Sourcing Specialist Job Description [Updated for 2025]

In the evolving world of business, the focus on Sourcing Specialists has become increasingly significant.

As global trade evolves, the demand for skilled professionals who can navigate, manage, and optimize procurement processes continues to grow.

But let’s delve deeper: What’s truly expected from a Sourcing Specialist?

Whether you are:

A job seeker trying to understand the core responsibilities of this role,
A hiring manager outlining the perfect candidate,
Or simply curious about the intricate dynamics of sourcing and procurement,

You’re in the right place.

Today, we present a comprehensive Sourcing Specialist job description template, designed for effortless posting on job boards or career sites.

Let’s dive right into it.

Contents show

Sourcing Specialist Duties and Responsibilities

Sourcing Specialists use their expertise in procurement and supply chain management to identify and secure necessary goods and services for a company.

They often have a keen understanding of market trends and supplier capabilities to negotiate the best deals for their employer.

Their duties and responsibilities often include:

Research and identify prospective suppliers and manufacturers
Negotiate contracts and pricing with suppliers
Analyze and compare supplier products to determine the best deals
Develop and execute sourcing and procurement strategies
Monitor and assess supplier performance
Manage relationships with key suppliers to maintain quality of goods, timely delivery and compliance to terms of contracts
Coordinate with other departments and stakeholders to forecast the future supply needs
Prepare and process requisitions and purchase orders for supplies and equipment
Resolve vendor or contractor grievances, and claims against suppliers
Implement and drive continuous improvement activities through implementation of change management process and best practices

Sourcing Specialist Job Description Template

Job Brief

We are looking for a detail-oriented Sourcing Specialist to handle the procurement activities of our company.

Sourcing Specialist responsibilities include strategizing to find cost-effective deals and suppliers, discovering the best ways to cut procurement expenses and managing relationships with key suppliers.

Our ideal candidates are familiar with sourcing and vendor management and have good negotiation skills.

Ultimately, the role of the Sourcing Specialist is to ensure that the company makes wise purchases to save money and boost profitability.

Responsibilities

Devise and use fruitful sourcing strategies
Discover profitable suppliers and initiate business partnerships
Negotiate with external vendors to secure advantageous terms
Approve the ordering of necessary goods and services
Finalize purchase details of orders and deliveries
Examine and test existing contracts
Track and report key functional metrics to reduce expenses and improve effectiveness
Collaborate with key persons to ensure clarity of the specifications and expectations of the company
Foresee alterations in the comparative negotiating ability of suppliers and clients
Perform risk management for supply contracts and agreements

Qualifications

Proven work experience as a Sourcing Specialist, Procurement Manager or a similar role
Strong analytical skills, with the ability to create financial reports and conduct cost analyses
Negotiation skills
Ability to gather and analyse data and work with figures
Solid judgement along with decision making skills
Knowledge of sourcing and procurement techniques as well as dexterity in “reading” the market
Talent in negotiations and networking
BSc degree in supply chain management, logistics or business administration

Benefits

401(k)
Health insurance
Dental insurance
Paid time off
Professional development opportunities

Additional Information

Job Title: Sourcing Specialist
Work Environment: This role requires working in an office setting. Some travel may be required for visiting suppliers or attending industry events.
Reporting Structure: Reports to the Procurement Manager or Supply Chain Director.
Salary: Salary is based upon candidate experience and qualifications, as well as market and business considerations.
Pay Range: $58,500 minimum to $84,750 maximum
Location: [City, State] (specify the location or indicate if remote)
Employment Type: Full-time
Equal Opportunity Statement: We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity at our company. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status.
Application Instructions: Please submit your resume and a cover letter outlining your qualifications and experience to [email address or application portal].

What Does a Sourcing Specialist Do?

Sourcing Specialists are key players in the procurement and supply chain industry.

They can work in any sector but are primarily employed by manufacturing or retail businesses, or any organization that relies heavily on suppliers.

Their primary role is to find, evaluate, and engage suppliers to ensure the company has the goods and services it needs to operate effectively and efficiently.

Sourcing Specialists work closely with procurement managers and other professionals to develop and implement sourcing strategies.

They often use online databases, attend trade shows, and conduct market research to identify potential suppliers.

They also handle contract negotiations, aiming to secure products or services at the best possible price.

They need to balance cost with factors such as quality, reliability, and delivery speed.

Sourcing Specialists often have to manage relationships with existing suppliers, resolving any issues that arise and ensuring that the supplier continues to meet the company’s needs.

They are also responsible for monitoring and forecasting upcoming levels of demand, to ensure that procurement activities can be planned effectively.

This often involves close collaboration with other departments such as sales and production.

Finally, they also have a role in risk management, identifying potential supply chain disruptions and working on strategies to mitigate these risks.

