Sourcing Specialist - IT Software

LyondellBasell (NYSE: LYB) is a leader in the global chemical industry creating solutions for everyday sustainable living. Through advanced technology and focused investments, we are enabling a circular and low carbon economy. Across all we do, we aim to unlock value for our customers, investors and society. As one of the world's largest producers of polymers and a leader in polyolefin technologies, we develop, manufacture and market high-quality and innovative products for applications ranging from sustainable transportation and food safety to clean water and quality healthcare.

Job Summary:

The LYB Sourcing Specialist plays a crucial role in driving the success of a specific goods or services category within the company. This includes,but is not limited to providing input to the process of developing and implementing effective sourcing strategies to achieve overall value for the assigned category.

The chosen candidate will work with the IT Category Manager to successfully manage and execute contracts in the software, IT services, hardware, and Telecom spaces. They will be responsible for sub-categories and managing an annual spend of $20-40MM. The majority of contracting will involve renewals, but the candidate will also handle RFPs and develop new contracts. The role includes responsibility for co-terming contracts, rationalizing both contracts and suppliers, and achieving cost savings targets at both the team and individual levels. Strong collaboration is required with internal stakeholders, particularly IT contract owners, IT managers, the DPA team, and legal. Prior procurement experience, especially in IT, is highly preferred. Familiarity with SAP and Ariba is a plus

Basic Function of the Sourcing Specialist:

• Creates value by providing appropriate input into the development and implementation of sourcing strategies, function/business specific related agreements and related work processes in accordance with the global strategy.
• Supports all clients in the business and functions that responsible category areas support. An active team member with responsibility for various sourcing activities pertaining to business operation and providing support to the overall sourcing strategy.
• Begins to independently manage sourcing projects with increasing complexity and medium value.
• Supports market analysis activities.
• Participates in the process of identifying, evaluating and selecting potential suppliers.
• Participates in contract negotiations in the assigned category.

ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES: Activities and duties will vary dependent upon functional area assigned. Activities may include, but are not limited to:

• Executes the sourcing process and is able to effectively source goods or services segments with increasing complexity and medium value.
• Understands strategies for assigned segments and proactively drives initiatives to meet sourcing objectives.
• Drives productivity opportunities with supply base to deliver value to the business.
• Supports Category Managers during complex sourcing initiatives through data modeling and analysis, change management and new process execution.
• Ensures high ethical and financial control compliance standards are met by the organization.
• Maximizes revenue share and controls cost by responding to audits, surveys, or other information requests from internal and external sources.
• Works collaboratively with the LYB Procurement Specialists in the implementation of strategic sourcing initiatives.
• Develops and composes bid specification in such a manner that internal customer needs are addressed.
• Demonstrates the initiative to challenge inefficiencies, process deviations, and strategy deviations.
• Understands strategies for assigned segments and proactively drives initiatives to meet sourcing objectives.
• Performs spend analysis by collecting and analyzing spend data
• Performs market analysis by doing market research and understanding the supplier landscape, capabilities market trends and pricing models and by doing benchmarking which includes comparing current prices and supplier performance against market standards to identify potential improvements.
• Assesses supplier capabilities thru KPI analysis and makes recommendations on supplier acceptability and selection. Identifies and qualifies new suppliers as required.
• Participates in supplier engagement efforts including but not limited to reviewing supplier performance against agreed upon KPIs and SLAs, developing and implementing supplier continuous improvement initiatives and monitoring suppliers' sustainability performance.
• Identify and select suppliers who prioritize sustainability practices, contributing to our company's commitment to environmental and social responsibility
• Supports Category Managers in driving Advancing Supplier Potential (ASP) initiatives

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• As a Sourcing Specialist at LYB you are expected to consistently demonstrate developing skills in the following:
• Collaboration (including cross-functional, cross-cultural)
• Relationship management
• Leveraging strategic relationships with both stakeholders (internal) and suppliers (external)
• Demonstrating strategic influence
• Selling ideas
• Presentation skills art
• Multi-tasking in a fast-paced environment
• Working independently in an ambiguous environment
• Achieving strategic alignment with both stakeholders and Procurement leaders
• Serving as a change agent, demonstrating change management leadership skills
• Harnessing an innovative mindset
• Being a long-term visionary
• Being environmentally & socially conscious, actively supporting LYB's sustainability objectives
• Harmonizing analytical prowess with strategic planning
• Gathering and applying market insights
• Risk identification and management
• Exercising strong analytical and strategic thinking skills
• Negotiations
• Effective communication
• Cultural competence (demonstrating an understanding an appreciation of diverse cultural norms, values and communication styles, being sensitive to cultural differences and adept at bridging cultural gaps)
• Using data analytics tools and software
• Using AI and other digital tools
• 1-2 years IT Procurement experience required; Software Procurement experience preferred
• Relevant experience delivering within the IT Procurement function
• Strong business expertise in IT Software Category, particularly around supplier capabilities and commercial models required
• Demonstrates a track record of decision-making capability and deliver against key metrics
• Ability to manage complex, strategic and commercial requirements between IT and Suppliers, deliver projects and results on time and in full
• Familiarity with SAP and Ariba is a plus
• Build and maintain IT category expertise, apply best practices around sourcing approach, supplier selection, total cost of ownership and negotiation tactics

Education and Key Requirements:

• Bachelor's degree preferred (or recognized equivalent). Master's degree preferred (or recognized equivalent).
• 4+ years related experience required with a degree (8+ years in lieu of a degree);
• 3+ years of chemical or related industry experience and knowledge related to purchasing and materials management is preferred.
• Experience in manufacturing environment, in Technical or Business related positions preferred.
• Negotiations and contract experience required.