FAQs
What is the primary role of the Indirect Sourcing Associate at Lubrizol?
The primary role of the Indirect Sourcing Associate is to represent Lubrizol to the supply base and facilitate the procurement of indirect goods and services supporting UK and European facilities, ensuring that relationships with vendors are maintained according to corporate policies and standards.
What types of tasks will the Indirect Sourcing Associate be responsible for?
The tasks include negotiating and implementing regional and national agreements, purchasing capital equipment, contracting services required by Lubrizol’s facilities, and collaborating with multidisciplinary teams to deliver optimized solutions that consider total cost of ownership.
What specific skills are preferred for the Indirect Sourcing Associate role?
Preferred skills include a Bachelor’s degree in supply chain, business administration, or related fields, recent indirect procurement experience, strong analytical and organizational skills, proficiency in SAP and Ariba, as well as a solid understanding of sourcing methods and negotiation skills.
Are there any specific software or tools that the Indirect Sourcing Associate should be proficient in?
Yes, the Indirect Sourcing Associate should be proficient in SAP and Ariba, as well as possess strong computer skills, particularly in the Microsoft Office Suite.
How important is vendor relationship management in this role?
Vendor relationship management is crucial in this role, as the Indirect Sourcing Associate is responsible for building and maintaining strong relationships with vendors to ensure that Lubrizol’s deliverables are met and to continually improve price, quality, and service.
What initiatives will the Indirect Sourcing Associate be expected to identify and implement?
The Indirect Sourcing Associate will be expected to identify opportunities for cost savings, reductions, and rebates, as well as assist buying staff in leveraging Lubrizol's spending to maximize value.
Will the Indirect Sourcing Associate need to interact with internal stakeholders?
Yes, the Indirect Sourcing Associate must work closely with internal requisitioners to ensure purchase orders accurately reflect internal needs and build strong relationships with internal customers.
Is training and education a part of this role?
Yes, the Indirect Sourcing Associate will have the responsibility to train and educate others about the purchasing process.
What ethical standards are expected of the Indirect Sourcing Associate?
The Indirect Sourcing Associate is expected to act professionally in all work activities, ensuring compliance with applicable laws and corporate policies, particularly those related to Health, Safety, Environmental, and Security practices.