What are the responsibilities and job description for the Strategic Sourcing Manager position at Lodge Cast Iron?
Strategic Sourcing Manager
About Lodge Cast Iron
We got our start over 125 years ago when Joseph Lodge founded the Blacklock Foundry in South Pittsburg, TN. His scrappy, hardworking spirit continues to lead us today. As a team, we believe cast iron is for everyone. We’re dedicated to manufacturing American-made cookware that we’re proud to use in our very own homes and excited to bring to kitchens, backyards, and campfires around the world. Day in and day out, we work together to stay safe, have fun, and be better than we were the day before.
We got our start over 125 years ago when Joseph Lodge founded the Blacklock Foundry in South Pittsburg, TN. His scrappy, hardworking spirit continues to lead us today. As a team, we believe cast iron is for everyone. We’re dedicated to manufacturing American-made cookware that we’re proud to use in our very own homes and excited to bring to kitchens, backyards, and campfires around the world. Day in and day out, we work together to stay safe, have fun, and be better than we were the day before.
What fires us up?
By now, you may have caught on to the fact that we’re serious about spreading the joys of cast iron. And while we’re always on the lookout for ways to innovate, we believe in the adage: If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it. That’s why we stand by a simple recipe of just iron and oil (no forever chemicals, since forever!). It’s also why we’re passionate about keeping our campus in our hometown of South Pittsburg, Tennessee, providing great jobs to our community. As we bring our cookware to the next generation of cast iron chefs, we’re looking for people to help us stay true to our roots every step of the way. Does that sound like something you can get behind?
By now, you may have caught on to the fact that we’re serious about spreading the joys of cast iron. And while we’re always on the lookout for ways to innovate, we believe in the adage: If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it. That’s why we stand by a simple recipe of just iron and oil (no forever chemicals, since forever!). It’s also why we’re passionate about keeping our campus in our hometown of South Pittsburg, Tennessee, providing great jobs to our community. As we bring our cookware to the next generation of cast iron chefs, we’re looking for people to help us stay true to our roots every step of the way. Does that sound like something you can get behind?
A Day in the Life of a Strategic Sourcing Manager
The Strategic Sourcing Manager is responsible for developing and driving global category strategies for direct and indirect spends. This role requires understanding business and company requirements to improve value while partnering with key stakeholders. Responsibilities include driving the end-to-end sourcing process, crafting and leading category strategies, conducting spend and market analysis, running RFQs, negotiating contracts and pricing, and managing supplier relationships.
The Strategic Sourcing Manager is responsible for developing and driving global category strategies for direct and indirect spends. This role requires understanding business and company requirements to improve value while partnering with key stakeholders. Responsibilities include driving the end-to-end sourcing process, crafting and leading category strategies, conducting spend and market analysis, running RFQs, negotiating contracts and pricing, and managing supplier relationships.
Responsibilities
- Collaborate with key stakeholders to align sourcing strategies and resources with business objectives and project requirements.
- Negotiate the best possible pricing, concessions, and other terms and conditions to meet savings and spend expectations.
- Negotiate, draft, and redline agreements, work orders, and other contract documents.
- Partner with cross-functional teams, such as product development, legal, risk, compliance, and security, as applicable, to conduct due diligence.
- Leverage data to evaluate additional category sourcing opportunities and implement a sourcing pipeline to drive commercial value for the organization.
- Conduct thorough market analysis and research to stay abreast of trends, emerging technologies, supplier capabilities, and competitive landscapes, developing a market point of view (POV).
- Stay current on industry standards and trends related to responsibilities.
- Foster strong, trusting relationships with stakeholders and business partners globally.
- Develop and maintain strategic relationships with key suppliers to ensure a competitive advantage in the market, assurance of supply, and operational cost-effectiveness.
- Manage and develop key suppliers using Supplier Relationship Management (SRM) tools and industry best practices.
- Measure and monitor progress to ensure savings and performance targets are achieved.
- Negotiate contracts and rates with carriers and logistics service providers.
- 5–10% domestic and international travel.
Minimum Requirements
- Bachelor’s degree in supply chain management, a similar field, or equivalent experience.
Summary of Necessary Knowledge, Experience, and Skills
- Demonstrated strong experience in negotiating, contracting, and working with suppliers across multiple categories.
- Exceptional analytical, conflict resolution, change management, project management, and problem-solving abilities.
- Outstanding communication and interpersonal skills, including influencing and persuasion.
- Leadership experience and presence to interact with senior leaders.
- Strong expertise in the RFQ process and an understanding of procurement processes.
- Strong client service orientation and the ability to collaborate with multiple stakeholders.
- Self-starter with a strategic mindset.
- Experience with lean methodologies is a plus.
Employee Benefits
- Competitive Pay
- Generous Paid Time Off
- Insurance Benefits (Medical, Dental, Vision, Prescription, Life, and Short-Term Disability)
- On-Site Clinic and Fitness Center
- 401K Match and Deferred Profit-Sharing Program
- Quarterly Profit Sharing
- Employee Assistance Program
- Scholarship Opportunity and Tuition Reimbursement
- Employee Discount at Lodge Factory Store and Big Bad Breakfast
- Safety, Holiday, and Celebration Dinners
Equal Opportunity Employer
Lodge Manufacturing does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, creed, national or ethnic origin, gender, religion, disability, age, political affiliation or belief, veteran status, or citizenship status (except in those special circumstances permitted or mandated by law).
Lodge Manufacturing does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, creed, national or ethnic origin, gender, religion, disability, age, political affiliation or belief, veteran status, or citizenship status (except in those special circumstances permitted or mandated by law).
