Strategic Sourcing Analyst

Company Description

By working at Harvard University, you join a vibrant community that advances Harvard's world-changing mission in meaningful ways, inspires innovation and collaboration, and builds skills and expertise. We are dedicated to creating a diverse and welcoming environment where everyone can thrive.

Financial Administration (FAD) is dedicated to advancing Harvard University’s teaching and research mission by stewarding its resources; providing support, guidance, and consultation; ensuring compliance with university and federal guidelines; mitigating risk; pursuing operational excellence; and promoting the financial health of the University. 

More about FAD:  
Within and across the University, we aim to be exemplary colleagues, trusted partners, valued advisors, and agents of positive change.  
 
Within our own community, we aspire to:  

• Engage with respect, honesty, and integrity   
• Cultivate equity, diversity, inclusion, and belonging   
• Welcome innovation, collaboration, and flexibility   
• Enjoy our work, grow professionally, and aim for the extraordinary 

Learn more about Financial Administration (harvard.edu) and our eight reporting units. (https://finance.harvard.edu/)

Job Description

Harvard University’s Strategic Procurement Department is a central administrative function that serves all Harvard schools, institutes, and administrative units. Our mission is to create value for Harvard by optimizing the procurement of goods and services while upholding the highest standards of integrity, compliance, and supplier partnership. We manage over $3.5 billion in annual addressable spend and are committed to practices that support balance of trade, environmental sustainability, and the University’s long-term financial health.  

The Strategic Sourcing Analyst supports the end-to-end sourcing process by conducting supplier qualification and due diligence, issuing RFIs/RFQs, and analyzing supplier proposals for price, delivery, and compliance with requirements. This role researches market and industry trends to identify sourcing opportunities and risks, contributes to spend analysis and savings calculations, and applies basic total cost of ownership (TCO) principles to recommendations.  

The analyst collaborates with cross-functional stakeholders to refine specifications, supports contract execution and documentation, assists in drafting SLAs and performance metrics, and helps resolve routine supplier disputes. The position is responsible for preparing reports, presentations, and first-draft sourcing recommendations for management review, as well as tracking and reporting supplier performance and participating in business reviews. The Strategic Sourcing Analyst also supports audits, supplier meetings, and special projects, while continuously developing procurement and sourcing skills through intermediate-level professional development. 

Job-Specific Responsibilities:

• Conduct straightforward supplier qualification and due diligence  
• Analyze market and supplier data to make recommendations and set team priorities  
• Issue RFIs/RFQs and compiles price comparison sheets  
• Research industry trends to identify potential sourcing opportunities and risks  
• Analyze offers for price, delivery, and alignment to requirements  
• Coordinate with cross-functional teams for input on specifications  
• Escalate supplier risks and non-compliance to management  
• Communicate with suppliers to clarify or negotiate routine terms  
• Utilize basic total cost of ownership (TCO) considerations  
• Prepare and distribute regular reports on sourcing activities, savings, and spend  
• Prepare first-draft sourcing recommendations for manager review  
• Support contract execution and document management  
• Assist in drafting SLAs and performance metrics  
• Prepare presentations on supplier proposals  
• Tracks and reports supplier performance data  
• Participates in supplier business review sessions  
• Contributes to spend analysis and basic savings calculations  
• Collaborates in resolving supplier disputes
• Provides feedback for process improvement and streamlining  
• Supports the development and implementation of sourcing strategies  
• Participates in audits or internal reviews related to procurement  
• Coordinates logistics for supplier meetings, evaluations, and site visits  
• Supports ad-hoc projects as assigned by sourcing managers or leadership  
• Complete intermediate procurement or sourcing professional development courses

Qualifications

Basic Qualifications:

Basic Qualifications are the minimum threshold a candidate must meet in order to be considered for this role. 

For consideration, please include a cover letter.  

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent work experience required
• Minimum of 7 years’ relevant work experience

**Additional Qualifications and Skills:

The following qualifications are strongly preferred. If you meet some, but not all, you are still encouraged to apply; we value employees with a willingness to learn.**

• Strong analytical and communication skills, attention to detail, and the ability to collaborate with internal stakeholders and suppliers are essential for success in this role.  
• Strong organizational, analytical, time management skills  
• Self-motivated, takes initiative and can effectively organize, multi-task and prioritize a wide array of initiatives  
• Comfortable communicating with internal stakeholders at various levels and with external suppliers  
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and track progress on assignments  
• Demonstrated ability to work effectively both independently and as part of a team  
• Willingness to learn and adapt in a fast-paced environment.  
• Basic understanding of procurement, sourcing, or supply chain best practices are preferred  
• Please provide a cover letter and resume as one document with your application

Additional Information

Why join Harvard University Central Administration?

Harvard University's Central Administration (CADM) is a 5,000+ employee organization that supports the university's overall excellence by understanding and serving the needs of its schools, students, faculty, staff, alumni, and surrounding communities. Through dynamic and collaborative partnerships, CADM provides high-quality and efficient services to the schools to help them achieve their goals.

• Working Conditions: Hybrid schedule; 1–2 days onsite per week on average, with additional on-site presence as needed.
• Visa Sponsorship Information: Harvard University is unable to provide visa sponsorship for this position
• Pre-Employment Screening: Identity, Education
• Other Information:
  This position has a 90-day orientation and review period.

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Work Format Details

This position has been determined by school or unit leaders that some of the duties and responsibilities can be effectively performed at a non-Harvard location. The work schedule and location will be set by the department at its discretion and based upon operational needs. When not working at a Harvard or Harvard-designated location, employees in hybrid positions must work in a Harvard registered state in compliance with the University’s Policy on Employment Outside of Massachusetts. Additional details will be discussed during the interview process. Certain visa types and funding sources may limit work location. Individuals must meet work location sponsorship requirements prior to employment.

Salary Grade and Ranges

This position is salary grade level 058. Please visit  Harvard's Salary Ranges  to view the corresponding salary range and related information. 

Benefits

Harvard offers a comprehensive benefits package that is designed to support a healthy work-life balance and your physical, mental and financial wellbeing. Because here, you are what matters. Our benefits include, but are not limited to: 

• Generous paid time off including parental leave 
• Medical, dental, and vision health insurance coverage starting on day one 
• Retirement plans with university contributions 
• Wellbeing and mental health resources 
• Support for families and caregivers 
• Professional development opportunities including tuition assistance and reimbursement 
• Commuter benefits, discounts and campus perks 

Learn more about these and additional benefits on our Benefits & Wellbeing Page. 

EEO/Non-Discrimination Commitment Statement

Harvard University is committed to equal opportunity and non-discrimination. We seek talent from all parts of society and the world, and we strive to ensure everyone at Harvard thrives. Our differences help our community advance Harvard's academic purposes.

Harvard has an equal employment opportunity policy that outlines our commitment to prohibiting discrimination on the basis of race, ethnicity, color, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, veteran status, religion, disability, or any other characteristic protected by law or identified in the university's non-discrimination policy. Harvard's equal employment opportunity policy and non-discrimination policy help all community members participate fully in work and campus life free from harassment and discrimination.