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
Who We Are
Alex Lee, Inc., is one of the largest grocery retail and wholesale distribution companies in the southeastern United States. We are the parent company of wholesale distributors Merchants Distributors (MDI), Souto Foods, W. Lee Flowers, and Import Mex, as well as grocery banners Lowes Foods and Kj’s Market. In total, we operate in 13 states; own over 140 retail stores; serve over 1,960 stores in wholesale; and count close to 15,000 people as part of the Alex Lee family. Alex Lee employees are a unifying force for our companies, guiding and supporting the entirety of the organization.
Why We’re Different
Alex Lee has remained privately held for over 90 years and now spans four generations. We continue to be a profitable and growing company because of our unique combination of full-service wholesale and retail, and our unwavering dedication to our founding philosophy: “If your customers are successful and your suppliers are successful, then you will be successful.” We stand the test of time because we do what is right for our customers and the communities in which we operate.
We strive to always be a progressive company, which is why innovation is a long-held tradition at Alex Lee. We offer employees opportunities to showcase their ideas and creativity through our nationally recognized innovation programs and challenges. We are a team of talented people who thrive on putting our heads together and creating new and better ways of doing business.
Growth is our only option – this applies to our business, our customers, and our people. We want Alex Lee to be a place where people want to stay and grow their careers, which is why we offer numerous tools and resources for learning and development, and pathways for advancement. This is why Alex Lee is recognized by our employees as being a place where they see themselves crafting a lifelong career.
