Strategic Sourcing Specialist

A can’t miss opportunity for a Strategic Sourcing Specialist in Lawrence, KS! Are you looking for a new challenge with a long-standing successful manufacturing team?

Do you consider yourself a strong, versatile sourcing professional, skilled at managing projects with key internal and external stakeholders to successful execution? Do you thrive in an environment where your natural curiosity and ability to seek out opportunities and change is valued and encouraged? If so, perhaps the Strategic Sourcing role with Amarr, an ASSA ABLOY company, is for you!

This role reports to the Director of Sourcing with two other Strategic Sourcing Specialists, this is an opportunity for a results-driven and detail-oriented individual with vision to work, learn and grow in a professional sourcing environment. You will work closely within the Supply Chain team, as well as with Distribution, Marketing, Finance, Engineering, and Manufacturing Operations to coordinate sourcing strategy, negotiating with key suppliers, and purchasing crucial commodities. This role also works closely with product development and value analysis/value engineering. You will facilitate the development and execution of category and sourcing strategies to realize overall business objectives.

What are some of the exciting things you will do in this role?

• Identify, select, qualify, and form strategic partnerships with suppliers based on internal and external customer needs within the framework of Amarr’s strategic direction.
• Evaluate suppliers' capabilities with regard to quality, technology, service, cost competitiveness, capacity, financial strengths, flexibility, and commitment.
• Negotiate the best price and terms and through the onboarding process, establishes expectations for our partners.
• Execute master purchase agreements.
• Develop sourcing and overall supply chain strategies within a category or categories.
• Manage sourcing projects as project leader, working closely with cross-functional groups to ensure seamless project implementation.
• Work upstream on product development programs pending requirements and aligns with Engineering, Marketing, Manufacturing, Finance and Sales to champion the sourcing role and ensure practical cycle time is communicated and provided to procure material.
• Work closely with the procurement (Buyer/Planners, Purchasing Manager) team on cost, source information, lead-time, and other appropriate information to the production environment.
• Collaborate with Supplier Development and Supplier Quality Engineering to ensure that supplier performance and DDPM goals are achieved through the sourcing strategy
• In conjunction with Procurement, Supplier Development and Supplier Quality Engineering, facilitate and manage supplier performance (i.e. cost, quality, delivery, customer service).
• Work in partnership with Sales, Engineering, Manufacturing, Marketing, Customers and Suppliers on identified Value Engineering initiatives.

We know you might be a great fit to join our team if:

You are a curious, out-of-the-box, team-oriented, yet contrary thinking individual (not afraid to challenge) that wants to bring your skills and experience to the team. You possess at least 5 years of professional experience in sourcing, category management, project management, or supply chain management within a lean manufacturing organization or similar. A background working with buyers, planners, and expediters is helpful.

You are an analytical individual who is strategic and possesses the ability to drive short-term operational objectives. You possess a solid understanding of total cost of ownership and total landed cost and apply these concepts when performing total cost analyses. You have exceptional computer skills, with JD Edwards experience. You are in your comfort zone presenting to internal and external groups, peers and executives, to sell ideas and proposals and provide critical information. You have knowledge of relevant operational sourcing/procurement processes, preferably within an ERP/MRP based manufacturing company. A highly desirable candidate has experience and expertise in one or more relevant categories such as flat steel, rod/spring wire, aluminum, glass, chemicals, EPS, stamped and roll-formed components, and/or corrugate. In addition, significant project management experience within a supply chain function performing strategy development is significantly valued. The successful candidate has exceptional interpersonal and social skills and can find solutions across functional groups. Strong negotiation skills with a collaborative approach are necessary.

As one of North America’s leading garage door manufacturers, Amarr Company (part of global access solutions leader ASSA ABLOY) takes pride in fostering a culture where employees enjoy many opportunities for career growth, rapid advancement, and relocation to some of America’s most desired cities. Although Amarr Company is an international business, employees enjoy a family-oriented, caring culture and rewarding work environment. Amarr Company offers competitive wages, generous benefits, and a bonus program for every employee. At Amarr Company, the door is always open and there is no ceiling to your career growth.