What are the responsibilities and job description for the Sourcing Specialist position at MAI Animal Health?
Job Overview:
The Sourcing Specialist plays a key role in identifying, evaluating, and developing suppliers to support manufacturing operations. This position is responsible for negotiating pricing and contracts, ensuring supplier compliance, and collaborating with internal teams to optimize sourcing strategies. The ideal candidate will have strong analytical skills, excellent negotiation abilities, and the ability to adapt in a fast-paced manufacturing environment.
Essential Functions:
• Conduct research on potential products, vendors, and services, comparing price and quality to ensure optimal sourcing decisions.
• Analyze market trends, buying patterns, and forecasts to anticipate future supply needs.
• Identifying, evaluating, and escalating critical issues to Management with a planned path forward based on dialogue between buyer and supplier.
• Negotiate pricing, terms, and contracts to achieve cost savings while maintaining product quality and supply reliability.
• Monitor and assess supplier performance, focusing on quality, on-time delivery, and cost-effectiveness.
• Develop and implement sourcing strategies to improve operational efficiency, reduce risk, and support long-term business goals.
• Stay up to date on industry trends, material price fluctuations, and supply chain risks to make data-driven purchasing decisions.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with suppliers to foster reliable and sustainable partnerships.
• Perform all other duties as assigned
Knowledge and Skills
• Self-motivated with the ability to work both independently and collaboratively.
• Excellent written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to make data-driven sourcing decisions.
• Ability to assess and negotiate supplier quotes for cost-effectiveness and scheduling concerns.
• Adaptable to changing work environments, competing priorities, and unexpected challenges.
• Strong multitasking and organizational skills, with the ability to prioritize tasks effectively.
• Professional demeanor with the ability to maintain strong working relationships in a team-oriented setting.
Education and Experience:
• Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain Management, Business or a related field.
• 2 years of experience in sourcing, procurement, or supply chain management in a manufacturing environment (preferred).
• Proficient in Microsoft Excel, Word, and Epicor ERP system experience a plus.
Physical Requirements:
• Prolonged periods sitting at a desk and working on a computer.
• Ability to lift 15 lbs. at time.
MAI Animal Health is an Equal Opportunity Employer