The sourcing associate is in charge of purchasing physical material a business needs to build its product or service. They’re responsible for executing the plan devised by the sourcing manager, and upholding the provisions in the contracts negotiated by him/her.
Sourcing associates are in charge of executing transactions advised by their manager. They should ensure the right quantity of the right product is ordered, set up transportation arrangements, and inspect it carefully upon arrival. They may be asked to research vendors to compare qualities and cost. While the sourcing manager oversees plans from a bird’s eye view, it is the sourcing associate’s responsibility to tend to the day-to-day needs, catching errors and evaluating processes for efficiency on the most practical levels.
Sourcing associates can typically report to sourcing managers and VPs in product development. Whether or not they will manage anyone depends on the product and company.
To be a successful sourcing associate, you have excellent attention to detail and be able to evaluate not only where things go wrong, but how they can improve. You’ll need to view familiar processes with a fresh set of eyes everyday. You should also be research intensive, having a pulse on what the latest trends are in your respective industry. Finally, you should be executional, taking a plan that’s been handed down to you by someone else, and acting accordingly with expectations of budget, time, and deadline. You also need to communicate with your manager when this is not the case.
If you’re considering applying to be a sourcing associate, your resume should show that you’re familiar with your industry and the processes that define it. It should also show that you are able to translate a plan into reality with ease. It should that you know how to react when something goes wrong, and know who to contact in what situations.
Resume Builder Power Words: research, communication, attention to detail, commitment, industry trend-spotter, execute, analytical