Negotiation Skills - Contract Negotiation: Ability to negotiate terms, pricing, and conditions with suppliers to secure suitable commercial agreements - Conflict Resolution: Handling disputes and finding amicable solutions. Analytical Skills - Market Analysis -Understanding market trends, supply chain dynamics, and pricing models -Data Analysis - Interpreting data to make informed sourcing decisions and optimize procurement strategies. Communication Skills - Conveying requirements and expectations to suppliers and internal stakeholders with clear and concise reports, emails, and contract documents. Project Management - Planning and Organisation - Managing sourcing projects, setting timelines, and ensuring milestones are met.-Risk Management - Identifying potential risks in the supply chain and developing mitigation strategies. Financial Acumen -Budget Management - Understanding and managing budgets related to procurement activities. Cost-Benefit Analysis -Evaluating the financial implications of sourcing decisions. Relationship Management- Supplier Relationship Management - Building and maintaining strong relationships with key suppliers -Cross-functional collaboration - Working effectively with other departments such as logistics, quality assurance, and product development. Technical Skills - Product Knowledge deep understanding of the products being sourced and their technical specifications. Problem-Solving Skills Analysing problems, identifying root causes, and developing effective solutions -Adaptability Adjusting strategies in response to changing market conditions or supply chain disruptions. Quality Assurance -Quality Control - Ensuring that sourced products meet the required standards and specifications - Supplier Audits -Conduct regular audits to assess supplier performance and compliance - Compliance and Ethical Standards - Regulatory Compliance - Ensuring all sourcing activities comply with relevant laws and regulations - Ethical Sourcing - Promoting ethical practices and sustainability in the supply chain. Strategic Thinking - Long-Term Planning - Developing sourcing strategies that align with the company's long-term goals - Innovation - Identifying new sourcing opportunities and innovative approaches to procurement - Global Sourcing Knowledge - Cultural Awareness Understanding and respecting cultural differences when dealing with international suppliers - Logistics and Import/Export - Knowledge of global logistics, tariffs, and customs regulations.