As a Strategic Sourcing Manager, you will play a crucial role in optimizing our material performance within our Village. You will work collaboratively across Brands to collectively improve our sourcing strategies. This includes effective communication, building offshore relationships, negotiating supply agreements and discounts, strategic outsourcing, material commitments, supplier audits, onboarding new suppliers, and increasing value-add opportunities while leveraging Village spend for the best price and performance. This position will also collaborate on specific brand product development and enhance our logistics performance to assist in creating a positive customer experience.

Responsibilities:

Cross-Functional Collaboration:

• Work collaboratively with cross-functional teams to ensure customer commitment to special items and support new product development initiatives.
• Work cross-functionally with Brands which include Sales, Customer Service, Engineering, Quality, Purchasing, Logistics and Operations.

Key Performance Metrics and Negotiation:

• Help develop and establish key performance metrics, including material and process selection for sourcing strategies.
• Negotiate supply agreements and implement strategies to streamline the supply chain.
• Own commodity indexes, market trends, become a lead indicator for optimizing Gross Margins.

Supplier Relationship Management:

• Bolster supplier relationships and ensure supplier compliance with technical and quality-related documentation requests.

Critical Thinking and Issue Resolution:

• Apply critical thinking skills to ensure customer satisfaction from RFQ through production.
• Support material and process issues by effectively communicating root causes and implementing solutions internally or with suppliers.

Process Optimization:

• Establish close working Brand relationships to ensure a full understanding and support of strategic sourcing’s perspective on key processes.
• Continuously identify opportunities for process optimization with the sourcing function.

Risk Management:

• Identify potential risks in the supply chain and develop mitigation strategies.

Cost Reduction Initiatives:

• Collaborate with internal teams to identify opportunities for cost reduction without compromising quality.
• Implement cost-saving initiatives through negotiation, process optimization, and alternative sourcing strategies.

Continuous Improvement:

• Drive continuous improvement initiatives within the sourcing process to enhance efficiency and reduce lead times.

Quality Assurance:

• Work closely with quality assurance teams to ensure that sourced materials and components meet established quality standards.

Contract Management:

• Manage contracts and agreements with suppliers, ensuring compliance and adherence to terms.
• Regularly review and update contracts to reflect changing business needs.

Education/Training:

• Associate degree with 5 to 7 years of experience in Business or Supply Chain Management. 
• Proven experience in strategic sourcing, procurement, or a related role.
• CPM certification is preferred.
• Epicor or ERP experience is a plus.

Knowledge/Skills/Abilities:

• Computer skills: MS Office; Syteline or Epicor (ERP)
• Understanding of drawings and schematics (mechanical and electrical)
• Detail-oriented
• Strong analytical and critical thinking skills 
• Time management and prioritization
• Strong negotiation, communication, and interpersonal skills
• Flexibility and ability to multi-task
• Self-directed; ability to work independently and collaboratively. 

Travel Requirements:

• 10% - Local Suppliers
• 5% - International Suppliers

Physical Requirements:

• Be able to lift at least 25 lbs. and up to 50 lbs. for short periods.

Materials and Equipment Utilized:

• Computers, printers, etc.

Working Environment:

• 10% Manufacturing: clean, low to moderate noise, safety glasses required, and other personal protective equipment (PPE) where applicable.
• 90% - Office