Strategic Sourcing Specialist

The Strategic Sourcing Specialist will provide support and sourcing expertise toward the execution of Strategic Sourcing programs at the Coker Group, including New Product Development, Supplier & Commodity Strategies, Supplier Relationship Management and Contract Negotiations. This is a key role in enabling success in all functions of the Global Supply Chain and supports cross functional efforts within the Supply Chain, Operations and Product Teams. Proven track record of leveraging initiative within matrix organization and ability to influence business partners across multiple levels within the organization.

Essential Functions:

• Be a Key Member of New Product Development teams, Responsible for Conducting RFQ, RFP Activities, evaluating and negotiating Quotes, leading conversations between internal technical resources and Supplier resources, and managing supplier through launch of New Products
• Drive Improvement in New Product Sourcing by developing and improving processes and tools focused on Quality, Cost, Speed to Market and Supplier Relationship Management
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams, including Product Development, Finance, Operations and Sales, to align sourcing strategies with product development goals.
• Execute strategic sourcing plans to optimize global procurement of Tires, Wheels and Automotive Hard Parts for Vintage and Classic applications
• Identify, evaluate, and onboard suppliers, ensuring they meet our quality, compliance, and cost requirements, while focusing on speed to market.
• Understand market trends and supplier capabilities to make informed sourcing decisions and mitigate risks.
• Participate in cross-functional initiatives aimed at improving overall supply chain efficiency and effectiveness.

Key skills and competencies of the position include, but are not limited to:

• Strong organization, attention to detail, and follow-up skills
• Excellent interpersonal skills with the ability to manage sensitive and confidential situations with tact, professionalism, and diplomacy.
• Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Proficient with Microsoft Office Suite or related software.
• Excellent analytical and problem-solving abilities, with a keen attention to detail.
• Excellent negotiation skills with the ability to influence and drive results with key suppliers.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills, capable of effectively collaborating with internal and external stakeholders.
• Exceptional communication, leadership, and problem-solving skills.

The successful candidate’s qualifications will include:

• Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain Management, Business, Engineering, or a related field; MBA preferred.
• 3 years of experience in Global strategic sourcing, experience in a manufacturing setting is preferred.
• Direct Experience working closely with International Suppliers is a plus

Working Conditions:

• The position will be required to be onsite at one of the below facilities:
  • Chattanooga, TN – Coker Tire Company
  • Richmond, VA – Zip Corvette Products
  • Sawyer, MI - Corvette Central, Inc.
• This position is scheduled to operate during business hours. Typical hours will be Monday – Friday 8am – 5pm
• This job operates in both a professional office and warehouse/shop environment.
• This role routinely uses standard office equipment, such as computers, phones, photocopiers, filing cabinets and fax machines.
• The individual in this position will spend several hours sitting and using office equipment and computers, which can cause muscle strain.
• This role will have to do some lifting of supplies, wheels and tires from time to time. Frequent lifting of 30-50 pounds should be expected. Occasional lifting of up to 75 pounds could be required.
• Travel is expected for this position (10% to 25% is possible)