Sourcing Specialist-Direct Materials

POSITION SUMMARY: The Sourcing Specialist will support in the development and implementation of commodity / supply chain activities that significantly contributes to year over year sales growth and operational improvement through Total Cost of Ownership (TCO) sourcing process. Primary responsibilities include preparing, reviewing, analyzing, and executing sourcing activities and projects which solve problems and improve supply chain metrics. ESSENTIAL DUTIES / RESPONSIBILITIES: - Part of the global sourcing team supporting the sourcing of cluster of procurement categories at a global and regional level. - Supports new supplier development and cost reduction projects across the categories assigned at a global and regional level. - Serves as an extension of the core team that implements best practice standardization in terms of sourcing processes, procurement market strategies, supplier strategies and risk mitigation. - Maintains subject matter understanding specific to assigned categories: procurement market, commodity markets, cost driver and risk mitigation. - Supports Strategic Sourcing Managers to source products and services, assist supplier audits, negotiate tooling and pricing, write contracts, perform value analysis to ensure supplier contract and timeline compliance. - Assist in improving supplier performance metrics and scorecards. - Working within the category cluster/team, this role is responsible for executing projects, analysis, and necessary tasks to deliver the team's sourcing strategy to key stakeholders that includes engineering, sales, operations, quality etc. - Lead assigned analysis, projects, and execute actions in order to make improvements in total cost including terms, freight, unit cost, quality improvement and inventory reduction. - Analyze and report on global commodity indexes and macro-environment trends to ensure uninterrupted flow of product at current or better cost. - Visit suppliers for continuous improvement and project execution in partnership with the Strategic Sourcing Manager. PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS: Education: - Bachelor's degree in a technical or business field - CPIM and or equivalent professional certification will be an advantage - Travel Requirements -- 10% domestic Experience: Prefer Five (5) or more years' experience or equivalent education and experience in supporting the sourcing of raw materials, manufactured components, mechanical equipment or components, services and purchased complete items. Understanding of procurement category management with strong understanding on cost reduction, procurement market and supplier strategy, risk mitigation and contracts setting. Basic understanding of commodity markets in a global supply chain environment: steel, aluminum, copper, plastics, paper etc. Desired prior experience of working within a global team and global category management setting. Strong project management experience: able to independently drive new supplier sourcing and or cost reduction initiatives and meet key sourcing objectives in a timely manner under the direction of a Strategic Sourcing Manager. Knowledge of basic manufacturing processes, metal cutting, casting, machining, plastic injection molding, metal fabrication, and electronics. Demonstrated experience reading engineering drawings and specifications will be an advantage. Basic experience in global and comprehensive supplier relationship management and advanced negotiation techniques. Data analysis, problem solving and reporting skill sets. Experience working in global supply environment and with international suppliers or colleagues. Demonstrated teamwork skills, self-motivated and strong communication and interpersonal skills. Knowl