Strategic Sourcing Specialist

Location: Northern

** At Rite-Hite, your work makes an impact.
** As the global leader in loading dock and door equipment, we design and deliver solutions that keep our customers safe, secure, and productive. Here, you’ll find innovation, stability, and the chance to grow your career as part of a team that’s always looking ahead. Working cross-functionally, the Strategic Sourcing Specialist is responsible for several diverse actions within the organization, with principal focus on sourcing, supplier management, and supplier development, maintaining an agile and aggressive supply base while procuring high quality goods at a fair and competitive price.  

This role also manages the execution of sourcing strategies that produce tangible value through the implementation of new product development and value analysis value engineering processes and projects that yield a reduced total cost of material acquisition, revenue and gross margin improvement, supply base alignment, enhanced product quality, and overall reduction of risk.  
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* ESSENTIAL RESPONSIBILITIES:

*** Identify and deliver material cost productivity to the cost of goods sold leveraging continuous improvement methodologies including Total Cost of Ownership (TCO) improvements through VA/VE, should-cost modeling, price negotiation and design-to-cost initiatives.
* Manage supplier expectations and performance, driving corrective action and improvements as prescribed using data analytics
* Develop, negotiate, and execute agreements with suppliers that provides best in class services
* Lead New Product Innovation projects from sourcing side by leveraging preferred supplier programs
* Identify new suppliers to support life cycle product strategy for new, existing, or end of life products
* Utilize Supplier Relationship software to support improved supplier execution
* Develop comprehensive RFx processes, analysis and reporting of benchmarking information including potential risks and financial, capacity, quality, and compliance issues associated with suppliers.
* Optimize the supply chain of goods and services from our suppliers to our customers by focusing on market driven responsiveness and Aid in material management escalations
* Internal Stakeholders:
Collaborate effectively with key stakeholders (engineering, operations, quality, etc.) to understand sourcing requirements, ensure supplier qualification, and maintain high quality standards.
* Cross-functional Teams:
Partner with business unit Procurement and Engineering teams to facilitate smooth supplier transitions.
* Supplier Selection:
Conduct thorough RFx processes to select and negotiate contracts with optimal terms and conditions.  
** EDUCATION and/or EXPERIENCE
*** Bachelor’s Degree in Engineering, Supply Chain, Business or Operations or related field OR equivalent work experience
* 3 years’ experience in Strategic Sourcing or related work environment
* Knowledge of supplier contracts, product conformity, quality toolbox and problem-solving methodologies
* Proficiency in data analysis and relevant procurement tools.
* Proven ability to assess, negotiate, and manage suppliers effectively.
* Strong collaboration, facilitation, and conflict resolution skills in a matrixed environment.
* Excellent verbal and written communication skills.  
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* Preferred Qualifications:

*** Experience with Business Intelligence (BI) software such as Power BI, Tableau, etc.
* Experience with ERP and Supplier Relationship software packages e.g. Oracle, JDE, etc.
* Familiarity with Continuous Improvement and Six Sigma concepts & methodologies
* Strong business acumen, including demonstrated knowledge of the four main financial statements
* Strong negotiation skills
* Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, especially Excel.
* Spanish…