Location: Houston, TX preferred, Remote is an option
Duration: 12-months
Pay Rate: up to $35/hour W2
The Category Specialist for Professional Services will support our client with the sourcing, procurement, and supplier management activities for HR-related services, including Employee Benefits, Staff Augmentation, Consulting, and other HR-related categories. The role will focus on executing sourcing initiatives, managing vendor relationships, and supporting the overall category strategy as defined by senior management.
Key Responsibilities:
Sourcing and Procurement Support
Assist in executing sourcing initiatives, including Requests for Proposals (RFPs) and Requests for Quotations (RFQs) for HR services, Employee Benefits, and Consulting.
Conduct market research, supplier analysis, and spend analysis to support procurement decisions.
Coordinate with suppliers to obtain quotes, clarify specifications, and manage bid processes.
Supplier Relationship Support -
Help maintain relationships with key suppliers by assisting with contract administration, performance tracking, and issue resolution.
Support supplier negotiations for pricing, terms, and contract renewals under the guidance of senior category managers.
Category Administration -
Assist in managing purchase orders, invoices, and other procurement documentation to ensure compliance with company policies.
Help monitor supplier performance metrics, contract compliance, and cost-saving initiatives.
Maintain and update procurement systems (e.g., SAP Ariba, Oracle) with current supplier information, pricing, and contract terms.
Cross-functional Collaboration -
Work closely with internal teams (HR, Finance, and Legal) to understand business needs and ensure alignment with procurement activities.
Provide regular reports and updates to category managers on procurement progress, supplier performance, and contract status.
Cost Optimization Support -
Support cost-saving initiatives by conducting spend analysis and identifying opportunities for cost reduction or service improvement.
Assist in tracking and reporting on savings achieved through procurement activities.
Risk Management -
Help identify and escalate supply chain or service risks to category managers.
Assist in maintaining continuity of services by working with suppliers on contingency planning.
Qualifications:
Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain Management, Business Administration, Human Resources, or related field preferred.
Minimum of 3 years of experience in procurement or sourcing, ideally in HR Services, Employee Benefits, Staff Augmentation, or Consulting.
Basic knowledge of procurement processes and contract management.
Strong analytical skills with proficiency in Excel and procurement software (e.g., SAP Ariba, Oracle).
Preferred Skills:
CIPS, CPSM, or other procurement-related certifications are a plus.
Experience in large, multinational organizations or the industrial sector.
Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple tasks.
Key Competencies:
Detail-oriented with strong organizational skills.
Good communication and interpersonal skills for working with suppliers and internal teams.
Proactive problem-solver with a collaborative mindset.