Sourcing Analyst - job 1 of 2

As a Sourcing Analyst at Visa, your main responsibilities include managing the Source-To-Pay (S2P) process within the Ariba system, providing guidance to business users, and supporting the development of procurement operations. You'll troubleshoot internal customer issues, analyze spend data, and assist in integrating acquisitions into our procurement processes. The role also involves collaborating with Global Sourcing teams to foster transformational change.

To qualify for the Sourcing Analyst position at Visa, you should have at least three years of procurement experience in shared services or centralized procurement operations. Proficiency in SAP Ariba and a strong understanding of Sourcing and Contracting processes are essential. Familiarity with procurement policies, supporting documentation, and analytical skills will also be critical to your success in this role.

A Sourcing Analyst plays a vital role in the procurement process at Visa by facilitating efficient use of the Ariba system, managing procurement workflows, and supporting data analysis and reporting. Your contributions will help improve procurement operations, enhance supplier performance tracking, and ensure compliance with internal policies and procedures, thereby driving overall business efficiency.

At Visa, soft skills such as strong problem-solving abilities, effective communication, and the capacity to operate as a flexible team player are integral for a Sourcing Analyst. Additionally, self-motivation and initiative are crucial, as the role often requires agility in adapting to a dynamic and fast-paced environment. Cultivating stakeholder partnerships will also enhance your effectiveness in this role.

As a new Sourcing Analyst at Visa, you will receive comprehensive training focusing on our Sourcing and Contracting processes, the use of the Ariba system, and relevant procurement policies. Our training programs are designed to equip you with the necessary knowledge and resources to excel in your role while enhancing your skills in data analysis, reporting, and process improvement initiatives.

In an interview, you can explain that the Source-To-Pay process encompasses a full cycle from identifying procurement needs through sourcing and contract management to order fulfillment and payment processing. Provide examples of how ensuring compliance and efficiency at each stage can enhance overall procurement effectiveness.

Be ready to discuss your hands-on experience with SAP Ariba, including specifics about transactions you've processed, challenges you faced, and how you resolved them. Highlighting any training sessions you've conducted or participation in system enhancements will show your depth of integration with the tool.

When answering this question, emphasize your organizational skills, mentioning specific techniques like task lists or project management tools you use. Illustrate with an example of a busy project where you successfully maintained productivity while managing multiple deadlines.

Mention a specific challenge you encountered, such as discrepancies in supplier performance or compliance issues, and detail the steps you took to address it. Discussing the outcome will highlight your problem-solving skills and ability to make data-driven decisions.

You can explain your experience with various reporting tools and how you've leveraged them to provide insights into spend analytics and procurement performance. Discuss how these reports helped inform executive decisions or improve procurement processes.

Emphasize your communication strategies, such as regular updates or feedback sessions, that keep stakeholders informed and involved. Mention the importance of building relationships and understanding their needs to drive engagement effectively.

Discuss how you analyze current processes for bottlenecks or inefficiencies and the methodologies you apply to implement improvements. Using examples from past experiences where your initiatives yielded positive results will demonstrate your ability to enhance operational functions.

You can explain the resources you utilize, such as industry publications, webinars, and networking with professionals. Mention how staying informed helps you bring innovative ideas and best practices to your role at Visa.

Discuss your familiarity with procurement policies and how they govern purchasing transactions. Illustrating with examples where you've applied these in real scenarios can demonstrate your practical understanding of the policies involved in procurement operations.

Indicate your conflict resolution skills, discussing methods such as active listening, mediation techniques, and focusing on mutual benefits. Providing an instance where you successfully navigated a conflict will further support your ability to maintain professionalism in tense situations.