Strategic Sourcing Associate

Most companies claim to have the best people. We say to them, "Keep dreaming." Our people are second to none. They set us apart with their entrepreneurial spirit and ambition. They come to us from the likes of Amazon, Microsoft, Nordstrom, Starbucks and the sports world, bringing energy, bold ideas and a willingness to dive into the unfamiliar. It's our people that make BDA the top global Merchandise Agency to work for.

• This role is based in Woodinville, WA and requires you to work onsite 4 days per week , with 1 day remote .
• To be considered, you must live within commuting distance , as regular in-person collaboration is a key part of the role.

The Strategic Sourcing Associate will have direct domestic supplier management to support key business partners, programs and vendors that aligned with BDA brands and business groups. This position will be responsible for source selection, projects, initiatives that drive and create a best-in-class vendor management & service support strategy that will scale and exceed business requirements.

• Minimum of 2+ years Procurement and/or Supplier management experience.
• Solid experience in Supplier Management, analytics tied to strong negotiation and communication skills
• Knowledge of supply chain management fundamentals.
• Excellent organizational and time management skills with the ability to prioritize workload, multi-task, and to adapt to frequently changing priorities and critical deadlines.
• Team player with experience working in a cross-functional environment.
• Professional demeanor, good judgment, common sense, and a passion for details.
• Ability to work with minimal supervision and show initiative with a professional aggressive attitude.
• Effective oral and written communication skills at all levels of management.
• Strong problem-solving skills with ability to evaluate situations, deal with conflict daily, identify core issues, fact-find, and promote thoughtful business solutions on a consistent professional level.
• Intermediate to advanced computer skills with the MS Office Suite and related software products.

• The Strategic Sourcing Associate will partner with the Strategic Sourcing Manager, Finance, Client Services, Buyer Planners and Analysts to conduct vendor negotiations to meet BDA requirements.
• Assist the Strategic Sourcing Manager with supplier performance to ensure contract and requirements are in compliance. Proactively drive process improvements that will result in streamlined processes, quality, cost reduction, productivity, and service level enhancements.
• Provide governance and act as an escalation point for BDA of all suppliers, utilizing data and facts to drive to conclusions that avoid repeat challenges.
• Meet with various BDA Sales Account managers, Program and Spot buyer teams and individuals to establish a firm understanding of their requirements and/or opportunities that can be translated to our supplier to promote and streamline processes.
• Develop an acute understanding of trends to help forecast products to meet client’s needs.
• The individual in this position must be resourceful, self starting, and assertive in the ownership of their responsibilities, always protecting the interests of the company while simultaneously developing and maintaining excellent working partnerships with the managers, employees, and suppliers with whom they must work with to be successful.
• The individual in this position must display a positive and energetic demeanor while working in a complex and dynamic business environment and must thrive under the pressures imposed by multi tasking and must be able to work with minimum supervision.
• To be successful the individual in this position must be a team player, have excellent interpersonal & communication skills, be very organized and detail oriented, and be able to deal effectively with frequently changing priorities and rapid response requirements. This individual must have the ability to evaluate situations effectively, identifying basic issues, fact-finding, prioritizing, and suggesting thoughtful and well-rounded business solutions.
• Work within cross functional teams to ensure goal alignment, ease of process, profitability, and ultimate customer satisfaction.
• Track cost savings and provide statistical analysis and reports to management and other internal partners.
• Develop positive working relationships with suppliers to ensure receipt of high quality, defect free products at…