Strategic Sourcing Project Lead - Direct Materials Intern

Date Posted:  Country:
United States of America

Location:

OTCTH:
Connecticut Home Offices Remote Location, Remote City, CT, 06032 USA

The Summer Intern – Strategic Sourcing Project Lead will support the supply chain organization by leading a defined sourcing event from opportunity identification through supplier recommendation and implementation planning. This role is intended for a highly motivated student interested in procurement, supply chain, business analytics, negotiation, and supplier management. The intern will analyze spend data, prepare and execute a Request for Quotation (RFQ) using the digital RFX platform, support supplier negotiations and contracting, and help drive measurable savings while enabling supplier dual sourcing.

• Analyze historical and forecasted spend data to identify sourcing opportunities, baseline current costs, quantify potential savings, and define project scope.
• Partner with category leaders, business stakeholders, engineering, quality, legal, and finance teams to confirm requirements, supplier selection criteria, timelines, and approval needs.
• Develop the RFQ package, including bid instructions, specifications, commercial requirements, response templates, evaluation criteria, and supplier communications.
• Create and launch the sourcing event in the digital RFX tool, manage supplier invitations, monitor supplier participation, coordinate questions and answers, and ensure timely bid submission.
• Evaluate supplier proposals using total cost, quality, delivery, capacity, risk, service, and commercial terms as decision criteria.
• Support supplier negotiations to improve pricing, payment terms, capacity commitments, service levels, and other value drivers.
• Prepare a sourcing recommendation and business case that documents baseline spend, quoted results, savings opportunity, supplier comparison, risks, and implementation plan.
• Support contracting activities by coordinating required documentation, tracking open items, and helping ensure alignment with standard terms and internal approval processes.
• Develop a dual sourcing implementation plan, including transition milestones, stakeholder responsibilities, qualification requirements, supplier onboarding steps, and savings tracking.
• Present project progress, findings, recommendations, and final results to supply chain leadership and cross-functional stakeholders.

Currently pursuing a bachelor’s or master’s degree in supply chain management, business, engineering, finance, data analytics, operations, or a related field.

Strong analytical skills with the ability to interpret spend data, supplier quotes, and financial comparisons. Proficiency in Microsoft Excel and PowerPoint; experience with Power BI, procurement systems, or e-sourcing platforms is a plus. Interest in strategic sourcing, procurement, supplier management, negotiation, and commercial decision-making. Strong communication skills with the ability to work across functions and summarize complex information clearly. Detail-oriented, organized, and able to manage milestones, follow-ups, and deadlines in a project environment.

Comfortable engaging with suppliers and internal stakeholders in a professional manner. Demonstrated curiosity, ownership, problem-solving skills, and willingness to learn in a fast-paced supply chain environment.

• Spend analysis and opportunity assessment identifying baseline spend, supplier landscape, and savings potential.
• Completed RFQ package and executed sourcing event in the digital RFX tool.
• Supplier bid comparison, negotiation summary, and recommendation for award or dual sourcing.
• Business case documenting expected savings, implementation requirements, risks, and…