Sourcing Manager

Description

Summary

Reporting to the VP of Operations, the Sourcing Manager strategically manages procurement processes, cultivates and maintains supplier relationships, and oversees inventory planning. Additionally, the Sourcing Manager collaborates with cross-functional teams to optimize costs, quality, and delivery within an efficient supply chain. This position is responsible for procuring raw materials, outside services, resale materials for catalog sales, and MRO for operations. Furthermore, the Sourcing Manager provides leadership within the Operations team, driving Lean Manufacturing practices and Continuous Improvement initiatives.  

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

This list of functions and responsibilities is not all inclusive and may be expanded to include other duties and responsibilities, as management may deem necessary from time to time.

1. Create and implement sourcing strategies that shift procurement from a tactical cost center to a strategic value-added function, aligning best practices with organizational objectives and driving cost savings and value generation across the supply chain.
2. Acquire firsthand knowledge of production processes, quality control, and supplier capabilities.
3. Establish alternative sources for critical components and materials to reduce supply chain risk.
4. Regularly evaluate supplier performance, maintain and publish vendor scorecards, and address any unfavorable issues promptly.
5. Analyze and calculate costs of procurement and execute methods to decrease expenditure.
6. Implement process improvements and drive organizational excellence to the department plan. 
7. Collaborate with Product Managers to identify and source new products, either through established suppliers or proactive search efforts. Cultivate strong vendor relationships to meet business needs.
8. Identify suitable vendors and lead negotiation of purchasing agreements.
9. Manage contracts for services related to manufactured or purchased products.
10. Continuously assess vendor capabilities and explore alternative sources.
11. Stay informed about metal markets and recommend purchases based on price changes or unusual availability situations.
12. Be an integral contributor to the Product Manager’s Gross Margin improvement initiatives.
13. Travel on an occasional basis, up to 15 % of the time.
14. Perform other job duties as assigned

Requirements

Qualifications

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty 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

1. Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain Management, Business Administration, Engineering, or a related field is preferred.
2. Alternatively, a minimum of five years’ procurement or relevant supply chain experience will be considered in lieu of a degree. 
3. APICS certification is preferred. 
4. Proficiency in the Microsoft Suite of programs is essential. 
5. Experience with ERP systems, particularly Epicor, is preferred.

Job Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

1. Engineering background with expertise in interpreting blueprints, GD&T, and quality assurance.
2. Skilled at analyzing and interpreting technical procedures, market reports, government regulations, and other relevant documents.
3. Proficient in calculating figures and using formulas for informed purchasing decisions.
4. Demonstrates excellent leadership abilities including adeptness in negotiation.
5. Possesses strong analytical and strategic thinking capabilities.
6. Familiar with international business. Mandarin-speaking cultures and their business practices is a plus.
7. Proficient in written and oral communication, with the ability to interact effectively with customers, vendors, and colleagues.
8. Ability to work independently, prioritize and direct work.
9. Able to thrive in a dynamic, values-based work environment.
10. Initiative-taking and skilled at prioritizing tasks independently.

Physical Demands

The physical requirements outlined below are essential for successful job performance. While fulfilling job duties, employees frequently need to be on-site to manage projects. Additionally, employees must regularly engage in activities such as sitting, standing, walking, speaking, and listening. Occasionally, employees may need to bend, stoop, balance, and move within the facility. Specific vision abilities necessary for this role include close vision, distant vision, peripheral vision, and the ability to adjust focus. Furthermore, employees may occasionally lift and/or move objects weighing up to ten pounds.