Course Details
Fundamentals of Strategic Sourcing
Strategic sourcing is a critical capability that enables organizations to make better purchasing decisions and improve business performance. This course builds on foundational purchasing knowledge and introduces the tools, frameworks and best practices used by leading sourcing organizations.
Participants get hands-on practice with quadrant analysis and supplier evaluations and develop content for a service-related RFP. This course is an excellent follow-up to the Fundamentals of Purchasing course.
Recommended For
Buyers • Procurement Specialists • Strategic Sourcing Professionals • Purchasing Managers • Supply Chain Professionals
Recommended prerequisite: Fundamentals of Purchasing.
What You Will Learn
- Develop supply strategies using proven models, including the "Should Be" strategy development approach
- Build and lead a strategic sourcing process — from identifying the project to selling it to stakeholders and forming the team
- Apply quadrant analysis and supplier evaluations through hands-on exercises
- Develop content for a service-related RFP to strengthen solicitation quality
- Manage suppliers across the full cycle: spend analysis, identification, evaluation, selection and performance management
- Apply cost management tools including total cost of ownership, cost drivers and price and cost analysis
- Strengthen negotiation fundamentals — from preparation and styles to closure and post-negotiation review
- Navigate key legal and ethical considerations, including UCC Article 2 and ISM principles and standards
Virtual Class Schedule
Day 1 - 10:00 am ET - 1:30 pm ET / 7:00 am PT - 10:30 am PT (3.5 hours), Break for Lunch
Day 1 - 2:30 pm ET - 6:00 pm ET / 11:30 am PT - 3:00 pm PT (3.5 hours)
Day 2 - 10:00 am ET - 1:30 pm ET / 7:00 am PT - 10:30 am PT (3.5 hours), Break for Lunch
Day 2 - 2:30 pm ET - 6:00 pm ET / 11:30 am PT - 3:00 pm PT (3.5 hours)
Member Price: $1,395.00
VIRTUAL CLASS
Date
Oct 13-14, 2026
Location
Additional Information
Presenters
Ana Brasher is an accomplished consultant in supply chain and procurement, with over two decades of experience spanning diverse sectors such as Energy, Manufacturing, and Logistics. As the President of Supply$ense Consulting, she is on a mission to empower clients to create a cost-competitive edge through efficient procurement practices. Her expertise lies in strategy development, cost reduction, organizational design, and work process optimization.
In her most recent role at Ecolab, Ana established a Strategic Supplier Program to unlock additional value from premium suppliers. This program focused on innovation, supply chain collaboration, sustainability, and cost optimization. Her success led to a broader role within the organization as the VP of Global Procurement. In this capacity, she led the global category management team to execute raw material strategies, conduct commercial negotiations, and ensure the reliability of the supply base. Ana acted as a change agent, transforming business processes, internal stakeholder relationships, and reorganizing the team for optimization. She also prioritized team development to stabilize the procurement function during a period of transition.
Prior to her tenure at Ecolab, Ana spent 25 progressive years at Baker Hughes. Her leadership roles included New Product Development, Operations Support, Mergers & Acquisitions, and Strategic Sourcing. Notably, in the Strategic Sourcing role, she transformed the tactical buying team into a global category management team. This strategic shift resulted in double-digit cost reductions over three years and unprecedented supplier collaboration.
Ana Brasher’s approach blends insightful and practical strategies for supply chain sourcing and procurement, all while leveraging her strong business acumen. Her contributions have left a lasting impact on the organizations she has served, making her a respected figure in the field.
Ana holds a Bachelor of Science in Industrial Engineering from Texas A&M University and resides in Houston, Texas.
Terms And Conditions
Virtual Learning Transferals: Registrations are transferable without any charge to another ISM Virtual Learning Course occurring within 12 months of the original purchase. Transferring registrations to another party are subject to price variance or change based on membership status and an additional $50 fee will be incurred. Any bundled purchases are non-refundable.
Cancellations Virtual Learning: Cancellations more than 5 weeks before the date of the course will incur an administrative charge of 50 percent. Cancellation within 5 weeks of the date of the event will be charged the full fee. You must notify ISM in writing of a cancellation. Any bundled purchases are non-refundable.
Tax Deduction: The Internal Revenue Service may permit an income tax deduction to U.S. residents for expenses (including registration fees, travel costs, meals and lodging) incurred in pursuit of continuing professional education. Consult your tax adviser for details.