Strategic Sourcing Supply Specialist

SUMMARY This Specialist position is responsible for managing Quoting Activities, New Product Introduction (NPI), and Special Project purchasing activities including supply chain project management, supplier evaluation and selection, supplier quote response management, cost estimating support, placement of initial long lead time and other purchase orders required to support new business, and timely problem resolution.   ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS Excellent communication skills are a must.  This position requires interaction with all areas of the company as well as suppliers and some customers. Responsible for entering and maintaining accurate product information in ERP system for New Products. Establish sources and costs for identified components and third party make/buy decisions. Work closely with Purchasing on transferring cost, source information, lead time, and other appropriate information to the production environment. Continuously communicate with supply base regarding schedule changes, expedite/de-expedite, and overall supplier performance. Facilitate and manage any supplier issues (i.e. cost, quality, delivery, customer service). Communicate and ensure implementation of engineering changes at suppliers. Identify and evaluate potential suppliers in support of new product development, including supplier visits where appropriate. Lead supply chain support for organizational initiatives such as manufacturing transfers to/from other facilities, new supplier processes supporting Lean initiatives, process improvements, and other special projects. Work with Sales, Engineering, Manufacturing and Customers on identified Value Engineering initiatives. For all new business, ensure that all customer requirements are properly flowed down to the supply base. *Other duties as required in support of the department and the company*   SUPERVISOR RESPONSIBILITIES The responsibilities of this role do not include supervising other employees.   QUALIFICATIONS  To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential job function satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.   EDUCATION and EXPERIENCE Bachelor’s degree (Business, Supply Chain, or Technical preferred) and three (3) years of experience in a similar role or high school diploma and 7 years of experience as a sourcing specialist.   CERTIFICATES, LICENSES, REGISTRATIONS APICS/ISM/Supply Chain certification or willingness to complete first 3 modules of APICS certification program (or equivalent) within two years of employment is preferred.   LANGUAGE REQUIREMENTS Excellent verbal and written communication skills in English. Conversational in any other language is a plus.   MATHEMATICAL SKILLS Ability to work with mathematical concepts such as probability and statistical inference.  Ability to apply concepts such as percentages, ratios, and proportions to job-related situations.   JOB SKILLS Computer proficiency with standard software packages, including Microsoft Word, Excel, and Power Point. Advanced skills are preferred. Knowledge of SAP (preferred) or other ERP systems, as well as manufacturing process and procedures, and the ability to share this knowledge with others.   Ability to communicate effectively and maintain relations with internal and external customers Excellent skills in Contract Administration; Multi-functional exposure; Inventory Control; Critical thinking and problem-solving capability; Specification interpretation; Technical Component and Assembly Knowledge; and Supply Base Knowledge. Experience in Lean, Six Sigma, or other continuous improvement. Ability to prioritize and handle multiple duties/projects at one time. Knowledge of scheduling, planning, engineering processes, materials, manufacturing processes, and ISO/AS9100 quality control systems in an ERP/MRP system environment. Ability to work independently with minimal oversight. Ability to read and understand manufacturing drawings with bill of materials. Experience purchasing electronic components, hardware, and or wire and cable preferred. Global sourcing experience, especially with Asian suppliers is a plus. A team player that can relate to people at all levels of the organization and possesses excellent communication skills. Ability to be flexible and able to function comfortably in a fast paced, constantly changing and ambiguous environment.  Ability to write reports, business correspondence, and procedure manuals. Ability to effectively present information and respond to questions from managers, customers, vendors, and employees.  Portrays a positive and professional image.  Ability to establish relations with a wide range of personalities, cultural backgrounds and educational levels. Ability to define problems, collect data, establishes facts, and draw valid conclusions.    PHYSICAL DEMANDS As part of their job duties, the employee must sit for lengthy periods while frequently using their hands to handle objects and communicate verbally. Additionally, they may need to stand, walk, reach, and occasionally lift objects weighing up to twenty (20) pounds. This role requires specific vision abilities, including close, distance, color, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus. According to ADA regulations, reasonable accommodation will be provided to ensure that individuals with disabilities can perform the job's essential functions.   WORK ENVIRONMENT This is an air-conditioned work environment where employees have desks or cubicles and work in a fixed location. The physical environment is usually comfortable, well-lit, and equipped with the necessary facilities and hardware. The company culture is a culture of teamwork, communication, continuous improvement, business casual, strategic, and goal oriented. The working conditions are stable, predictable, and secure.   ENVIRONMENTAL POLICY ACIT is fully committed to minimizing the environmental impact of its operations, activities, and products. To achieve this, we adhere to all applicable environmental regulations and laws, prevent pollution, and continuously improve our environmental performance in all our global operations. This is possible through an Environmental Management System that provides a framework for setting and reviewing our environmental objectives and targets. We aim to identify and reduce any negative environmental impact our business activities may have.   PERSONAL PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT REQUIREMENTS ASTM F–2412–2005, ANSI Z41–1999, or ANSI Z41–1991 rated safety toe shoes in specific areas. Clear ANSI Z87.1 safety-rated glasses in specific areas. Hearing protection in specific locations. Ability to compile with JSA in specific areas.   EXPORT COMPLIANCE DISCLAIMER This position includes access or potential access to ITAR and EAR (Export Administration Regulations) technical data. Therefore, candidates must qualify as US Persons, defined as US Citizens or Permanent Residents (Green Card Holders).   TRAVEL Approximately 15% of travel is expected.