Sourcing Specialist Qualifications and Skills

A proficient Sourcing Specialist should have the following skills and qualifications that coincide with your job description:

Strong analytical skills to assess and understand the needs of the company and find suppliers that can meet those needs.
Excellent communication and negotiation skills to effectively deal with suppliers, ensuring the best cost and quality for the company.
High level of attention to detail and organization to manage multiple suppliers and keep track of all procurement activities.
Strong problem-solving skills to identify and resolve any issues with suppliers or supply chain processes.
Knowledge of supply chain management and procurement processes.
Ability to work well in a team, collaborating with other departments to understand their sourcing needs and implement effective strategies.
Comfort with technology and ability to use sourcing and procurement software tools.
Understanding of market dynamics and sound business judgement.
Ability to handle pressure and meet deadlines.

Sourcing Specialist Experience Requirements

Entry-level Sourcing Specialists typically have 1 to 2 years of experience in procurement or supply chain operations.

This experience can often be gained through internships, part-time roles, or on-the-job training in roles such as Procurement Clerk, Supply Chain Assistant, or other related positions.

Candidates with 3 to 5 years of experience often have a solid understanding of sourcing strategies and have developed negotiation skills by working in roles like Procurement Specialist, Buyer, or similar roles.

They are also expected to have familiarity with supply chain software tools and processes.

Those with more than 5 years of experience are often proficient in strategic sourcing, vendor management, and have a strong understanding of market dynamics.

They may have some leadership experience, having overseen small projects or teams, and can be considered for senior-level roles or managerial positions in sourcing or procurement.

In addition to work experience, professional certifications like Certified Professional in Supply Management (CPSM) or Certified Purchasing Professional (CPP) can be beneficial in this role.

Sourcing Specialist Education and Training Requirements

Sourcing Specialists typically have a bachelor’s degree in Business, Supply Chain Management, or a related field.

They are also required to have a strong understanding of procurement procedures and sourcing methodologies.

Familiarity with vendor management and negotiation skills is a necessity in this job role.

Some positions may require Sourcing Specialists to have a master’s degree in Business Administration or a related field, specifically if they are dealing with international sourcing or are in a managerial role.

Acquiring certifications like Certified Professional in Supply Management (CPSM) or Certified Supply Chain Professional (CSCP) can be beneficial for the candidates to demonstrate their competence and dedication to the field.

In addition to formal education and certifications, on-the-job training is essential for Sourcing Specialists to understand the specific sourcing needs and processes of their organization.

Furthermore, knowledge of procurement software and tools, as well as data analysis skills, are often required in this profession.

Sourcing Specialist Salary Expectations

A Sourcing Specialist makes an average of $58,159 (USD) per year.

This salary can vary based on factors such as the level of experience, the size and industry of the company, and the geographical location.

Sourcing Specialist Job Description FAQs

What skills does a sourcing specialist need?

A sourcing specialist should have strong analytical skills, which are necessary to evaluate potential suppliers and make cost-effective procurement decisions.

They should also have good negotiation skills to secure the best deals with suppliers.

Excellent communication skills are also important as sourcing specialists often have to liaise between suppliers, manufacturers, and internal teams.

Additionally, they should be detail-oriented and have the ability to multi-task, as they often manage multiple procurement projects simultaneously.

Do sourcing specialists need a degree?

While not always necessary, most employers prefer sourcing specialists to have a bachelor’s degree in business, logistics, supply chain management, or a related field.

However, experience in purchasing, procurement, or sourcing can often compensate for lack of formal education.

Some employers also prefer candidates with relevant certifications, such as the Certified Professional in Supply Management (CPSM) or Certified Purchasing Professional (CPP).

What should you look for in a sourcing specialist resume?

When reviewing a sourcing specialist resume, look for previous experience in procurement or sourcing, as this indicates that the candidate has a strong understanding of the role.

Additionally, check for any certifications related to supply chain management or procurement.

Other desirable attributes include a track record of successful negotiations, experience with supplier evaluation, and proficiency in procurement software.

What qualities make a good sourcing specialist?

A good sourcing specialist is highly organized and possesses strong problem-solving abilities.

They should be able to handle multiple projects and deadlines without compromising on quality.

A keen eye for detail and a thorough understanding of the supply chain are also important.

Finally, good sourcing specialists should have excellent interpersonal skills, as they will be required to build relationships with suppliers and internal teams.

What is the role of a sourcing specialist in a company?

A sourcing specialist plays a crucial role in a company by identifying the most cost-effective suppliers for the company’s needs.

They conduct market research, evaluate potential suppliers, negotiate contracts, and ensure that the procured products or services meet the specific requirements of their organization.

In doing so, sourcing specialists play a key role in a company’s profitability and operational efficiency.

Conclusion

There you have it.

Today, we’ve unraveled the real essence of being a sourcing specialist.

Surprise, surprise?

It’s not just about finding suppliers.

It’s about shaping the backbone of any successful company – one supplier relationship at a time.

Armed with our reliable sourcing specialist job description template and real-world examples, you’re ready to take the plunge.

But why stop at that?

Dig deeper with our job description generator. It’s your ultimate tool for creating laser-accurate job listings or polishing your resume to brilliance.

Remember:

Every supplier relationship contributes to the broader business vision.

Let’s construct that vision. Together.

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