Strategic Sourcing Sr Assoc

Strategic Sourcing Sr Assoc

Minneapolis, MN (FWR)
Finance

Job Description

Req ID: req30954

Strategic Sourcing Sr Assoc Summary:

JOB SUMMARY

Leads and executes vendor sourcing negotiations for hotel meeting and events as assigned by the Strategic Sourcing Manager (Procurement sources 125+/- meetings and events per year) along with other tasks as assigned related to group travel. Responsible for supporting the global travel services (approximately $80+/- million in annual spend (including events). Analyzes meeting venue search results, and transitory group travel RFP results, and prepares viable options for key internal stakeholder review. Supports Strategic Sourcing Manager in large-sized meeting and event sourcing as time permits. Works closely with Sr. Directors, Directors, and Managers from NEMO, LPD, Alliance and other areas.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES

• Liaise with key functional group personnel to understand strategy and meeting specifications to develop RFP's to send to vendors for events and transitory group travel.
• Obtain vendor/hotel bids working directly with site sales contacts.
• Evaluate site options throughout the country making recommendations based on many factors including specifications of the event, most cost effective options, vendors who are clients, best service and value.
• Negotiate contracts, obtaining best value rates for products or services to include (but are not limited to) rooms, food & beverage (F&B), audio visual (AV), and other frequently purchased meeting/event and travel necessities. If necessary work with contracted vendors to negotiate and amend agreements as required.
• Manage the firms Cvent sourcing tool and keep status reports related to Venue Sourcing with guidance of the Procurement Manager.
• Help assist the operations of the Strategic Sourcing group (e.g., manage Strategic Sourcing project intake and workflow software and manage project reporting)
• Manage vendor relationships to ensure their compliance with contract requirements and advise with respect to vendor disputes.
• Other duties as assigned

QUALIFICATIONS

Education/Certifications

• Bachelor's degree in related field or the equivalent through a combination of education or work experience.

TECHNICAL/SOFT SKILLS

• Basic knowledge of excel, word, and word processing.
• Prior experience working in Cvent (preferred)
• Deep understanding of the travel industry, and the ability to implement and employ strategies and negotiate costs that optimize
• Basic understanding of contract law and ability to understand contractual language
• Can-do approach and problem-solver who can respond quickly, concisely, and expeditiously

Experience

• 3-5 years strategic sourcing experience
• 1-3 years project management/meeting planning experience
• Experience managing vendor agreements and relationships
• Experience negotiating contract terms and conditions, recognizing specific needs for travel provider contracts
• Proven cost-benefit experience and savings in travel negotiations
• Knowledge of contracting process workflow and automated contracting systems (preferred)

LEADERSHIP SKILLS

• Superior oral and written communication skills
• Ability to interact effectively with all levels of the organization and with vendors
• Exceptional listening skills

You want your next step to be the right one. You've worked hard to get where you are today. And now you're ready to use your unique skills, talents and personality to achieve great things. RSM is a place where you are valued as an individual, mentored as a future leader, and recognized for your accomplishments and potential. Working directly with clients, key decision makers and business owners across various industries and geographies, you'll move quickly along the learning curve and our clients will benefit from your fresh perspective.

Experience RSM US. Experience the power of being understood.

RSM is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer. Minorities/Females/Disabled/Veterans.

Location Street Address: 801 Nicollet Mall, Suite 1100 - West Tower, Minneapolis, MN 55402-2526 USA
Region: National
Position Type: Experienced
Job Type: Full Time
Degree Required: Bachelor
Travel Required: Yes
Sponsor candidates who are not eligible to work in US: No
Requisition ID: req30954