Vice President Procurement

Vice President of Procurement

Worldwide Electric intends to continue our industry-leading growth by providing our customers with the products and services they have come to expect from us. Our mission is to provide a great customer experience by delivering industry-leading products and solutions with a focus on service and a shared sense of urgency. We credit our success directly to our people, led by a strong, engaging management team. To continue our expansion, we’re seeking a highly experienced leader reporting directly to our COO.

Company Overview

WorldWide Electric, founded in 1998 and headquartered in Rochester, NY, is a leading developer and distributor of high-quality electric motors, gear reducers, motor controls, generators, and frequency converters. The company focuses on exceeding customer expectations with exceptional product availability, value, and service.

In 2020, WorldWide Electric acquired Louis Allis, a manufacturer of specialty motors, followed by the acquisition of Georator Corporation and Gleason-Avery in 2021. In 2023, they acquired North American Electric, their largest competitor. These acquisitions enhance WorldWide Electric’s ability to provide a wide range of products and services, including standard, modified, and custom solutions.

With manufacturing facilities in Alabama, Mississippi, and New York, as well as a team across the US, WorldWide Electric operates with seven regional warehouses, offering unmatched technical and customer support.

Position Overview:

We are seeking a dynamic Vice President of Demand Planning, Strategic Sourcing, and SIOP to ensure optimal inventory management and supply chain operations. This key leadership role will oversee demand forecasting, strategic sourcing, supplier relationships, and SIOP processes to align with our business objectives. Reporting directly to the COO, the ideal candidate will demonstrate a proven track record in developing and executing sourcing strategies, managing global supply chains, and driving continuous improvement across the supply chain.

Key Responsibilities:

Strategic Sourcing & Cost Optimization:

• Lead the identification and development of new low-cost sourcing regions to drive significant cost savings without compromising quality.

• Develop and implement procurement strategies that align with business goals and optimize spend, focusing on both short-term cost reduction and long-term value.

• Establish and monitor cost-effective purchasing strategies across all commodities and product categories, ensuring the most competitive and reliable suppliers are engaged.

International Supply Chain Optimization:

• Design and implement global procurement strategies that drive efficiency across the entire supply chain, reducing lead times and improving delivery performance.

• Collaborate with logistics, operations, and production teams to ensure seamless integration of procurement and supply chain processes.

• Evaluate and implement best practices to streamline global logistics, enhance inventory management, and reduce transportation and distribution costs.

Supplier Relationship Management:

• Build and maintain strategic relationships with global suppliers, ensuring competitive pricing, high-quality, and reliable service.

• Develop supplier performance metrics and drive continuous improvement through regular evaluations, feedback, and partnerships.

• Negotiate and manage high-value contracts with suppliers, securing favorable terms for the organization.

Risk Management & Compliance:

• Identify and mitigate potential risks in the supply chain, including geopolitical, economic, and environmental factors that could affect procurement operations.

• Ensure that all procurement activities comply with relevant regulations, standards, and ethical practices.

• Develop contingency plans to minimize supply chain disruptions and proactively address any issues that may arise.

Cross-Functional Collaboration & Leadership:

• Work closely with internal teams, including finance, operations, legal, and product development, to ensure alignment on procurement objectives and business strategies.

• Lead, mentor, and develop a high-performing procurement team, fostering a culture of collaboration, innovation, and continuous improvement.

• Report regularly to senior leadership on procurement performance, cost savings initiatives, and any emerging trends or challenges in the supply chain.

Market Intelligence & Innovation:

• Stay abreast of market trends, technological advancements, and emerging sourcing regions to ensure procurement strategies are forward-thinking and adaptable to change.

• Implement digital tools and technologies to enhance procurement processes, improve forecasting accuracy, and drive efficiency across the organization.

Demand Planning & Forecasting:

• Lead the demand planning function, ensuring accurate sales forecasts and alignment with inventory management to meet customer demand without overstocking.

• Collaborate with sales, marketing, and production teams to refine demand forecasting methods and ensure timely procurement of materials.

• Utilize advanced forecasting techniques and demand planning software to optimize stock levels and reduce stockouts or excess inventory.

Key Requirements:

• Experience: Minimum of 10 years in senior demand planning, SIOP, or strategic sourcing roles, with a proven ability to lead global supply chains.

• Educational Background: Bachelor’s degree in supply chain management, Business, or a related field (MBA preferred).

• Skills & Expertise:

o Advanced proficiency in demand planning tools, statistical forecasting techniques, and ERP systems (Epicor P21 highly desirable).

o Strong analytical skills, with experience in data analysis, data modeling, and Excel.

o Expertise in supplier relationship management, contract negotiations, and international sourcing.

o Strong leadership, communication, and project management skills.