Sourcing Analyst

International Paper•Loveland, OH

8d•$74,000 - $86,000•Onsite

About The Position

The Capital & Manufacturing Services (CMS) Sourcing Analyst provides advanced analytics, research, and data‑driven insights to support strategic sourcing, category management, large capital buying teams, and procurement initiatives across manufacturing services and capital projects. In this role, the Analyst collaborates with sourcing, category managers, and cross‑functional stakeholders to support sourcing events, category execution, reporting, and continuous improvement initiatives through data analysis and process support. The role drives results by generating actionable market insights from multiple sources, identifying cost‑saving opportunities, and developing materials that enable clear communication and execution of sourcing and procurement strategies The role may require limited travel to support team initiatives. The CMS Group is a key Sourcing department that drives significant enterprise value. Our Capital team’s purchases account for $450MM annually and we are involved for all capital buys over $500,000. Our Manufacturing Services Team manages $450MM+ of annual contracted spend for categories such as Turbine service, Boiler Maintenance and Repair, and Non-Destructive Evaluation. The CMS group brings the full power of the strategic sourcing process to what can be highly variable sourcing events. Capital equipment buys differ from commodity buys and are prone to special features, technical knowledge, sole source demands, imposed time pressures, etc. We are the “Center of Excellence” for Capital and Manufacturing Services Sourcing for the enterprise and drive continuous improvement of specialized processes and develop talent with specific experience in purchase of capital equipment and manufacturing services.

Requirements

Bachelor’s Degree required. Preferably in the fields of Analytics, Supply Chain Management, Information Systems, Industrial Management, Accounting, Finance or Economics.
Successful candidates should demonstrate leadership, analytical thinking, and technical aptitude, along with effective written and verbal communication skills. The role requires a solid understanding of financial fundamentals, the ability to translate complex information into clear, actionable insights, and the confidence to present findings to a variety of audiences. Candidates must be able to learn quickly, adapt to rapidly changing environments, and proactively embrace and promote new tools, processes, and ways of working as the organization evolves. This position also requires the ability to work both independently and collaboratively, balancing ownership of individual responsibilities with strong teamwork, including the judgment and confidence to stand alone when necessary.
Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel, including complex data analysis, large dataset manipulation, pivot tables, formulas, and analytical summaries.
Strong proficiency in Microsoft PowerPoint, with the ability to develop clear, executive‑level presentations that translate complex data into actionable insights.
Working knowledge of SQL, including querying, validating, and extracting data from relational data sources to support analysis and reporting.
Experience with Power BI, including developing, maintaining, and interpreting dashboards and reports to support sourcing, category management, and performance tracking.
Experience using SharePoint for document management, collaboration, and organizing analytical, sourcing, and reporting materials.

Nice To Haves

Experience working in a mill, manufacturing, or industrial environment is preferred but not required.
Experience using Alteryx for data preparation, transformation, automation, and analytical workflows.
Experience with Microsoft Access for data management, queries, and supplemental analysis.
Understanding of SAP data structures, particularly how procurement, financial, and spend data is organized and related, even if not directly responsible for transactional SAP usage.
Familiarity with AI tools and use cases,including applying generative AI or advanced analytics to improve data analysis, reporting efficiency, research, or decision support within procurement or sourcing environments.

Responsibilities

Assist with total cost and scenario analyses to support sourcing strategies and supplier selection decisions.
Conduct market and supplier research to identify trends, risks, and opportunities.
Support cost‑saving and value‑creation initiatives by analyzing pricing structures, market conditions, and supplier performance.
Monitor relevant market indicators and industry benchmarks to inform category strategies and sourcing recommendations.
Combine market data, financial insights, and cross‑functional input to evaluate market dynamics and shape effective sourcing and category strategies.
Support sourcing events, including RFP/RFI development, bid analysis, supplier evaluations, negotiation strategy development, and award recommendations.
Partner with category managers and capital teams to execute long term category strategies and support large capital and manufacturing services initiatives.
Provide analytical and operational support throughout the contracting lifecycle.
Prepare sourcing documentation, negotiation materials, and executive‑level summaries to support decision‑making and approvals. Participate in report out presentations to management.
Develop, maintain, and enhance dashboards, reports, and automated analytics tools to improve data visibility and usability.
Analyze spend and market data to support sourcing decisions, category management, and compliance.
Develop advanced Excel‑based analyses, summaries, and visualizations, and translate complex data into clear, executive‑level presentations that tell a compelling story and drive actionable sourcing decisions.
Ensure data accuracy, consistency, and governance across procurement systems and reporting platforms.
Support recurring and ad‑hoc reporting needs for sourcing leadership, category teams, and capital project stakeholders.
Identify opportunities to streamline reporting processes through automation, standardization, and continuous improvement.