Specialist - Strategic Sourcing

Organizations everywhere struggle under the crushing costs and complexities of "solutions" that promise to simplify their lives. To create a better experience for their customers and employees. To help them grow. Software is a choice that can make or break a business. Create better or worse experiences. Propel or throttle growth. Business software has become a blocker instead of ways to get work done.

There's another option. Freshworks. With a fresh vision for how the world works.

At Freshworks, we build uncomplicated service software that delivers exceptional customer and employee experiences. Our enterprise-grade solutions are powerful, yet easy to use, and quick to deliver results. Our people-first approach to AI eliminates friction, making employees more effective and organizations more productive. Over 72,000 companies, including Bridgestone, New Balance, Nucor, S&P Global, and Sony Music, trust Freshworks' customer experience (CX) and employee experience (EX) software to fuel customer loyalty and service efficiency. And, over 4,500 Freshworks employees make this possible, all around the world.

Fresh vision. Real impact. Come build it with us.

The Strategic Sourcing Specialist is responsible for developing and executing sourcing strategies that optimize value across Freshworks' supply chain. This role involves identifying, evaluating, and selecting suppliers, negotiating contracts, and driving continuous improvement in supplier performance. The Strategic Sourcing Specialist will collaborate with cross-functional teams to align sourcing activities with business objectives and ensure a reliable, cost-effective supply of goods and services.

Responsibilities:

Sourcing Strategy Development and Execution:

• Develop and implement comprehensive sourcing strategies for assigned categories (specifically Go-To-Market (GTM)), aligning with overall business goals and objectives.
• Conduct market research and analysis to identify potential suppliers, assess industry trends, and understand cost drivers.
• Evaluate supplier capabilities, financial stability, and performance history to inform sourcing decisions.
• Supplier Relationship Management:
• Build and maintain strong relationships with key suppliers, serving as the primary point of contact for strategic sourcing matters.
• Monitor supplier performance, track key metrics, and conduct regular business reviews to ensure adherence to contractual obligations and performance standards.
• Collaborate with suppliers to identify opportunities for continuous improvement, innovation, and cost reduction.

Contract Negotiation and Management:

• Lead the negotiation of contracts, agreements, and pricing terms with suppliers, ensuring favorable terms and conditions that minimize risk and maximize value.
• Develop and manage the contract lifecycle, including contract drafting, review, execution, and administration.
• Ensure compliance with company policies, legal requirements, and ethical standards in all sourcing and procurement activities.
• Cost Management and Value Creation:
• Identify and pursue cost-saving opportunities through strategic sourcing initiatives, competitive bidding, and negotiation.
• Analyze total cost of ownership (TCO) to evaluate sourcing options and make informed decisions.
• Drive value creation by optimizing supplier performance, improving efficiency, and reducing waste across the supply chain.

Cross-Functional Collaboration:

• Partner with internal stakeholders, including Go-to-market (GTM), operations, finance, and engineering, to understand their needs and align sourcing strategies with business requirements.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to manage sourcing projects, ensure timely delivery of goods and services, and resolve any supply chain issues.
• Communicate sourcing plans, activities, and results to key stakeholders, providing regular updates and reports.

Risk Management:

• Identify and mitigate potential risks in the supply chain, including supplier financial instability, single-source dependencies, and geopolitical factors.
• Develop and implement risk mitigation strategies to ensure continuity of supply and minimize disruptions.
• Monitor supplier compliance with quality, environmental, and social responsibility standards.

• Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain Management, Business Administration, or a related field.

• 5+ years of experience in strategic sourcing, procurement, or supply chain management or a related field.

• Proven track record of developing and executing successful sourcing strategies that have resulted in cost savings and value creation.

• Strong negotiation, contract management, and supplier relationship management skills.

• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making abilities.

• Proficiency in sourcing software, ERP systems, and data analysis tools.

• Excellent communication, interpersonal, and presentation skills.

• Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a fast-paced, dynamic environment.

• Strong ethical standards and commitment to integrity.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience in NetSuite and Graphite

• Experience in technology (or related field) and GTM.

• Knowledge of lean principles and continuous improvement methodologies.

At Freshworks, we are creating a global workplace that enables everyone to find their true potential, purpose, and passion irrespective of their background, gender, race, sexual orientation, religion and ethnicity. We are committed to providing equal opportunity for all and believe that diversity in the workplace creates a more vibrant, richer work environment that advances the goals of our employees, communities and the business.