The Sourcing Lead at Alex Lee supports the Indirect Procurement team by providing analytical, operational and sourcing support across a broad range of spend categories. This role is responsible for data analysis, sourcing event execution support, supplier research, cost modeling and contract documentation to enable effective supplier selection, negotiation, and ongoing vendor management.
To be successful in this role, this individual should have some strategic sourcing experience, strong analytical and negotiation skills, and the ability to work cross-functionally in a fast-paced, collaborative and evolving environment.
*This is a hybrid role (in office 2-3 days per week) in Hickory, NC
The Sourcing Lead will partner with internal stakeholders to deliver the following critical business outcomes (as required)
Strategic Sourcing Execution-• Support end-to-end sourcing processes, including RFI/RFP development, evaluation, and supplier selection• Drive cost reduction, total cost of ownership (TCO) analysis, and value delivery initiatives• Assist in developing sourcing strategies, timelines, and evaluation criteria aligned with business objectives• Compare and maintain sourcing documentation, scorecards, and comparison analyses
Stakeholder Engagement-• Partner with internal stakeholders to gather requirements and align sourcing outcomes• Provide analytical support for business cases and leadership presentations• Support change management and adoption of procurement policies and processes
Category Management-•Support category strategies for assigned Indirect spend areas•Collaborate with internal stakeholders to align sourcing plans with business goals• Analyze category trends and market dynamics to identify sourcing opportunities• Track and report savings, compliance, and supplier performance metrics
Contracting & Compliance -• Collaborate with Legal and Risk teams to ensure contract terms align with policy•Support the implementation of sourcing governance and procurement policies•Monitor compliance with competitive sourcing and ethical procurement practices
Supplier Relationship Management -• Assist with supplier communications, data requests, and proposal clarification• Segment suppliers by strategic value and manage relationships accordingly• Identify and mitigate supplier-related risks•Monitor market trends and supplier capabilities to drive innovation and value• Explore innovation opportunities and continuous improvement with key vendors
Data & Reporting - • Analyze spend data and trends to identify strategic sourcing opportunities• Provide insights to support budgeting, forecasting, and strategic planning• Support the adoption and utilization of procurement tools and systems
Qualifications - • Bachelor's Degree in Supply Chain, Business, Finance, or related field • 2-4 years of strategic sourcing or procurement experience; category management preferred • Experience supporting sourcing events, supplier negotiations, and contract management • Proficient in Microsoft Excel, PowerPoint, and sourcing tools •Strong analytical and negotiation skills with the ability to work collaboratively in a fast-paced evolving environment • Prior experience in retail, wholesale, distribution and/ or consumer packaged goods is preferred.
Competencies - • High drive and results orientation; able to deliver against cost and value targets • Intellectually curious with a passion for process improvement and innovation • Strong business acumen and ability to navigate cross-functional priorities • Highly organized with strong project management and time management skills • Excellent written and verbal communication skills. • Operates with integrity, professionalism, and a customer-focused mindset • Demonstrates sound judgment and is comfortable working in ambiguity. High standards of ethics, professionalism, and integrity • High level of accountability with ability to build strong working relationships
Lowes Foods began in 1954 as a single store in North Wilkesboro, NC, and has grown to become a major supermarket chain operating in North Carolina, South Carolina and Virginia.
The company grew rapidly during the 1960s, '70s and early '80s. Lowes Foods was acquired by Merchants Distributors, Inc. (MDI) in 1984 and began an aggressive expansion program in 1986, opening 19 stores over the next four years. In 1997, Lowes Foods acquired Byrds Food Stores, located in eastern North Carolina. It continued its growth in 2000 with the purchase of 13 Hannaford stores. Today Lowes Foods operates close to 100 stores and continues to open new stores throughout North and South Carolina. Lowes Foods continued to expand by opening its first Lowes Foods Fuel station in 2007. In 2010, a new Lowes Foods concept store was opened in Hickory, NC and in 2011, we introduced a new value format called Just$ave.
In 2013, Lowes Foods set out to break the mold of the standard supermarket and create a distinctive grocery shopping experience worthy of our Carolina roots. The development began with in depth consumer research and a series of overnight workshops designed to get the very best ideas from managers across all facets of the business including all store managers and many from MDI. During these workshops, our new vision for Lowes Foods was born: “We bring community back to the table.” And, a number of new concepts were created including Chicken Kitchen, SausageWorks, Pick & Prep, and the Community Table. In January, 2013, Lowes Foods re-opened the first store to offer all of the newly developed concepts in Clemmons, NC. This spirit of transformation is being carried through all of the Lowes Foods and Just$ave stores. And, the spark of innovation has led to continued development of new concepts to further differentiate our stores. While selection may vary from store to store, our commitment to quality, value and service are the same no matter where you shop.
