Position: Procurement Senior Specialist 

Job Description

The Procurement Senior Specialist will be a key contributor to the Indirect Procurement team, responsible for the end-to-end strategic sourcing process, including market analysis, negotiation, contracting, and long-term supplier relationship management. This role requires an analytical and articulate individual with proven experience sourcing goods and services, ideally within Information Technology (IT) and/or Logistics. The Senior Specialist will drive cost savings, mitigate supply chain risk, and ensure compliance with internal procurement policies.

Key Responsibilities

• Strategic Sourcing & Execution
• Negotiation & Contracting
• Supplier Relationship Management (SRM)
• Stakeholder Collaboration
• Lead the full sourcing lifecycle for assigned categories, primarily within Indirect Procurement (e.g., IT Hardware/Software, Professional Services, Logistics/Transportation, Facilities, Marketing).
• Conduct detailed spend analysis, market research, and competitive bidding (RFx) processes to identify and select best-value suppliers.
• Develop and execute category strategies that align with business objectives, focusing on cost reduction, quality improvement, and risk mitigation.
• Independently negotiate favorable terms, pricing, and service levels with suppliers.
• Draft, review, and finalize a variety of commercial contracts, statements of work (SOWs), Master Service Agreements in collaboration with legal and internal stakeholders.
• Ensure all contractual agreements comply with organizational standards and regulatory requirements.
• Establish and maintain strong, collaborative relationships with key suppliers to drive performance, innovation, and continuous improvement.
• Manage supplier performance through regular business reviews, tracking key performance indicators (KPIs), and ensuring adherence to contractual obligations.
• Address and resolve complex supplier issues, disputes, and performance deficiencies promptly.
• Serve as a trusted advisor to internal business partners (e.g., IT, Operations, Legal, Finance) to understand their needs and align procurement activities accordingly.
• Facilitate effective communication between suppliers and internal stakeholders throughout the sourcing and contracting process.
• Other duties as assigned

Skills & Qualifications

• Minimum of 5 years of progressive experience in Procurement, Strategic Sourcing, or Supply Chain Management.
• Proven track record in Indirect Procurement, with strong expertise in 
• Bachelor’s degree in Business, Supply Chain, Finance, or a related field.
• Demonstrated experience sourcing in at least one of the following domains: Information Technology (IT) or Logistics/Transportation (highly preferred).

Forward Air is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

Since 1990, Forward Air has been a leading provider of ground transportation and related logistics services to the North American air freight and expedited LTL market. We offer surface shipping on an accelerated “time-definite” basis, delivering cargo at a specific time, but under less time-sensitive situations – supplying you with a cost effective, reliable alternative to air transportation. We work with companies of all sizes to develop tangible advantages and build the best products to meet your specific needs. Forward Air presents to the wholesale transportation community (logistics companies, freight forwarders, integrated air cargo carriers, passenger/ cargo airlines, and non-traditional shippers), a single-source provider that can deliver more supply chain services and a superior menu of choices. Throughout the years we have added supplementary lines to our linehaul service, such as full truckload operations (Truckload Services), final-mile coverage (Complete® Cartage), and an Airline Logistics program, and we will continue to expand our services to meet the changing needs and growth of our customer base.

Forward Air is structured to optimize both savings and service to our customers. Direct partnerships with owner-operators and other surface transportation providers, enable us to remain cost-competitive. The Forward Air network is designed with over 90 facilities located at or near major U.S. and Canadian airports, 12 regional sort centers and over 300 beyond points (secondary airports provided through our Complete Cartage service), creating one of the most comprehensive linehaul networks in the industry.

Ranked 3rd in Newsweeks 2022 "Americas Most Trustworthy Companies" publication