Sourcing Associate

A sourcing associate locates suppliers and assesses them on quality and cost. The associate negotiates with and buys goods or services from the suppliers. Before making purchases the sourcing associate must develop a plan that has been approved by management.

In general, at least an undergraduate degree is required for this job. This job requires excellent analytical, communication and negotiation abilities. Computer skills are required in many areas of the job. The source associate is expected to track prospective and previous purchases with electronic records. Profiles of vendors should be arranged electronically. Sourcing associates will be required to draft reports, contracts and presentations on buying activity. The sourcing associate must be knowledgeable of the latest regulations as well as laws and policies to be able to efficiently make contracts. The sourcing associate must be aware of the current state of affairs in the business to acquire the right products that can solve specific issues in the workplace.

After the purchase of products and shipped to the sourcing department, the associate who sourced them monitors the departments receiving them to ensure that everything is in order. If there is a problem the associate comes up with an alternative plan of action to ensure the purchase of high-quality products. The sourcing associate may have to communicate with departmental suppliers as well to ensure that deliveries are made in a timely manner. The job is usually performed in an office during normal working hours. However, certain positions might require traveling. If the job involves negotiations with international vendors, working hours could differ.

As a Sourcing Associate with 9+ years of experience in the United States, your main responsibilities include:

• Collaborating with cross-functional teams to understand sourcing needs, develop strategies, and align sourcing activities with business objectives.
• Identifying potential suppliers and conducting thorough market research to evaluate their capabilities, track records, and competitiveness.
• Negotiating contracts, terms, and pricing to ensure favorable agreements and cost savings while maintaining supplier relationships.
• Monitoring supplier performance, conducting regular audits, and implementing corrective actions to address any quality or delivery issues.

For a Sourcing Associate job role, the following qualifications are required:

• Strong research and analysis skills to effectively identify and assess potential suppliers, ensuring they meet quality standards and price competitiveness.
• Excellent negotiation skills to secure favorable terms and agreements with suppliers, optimizing cost savings and delivery timelines.
• Proficient in contract management, with the ability to review and draft agreements, ensuring compliance with legal and company policies.
• Strong communication and relationship-building abilities to collaborate with internal stakeholders and suppliers, resolving any issues and fostering positive partnerships.

The role of a Sourcing Associate is pivotal in ensuring efficient supply chain management. For experienced professionals with 9+ years of work experience in the United States, there are several alternative roles worth considering. Here are following options:

• Procurement Manager: A position involving strategic sourcing, supplier relationship management, and cost optimization.
• Operations Manager: A role focused on overseeing and optimizing the overall operational processes, including inventory management and logistics.
• Category Manager: A position specializing in managing specific product categories, analyzing market trends, and building strong relationships with suppliers.
• Vendor Relations Manager: A role centered around managing vendor contracts, evaluating vendor performance, and negotiating favorable terms.

The Sourcing Associate job role in the United States is poised for significant growth in the market. Over the past 10 years, this position has seen a steady increase in demand and is projected to continue expanding in the coming years. With the rise of globalization and increasing reliance on efficient procurement processes, the need for skilled sourcing professionals is expected to grow. This translates into abundant employment opportunities in the future. Considering the latest data points available, the Sourcing Associate role is expected to experience substantial growth and offers promising prospects for individuals interested in this field.