Category Sourcing Specialist

The Category Sourcing Specialist provides support to the organizations commercial manufacturing operations and product development programs by driving continuous improvements in supplier performance, cost competitiveness, quality, delivery, and innovation. This individual will proactively manage the end-to-end Supply Chain Level Process to ensure that Service Level Expectations of Internal Customers are satisfied.

Independently, and in collaboration with Suppliers and other key internal stakeholders, this position will identify and execute projects with the objective of cost reduction, inventory turns improvement, E&O reduction, reduced production shortages, lead time reduction, quality improvement and working capital improvement across assigned supplier base..

Responsibilities

• In collaboration with the Category Manager, develop and execute component sourcing and supplier development strategies that support the Operational, Commercial and Technical requirements of the organization.
• Lead and support continuous improvement initiatives that drive improvements in Quality, Delivery and Cost.
• Develop RFP’s & RFQ’s to be sent to qualified sources, review proposals, and assist in the selection of suppliers and award of contracts.
• Manage all aspects of new product sourcing and prototype and initial production parts procurement while meeting the time, risk, and cost elements of the program.
• Provide and manage component development timelines for design and engineering deliverables that will allow for successful execution by the supplier.
• Facilitate integration of suppliers and supplier teams into the appropriate stages of the new product development process to achieve best total cost while meeting design and engineering objectives.
• Lead and support TCA cost reduction activities and VA/VE reviews of specific components to identify cost reduction opportunities, quality improvements, and lead-time reductions.
• Negotiate with current and potential suppliers to achieve lowest total cost solutions
• Implement and maintain the PFEP (Plan For Every Part) and/or other relevant procurement metrics and data for assigned purchased components.
• Review all ECO’s to support the effectivity of all new parts to be phased in, old parts to be phased out, and part revisions with the goal of minimizing obsolete inventory.
• Provide timely and detailed communications to the supply base regarding quality, delivery, and warranty issues.
• Support NPD through the development of S.O.W. specifications, RFP’s and supplier selection.
• Support new tooling requirements, prototypes, PPAP’s, pre-production requirements, and production launch timelines.
• Visit supplier manufacturing facilities to conduct audits, verify capabilities, and build relationships

Education / Experience

• BS/BA degree in Business/Finance or Engineering or closely related field preferred or relevant experience.
• 3-5 years of progressive Procurement experience, exposure to high volume, highly engineered environment preferred.
• Experience in manufacturing environment with an understanding of Sourcing, Materials Management, and/or Logistics.
• Experience in one or more of the following Categories Aluminum, Steel, Stampings & Fabrications, Plastics, Resin & Fiberglass, Packaging, Sourced Finished Goods.
• 1 or more of below certifications (Preferred)
• P.M.
• CPSM
• CPIM
• Project Management
• Lean Six Sigma Black belt / Greenbelt

Skills

• Must be self-motivated, organized, and able to adapt quickly to changing project demands with the ability to work independently with minimal oversight.
• High level of analytical ability required to develop and maintain project plans while balancing workloads for a large number of projects
• Strong communication, interpersonal, and facilitation skills required to interact with all levels of management, teams and suppliers
• Excellent negotiation and cost management skills a must
• Proven ability to function effectively in a highly matrixed and cross functional environment
• Strong organizational skills with attention to detail required
• Ability to prioritize and handle multiple duties and projects
• Proficiency in MS Office Word, Excel, Project, PowerPoint and Access
• Willingness to accept new responsibilities