Strategic Sourcing Specialist

As the leading transit bus manufacturer in the United States, GILLIG buses play a critical role in the environmental and social initiatives in communities across our nation. GILLIG is on the forefront in the transition to zero-emission vehicles and has an unmatched reputation in the industry for quality, reliability, durability, service, and support. From initial design through final assembly, each GILLIG bus is designed and built in Livermore, CA.

• Leader in environmentally friendly mobility solutions including battery electric, hybrid electric, near-zero CNG and clean diesel transit buses
• Renowned for its inclusive team/family-oriented culture
• Stable, successful, and growing organization – a Bay Area business for over 132 years!
• Flexible schedules (depending on project needs)
• Excellent compensation including company paid medical premiums, generous retirement plan and other comprehensive benefits

In this role, you will be responsible for developing, managing, and optimizing supplier relationships across a diverse range of commodities. You will lead the full sourcing lifecycle, including supplier identification, RFP management, cost analysis, and contract negotiation to deliver measurable value in quality, cost, and delivery performance. The Sourcing Specialist will also play a key role in the New Product Engineering process by planning, negotiating, and procuring components critical to GILLIG’s OEM production.

This position requires strong analytical and communication skills, strong business acumen, and the ability to build effective cross‑functional alignment. The ideal candidate demonstrates strategic thinking, proactive initiative, and the ability to execute sourcing strategies that support GILLIG’s long‑term operational and financial objectives.

• Develop a strong understanding of the current supply base; assess supplier performance to select optimal partners and identify, evaluate, and onboard new suppliers and technologies to support current and future product requirements.
• Develop, issue, and manage RFPs; review proposals, analyze quotations, and recommend sourcing decisions.
• Negotiate and execute supplier contracts, including terms related to pricing, rebates, delivery, and quality standards.
• Support New Product Engineering (NPE) initiatives by planning and purchasing materials aligned with project timelines and cost targets.
• Serve as the Supply Chain representative in cross‑functional project meetings, ensuring alignment on sourcing activities and timelines.
• Collaborate across Engineering, Production, Sales, and Product Planning and Strategy, and Production Procurement to optimize sourcing strategies and address supplier performance gaps.
• Build and maintain strategic supplier relationships, acting as the primary point of contact for supplier performance, issue resolution, and continuous improvement for new suppliers.
• Conduct market analysis, evaluate cost structures, research part usage and PCO’s, and utilize data‑driven insights to support negotiation, inventory impact assessment, and risk mitigation.
• Perform other related duties as assigned.

• Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain Management, Business Administration, or a related field, or equivalent work experience.
• 5+ years of experience in sourcing, purchasing, or supply chain management.
• Strong analytical, problem‑solving, and organizational skills with a high attention to detail.
• Excellent communication, negotiation, and interpersonal skills.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Excel, Word, PowerPoint) and experience with ERP systems.
• Demonstrated ability to manage multiple priorities and meet deadlines in a dynamic manufacturing environment.
• Proven ability to translate data insights into sourcing decisions.

• Ability to lift 30 lbs.
• Prolonged periods of sitting/standing at a desk and working on a computer.
• Working environment includes office settings, manufacturing floor, and warehouse.
• Regularly required to sit, stand, and walk and occasionally kneel or squat.
• Must be able to navigate manufacturing environment, comfortable around heavy machinery, tools, etc.
• Must be able to…