Strategic Sourcing Specialist

Job Description

Position Summary:  The Strategic Sourcing Specialist is responsible for meeting or exceeding goals related to the development of various merchandise solutions, including food service, beverages and specific commodities and their related procurement.  Identifies vendors, executes sourcing events, negotiates pricing and contract terms.

Principal Duties:

• Execute comprehensive category plans by key commodities including calendar of sourcing events, competitive analysis, alternative vendors, industry trends and opportunities, innovation and vendor metrics. 

• Lead foodservice contract negotiations including the development of negotiation strategies and lead top supplier and RFP processes to manage operating costs, maintain/improve quality and drive business benefits.   Determine appropriate vendor strategy and highlight tradeoffs between having multiple or single vendors for a product.

• Lead the continuous improvement of sourcing processes including benchmarking and advanced negotiation strategies and techniques. 

• Develop and maintain a network of industry contacts to ensure we are optimizing our vendor relationships and perform onsite vendor visits as needed.  Identify business aggregation opportunities where appropriate.

• Plan, organize and execute procurement program for merchandise and commodity procurement in support of corporate cost effectiveness initiative.  Ensure that maximum value is obtained on all materials and services purchased.

• Optimize costing models to best position the Company to proactively manage components directly tied to market-based commodities.  Utilize commodity buy plans and financial derivatives to manage market-traded commodities where applicable.

• Perform financial analysis to quantify cost benefit trade-offs.

• Collaborate with Internal Audit to manage the program and validate results versus reported benefits.

• Coordinate with functional managers, Legal, Quality Assurance, Finance, Risk Management and various outside sources to maintain procurement best practices.  Establish a clear channel of communication to ensure procurement needs of functional managers are met.

• Establish contractual agreements between the company and external sources of supply. Negotiate to obtain agreement on pricing, delivery, cash and other terms.

• Conduct analysis to determine the best supplier or service provider for the defined scope of work.

Essential Functions:

• Ability to work well individually as well as in a team environment
• Excellent oral and written communication skills
• Excellent customer service skills
• Ability to work with little or no supervision
• Detail oriented and excellent organizational skills
• Excellent analytical, influencing and problem solving skills
• Ability to handle multiple projects simultaneously and independently
• Excellent interpersonal skills
• Self motivated, proven self starter with demonstrated ability to make decisions
• Excellent leadership skills
• Excellent negotiation skills

Basic Requirements:

• Bachelor’s degree in Business, Finance or related field preferred
• Minimum of 5 years of progressive procurement experience
• Lead strategic supplier relationships through structured SRM(Supplier Relationship Management) practices: driving continuous improvement initiatives that drive value, innovation, and risk mitigation.
• Own category portfolio strategy and performance: leveraging market intelligence, supplier capabilities, financial analysis, and cross-functional partnerships to deliver sustainable business results.
• Proficiency in sourcing methods and tools
• Prior experience in managing commodities
• Technical knowledge related to soft commodities, electricity, resin, logistics and general manufacturing
• Highly skilled in Microsoft Office suite applications

Wawa will provide reasonable accommodation to complete an application upon request, consistent with applicable law. If you require an accommodation, please contact our Associate Service Center at [email protected].

Wawa, Inc. is an equal opportunity employer. Wawa maintains a work environment in which Associates are treated fairly and with respect and in which discrimination of any kind will not be tolerated. In accordance with federal, state and local laws, we recruit, hire, promote and evaluate all applicants and Associates without regard to race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, ancestry, familial status, marital status, sexual orientation or preference, gender identity or expression, citizenship status, disability, veteran or military status, genetic information, domestic or sexual violence victim status or any other characteristic protected by applicable law. Unlawful discrimination will not be a factor in any employment decision.