Senior Procurement Specialist - 153584-1

Job Title: Senior Procurement Specialist - 153584-1

Start Date: 7/1/2025

Location: Remote (PST hours preferred)

Salary: $45 - 49/hourly

Candidates with previous experience working at Microsoft Corporation, either as a full-time employee (FTE) or contractor, are strongly required.

Summary:
The main function of a Procurement Specialist is to lead in determining and managing the sourcing strategy within a defined category or subcategories, identifying and engaging with senior stakeholders. The manager will oversee the sourcing process and materials/reports for management, as well as provide sourcing and procurement advice to business areas.

Typical Day in the Role
Purpose of the Team: The team is within MS security building security products.
Key projects: This role will be working on procurement licensing/procurement support, handling and driving SOWs, and budget management, contract reviews, and ensuring project owners are spending their budget correctly.
Typical task breakdown and operating rhythm: The role will consist of 25% meeting with the team, 50% running through contracts, PO process/SOW process, 25% tracking Pos.

Compelling Story & Candidate Value Proposition
What makes this role interesting? The candidate will have the opportunity to take full ownership of the procurement process for a Level 2 organization. This role offers broad exposure to various product strategies, investment priorities, and organizational initiatives currently underway. It also involves collaboration with a wide range of stakeholders and provides regular engagement with senior leadership.

Job Responsibilities:
Engage with stakeholders to understand business requirements and to define and implement the category strategy, plans and processes for sourcing goods and services.
Maintain a detailed knowledge and understanding of the business drivers and have a comprehensive understanding of how they affect the business strategy.
Act as a subject matter expert on procurement policies, processes and best practice.
Manage key sourcing activities for business projects, ensuring timely delivery and budgeting with appropriate risk management.
Develop and maintain long-term relationships with key existing strategic suppliers and identify potential new partners.
Monitor compliance with the business' sourcing process, acting as an internal consultant for each stage in the process.
Develop category or sub-category strategy, plans, sourcing pipelines.

Candidate Requirements
Years of Experience Required: 10+ years of experience in the field
Degrees or certifications required: Bachelor's Degree in Business, Accounting, or related field
Disqualifiers: Candidates with low tenure/constant job hopping.

Best vs. Average: The ideal resume would be familiar with Microsoft internal procurement tools including SSPA approval process, procurement and contract negotiating, PO process creation and management.

Skills:
Strong communication skills, interpersonal skills and negotiation skills
Strong analytical and decision-making skills
Understanding of procurement and sourcing techniques and supply chain management
Experience in procurement or purchasing

Education/Experience:
Bachelor's Degree in Business, Accounting, or related field
10+ years experience

Top 3 Hard Skills Required + Years of Experience
1. Minimum 5+ years experience with procurement and contract negotiation review.
2. Minimum 1 year experience with Microsoft procurement tools
3. Minimum 1-2 years experience with contract review, SSPA approval, reviewing processes, and PO creation.
4. Running actual spend tracking on POs (preferred)

Hard Skills Assessments
Expected Dates that Hard Skills Assessments will be scheduled: After 6/18
Hard Skills Assessment Process: The assessment process will include 1 round- 30-60 minutes panel style
Required Candidate Preparation: Candidates should be able to speak on prior experience.