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job description
job summary
the sourcing specialist – indirect services will be responsible for developing and executing sourcing strategies across complex and high-value indirect categories.
this role is a key individual contributor position that demands deep category expertise, strategic acumen, strong stakeholder management, and the ability to influence senior business leaders and drive total value creation beyond cost savings.
the incumbent will act as a sourcing business partner for multiple functions, ensuring alignment of sourcing strategy with organizational goals, compliance standards, and sustainability objectives.
key responsibilities
1. Strategic category management
* develop and execute category strategies for major indirect spend areas in alignment with global/regional direction and local business needs.
* conduct spend analysis, market intelligence, and supplier segmentation to identify sourcing opportunities.
* lead end-to-end sourcing projects — from need identification, market assessment, supplier selection, negotiation, and contract execution.
* partner with global category teams to deploy category frameworks, preferred supplier programs, and cost optimization initiatives.
2. Stakeholder and business engagement
* collaborate with senior business leaders across functions (finance, hr, it, facilities, marketing, etc.) to understand requirements and define sourcing priorities.
* serve as a trusted advisor by providing sourcing insights, risk assessments, and recommendations that enable informed business decisions.
* manage high-impact stakeholder relationships with a consultative and solution-oriented approach.
3. Supplier and contract management
* identify, evaluate, and onboard suppliers that meet technical, commercial, and compliance requirements.
* negotiate complex commercial terms, long-term agreements, and service-level frameworks to ensure performance, cost competitiveness, and risk mitigation.
* drive supplier governance processes including quarterly reviews, performance tracking, and corrective action planning.
* ensure all contracts are compliant with company policies, legal guidelines, and internal control standards.
4. Cost optimization and value creation
* deliver measurable productivity and cost improvement year-over-year across assigned categories.
* identify opportunities for supplier consolidation, demand management, and process automation.
* partner with finance and business teams to deliver total cost of ownership (tco) improvements and operational efficiency.
* promote sustainability, supplier diversity, and innovation within the supply base.
5. Process governance and risk management
* ensure sourcing decisions and supplier engagements comply with internal governance, audit, and ethical standards.
* maintain accurate records, documentation, and reporting in sourcing systems (sap ariba / coupa / sap).
* support risk assessment and mitigation plans for key supplier relationships and business-critical categories.
qualifications and experience
* bachelor’s degree in engineering, supply chain, business administration, or related field (mba preferred).
* minimum 15 years of total experience in procurement / strategic sourcing, with at least 8–10 years in indirect categories.
* proven track record in managing large and complex sourcing projects independently.
* in-depth experience in one or more categories such as it services, marketing, facilities, or professional services.
* strong negotiation, contract management, and supplier relationship management skills.
* exposure to global sourcing environments and matrix organizational structures.
* proficiency in sourcing tools and erp systems (sap, ariba, coupa, or equivalent).
key competencies
* strategic thinking with business and financial acumen.
* strong influencing and stakeholder management capability across leadership levels.
* analytical, data-driven, and results-oriented mindset.
* excellent communication, presentation, and problem-solving skills.
* integrity, compliance orientation, and ability to work with minimal supervision.
* collaboration across functions and geographies.
learn more about 3m’s creative solutions to the world’s problems at www.3m.com or on instagram, facebook, and linkedin @3m. Safety is a core value at 3m. All employees are expected to contribute to a strong environmental health and safety (ehs) culture by following safety policies, identifying hazards, and engaging in continuous improvement.
please note: your application may not be considered if you do not provide your education and work history, either by uploading a resume, or entering the information into the application fields directly.
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