procurement consultants. Support continuous improvement initiatives across procurement and sourcing processes. Serve as a team lead or supervise entry-level procurement consultants when needed. Partner with Procurement Strategic Sourcing Technology Consultants on applicable projects. Maintain accurate sourcing, contract, supplier, and project documentation. Perform other duties as assigned.

Required Qualifications Bachelor’s degree in Business, Supply Chain, Engineering, Procurement, or a related field, plus seven years of procurement or related experience; or High school diploma or GED plus eleven years of procurement or related experience. Demonstrated experience managing RFPs, competitive bids, and strategic sourcing initiatives. Experience negotiating with suppliers and internal stakeholders. Ability to lead cross-functional initiatives through influence, collaboration, and stakeholder buy-in.

Strong analytical, research, problem-solving, and decision-making skills. Ability to manage multiple priorities, work under pressure, and meet deadlines. Strong verbal, written, organizational, and relationship-building skills. Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications, including Excel, Word, PowerPoint, and Outlook.

Preferred Qualifications Professional certification in Supply Chain, Procurement, or a related field. Master of Business Administration or related advanced degree.

Experience with procure-to-pay, sourcing, or contract management systems. Experience leading or supervising procurement professionals. Experience supporting financial services, banking, or other highly regulated environments. Core Competencies Strategic sourcing and category management RFP and…