OVERVIEW

The Sourcing Specialist drives and coordinates sourcing efforts in preparation for material and service procurement. The role's focus will be on cost savings, supplier development, pre-procurement strategy, and negotiation of supply agreements. Entails daily interaction with internal business unit and supply chain stakeholders, and suppliers.

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Support Operations, Supply Chain, and Accounting goals to reduce material costs, streamline supplier portfolio, negotiate optimize payment terms, and ensure transparency in spending.
• Analyze spend data to identify and execute cost-savings, cost-avoidance, and value-analysis/value engineering (VA/VE) opportunities within assigned product lines, commodity groups, and business units.
• Become a "functional expert" of strategic sourcing within assigned product lines and commodity groups.
• Develop and implement strategic purchasing procedures and control systems to reduce direct costs and carrying costs. (ex. VMI & strategic stocking agreements.
• Manage and develop relationships with suppliers to attain maximum cost efficiency, leverage buying power, develop capabilities, ascertain stability, and anticipate supply disruptions
• Provide sourcing support and guidance to buyers, R&D, marketing, and facilities staff in preparation of procurement.
• Support recovery activities and prevent supply disruptions of materials caused by business closures, accounting delays, upstream raw material shortages, etc.
• Participate in business segment category meetings to collect and relay relevant sourcing assignment details.
• Ensure compliance to relevant government regulations, third-party certifications (ex.ISO, NIJ) and company policies within assigned product lines and commodities.
• Ability to train or mentor plant buyers as needed
• Ability to influence and lead indirectly

QUALIFICATIONS

• Minimum of five (5) years sourcing or procurement experience preferred
• Project management experience a plus.
• Five (5) years experience within a manufacturing environment.
• Four-year (4) degree in a business, economics or finance discipline.
• Supply chain related certification such as APICS CPIM preferred
• Strong negotiation skills, with the ability to engage and manage suppliers
• Knowledge of industry or plant specific measuring processes, including LEAN mfg.
• Knowledge of government procurement process, DFAR and contract language
• Knowledge of import and domestic purchasing, related documentation and logistics
• Ability to navigate material specification processes and conventions.
• Strong organizational, follow-up, analytical, and problem-solving skills
• Concise and pro-active communication skills with ability to lead indirectly
• Team oriented and comfortable working with cross functional teams
• Creative thinking, constructive, positive attitude
• Microsoft Office skills to include Excel, Word and PowerPoint
• Occasional travel to vendor locations or trade shows
• Walking through various part of facilities, including stairs