Throughout my career, I have successfully managed relationships with over 50 suppliers across various industries. My approach involves a strategic combination of building strong personal connections and leveraging data-driven insights to negotiate favorable terms. For instance, in my last role, I reduced our procurement costs by 15% through targeted negotiations and by identifying alternative suppliers without compromising on quality.

I align the sourcing process with company goals by first understanding the strategic objectives and then integrating them into the sourcing strategy. This involves setting clear KPIs for suppliers that reflect our business priorities, such as cost reduction, quality improvement, or sustainability. Regular reviews and adjustments ensure that our sourcing activities continuously support the overarching company strategy.

To mitigate supply chain risks, I employ a multi-faceted approach including diversification of suppliers, rigorous risk assessment during the vendor selection process, and maintaining a buffer stock for critical components. Additionally, I foster strong relationships with suppliers to ensure transparency and quick response to any disruptions. This proactive strategy has helped in minimizing risks and maintaining operational continuity.

I handle conflicts by maintaining open and honest communication, focusing on resolving issues rather than assigning blame. I believe in understanding the root cause of the disagreement and working collaboratively to find a mutually beneficial solution. This approach not only resolves conflicts efficiently but also strengthens the relationship with the supplier for future collaborations.

In a previous role, I led a project to source a critical component, which was previously procured at a high cost. By conducting a thorough market analysis and leveraging my negotiation skills, I identified a new supplier offering the same quality at a 20% lower price. This not only reduced our costs significantly but also improved our profit margins without compromising on product quality.