Procurement Senior Specialist

Procurement Senior Specialist

The Procurement Senior Specialist will be a key contributor to the Indirect Procurement team, responsible for the end-to-end strategic sourcing process, including market analysis, negotiation, contracting, and long-term supplier relationship management. This role requires an analytical and articulate individual with proven experience sourcing goods and services, ideally within Information Technology (IT) and / or Logistics. The Senior Specialist will drive cost savings, mitigate supply chain risk, and ensure compliance with internal procurement policies.

Key Responsibilities :

• Strategic Sourcing & Execution
• Negotiation & Contracting
• Supplier Relationship Management (SRM)
• Stakeholder Collaboration
• Lead the full sourcing lifecycle for assigned categories, primarily within Indirect Procurement (e.g., IT Hardware / Software, Professional Services, Logistics / Transportation, Facilities, Marketing).
• Conduct detailed spend analysis, market research, and competitive bidding (RFx) processes to identify and select best-value suppliers.
• Develop and execute category strategies that align with business objectives, focusing on cost reduction, quality improvement, and risk mitigation.
• Independently negotiate favorable terms, pricing, and service levels with suppliers.
• Draft, review, and finalize a variety of commercial contracts, statements of work (SOWs), Master Service Agreements in collaboration with legal and internal stakeholders.
• Ensure all contractual agreements comply with organizational standards and regulatory requirements.
• Establish and maintain strong, collaborative relationships with key suppliers to drive performance, innovation, and continuous improvement.
• Manage supplier performance through regular business reviews, tracking key performance indicators (KPIs), and ensuring adherence to contractual obligations.
• Address and resolve complex supplier issues, disputes, and performance deficiencies promptly.
• Serve as a trusted advisor to internal business partners (e.g., IT, Operations, Legal, Finance) to understand their needs and align procurement activities accordingly.
• Facilitate effective communication between suppliers and internal stakeholders throughout the sourcing and contracting process.
• Other duties as assigned

Skills & Qualifications :

Forward Air is an Equal Opportunity Employer.