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
Merchants Distributors (MDI) is a privately-owned wholesale grocery store distributor headquartered in Hickory, NC. MDI supplies over 600 retail food stores with food and non-food items in NC, SC, GA, TN, VA, AL, WV, OH, FL, PA, MD, and KY.
MDI celebrated its 85th anniversary on September 21, 2016. MDI's 85 year history is an interesting story of sacrifice, growth and success. It began as a small family business in the small town of Hickory, North Carolina, and as one local newspaper described it, "With little more than a bag of peanuts, an apple, and a stick of candy." What Lebanese immigrant Moses George and his sons purchased in 1931 for $17,000 has since grown to become a multimillion-dollar wholesale grocery company.
Merchants Distributors is a great American success story but it is a company that has never forgotten its roots. Its success is based on:
- Its values, its facilities, its variety, its Advertising programs, its cost of goods, and its innovations
- The one thing that distinguishes MDI as superior to other distribution companies - leadership. MDI's owners have created a leadership style that supports the organization as one family working together for one common goal and a culture in its people that is impossible to duplicate.
