Buyer, Supply Chain​/Logistics

Job Title:

Strategic Sourcing Specialist

Job Description

The Strategic Sourcing Specialist plays a key role in the supply chain management process by optimizing savings, strengthening procurement procedures, and supporting a designated commodity across all manufacturing locations. This role focuses on negotiating contracts and purchase agreements, developing strategic sourcing plans to mitigate supply chain risks, and establishing cost-saving and dual-sourcing initiatives for current and upcoming projects. The Strategic Sourcing Specialist builds and maintains strong relationships with suppliers, ensures the business receives optimal service, and proactively resolves supply-related issues impacting manufacturing sites.

Responsibilities

+ Execute and manage competitive, business-wide contracts and supplier relationships by leveraging combined volume across all business units to obtain better pricing and terms.

+ Research current purchased parts and identify alternative components that are more readily available and cost-effective.

+ Collaborate with suppliers to set up and maintain corporate accounts and favorable payment terms.

+ Work with affiliated and sister companies to combine similar product volumes and negotiate contracts with key suppliers.

+ Analyze, collect, and summarize procurement and spend data across the organization to support decision-making on future procurement strategies.

+ Act as a primary point of contact between the company and suppliers, maintaining strong relationships while continually scouting additional vendors to support future growth.

+ Work closely with finance and legal teams to ensure contract terms are favorable, compliant, and aligned with company objectives.

+ Develop and implement sound, cost-effective strategies for purchasing materials used in the business.

+ Conduct Quarterly Business Reviews with key suppliers to improve product quality, enhance delivery performance, and ensure supply reliability.

+ Create and maintain vendor scorecards, review performance with suppliers, and drive continuous improvement in quality, cost, and service.

+ Help define and support risk management procedures to mitigate losses in the event of product shortages, including elements of disaster recovery and business continuity planning.

+ Liaise with key internal stakeholders to understand their product and service needs and ensure procurement strategies align with operational requirements.

+ Create safety stock strategies for products in D365 to improve availability and reduce stock-out risk.

+ Support the establishment and standardization of corporate procurement processes to meet JSOX expectations and controlled process requirements.

+ Negotiate agreements, contracts, terms, and deadlines with vendors, balancing tactical cost reduction with strategic value to support overall company goals and initiatives.

+ Support the enhancement and improvement of the new vendor qualification process to ensure robust supplier onboarding and risk mitigation.

+ Collaborate with IT to establish new reports and processes that enhance procurement visibility and efficiency.

+ Support cost-saving initiatives for upcoming and current projects by identifying opportunities in sourcing, pricing, and supplier selection.

+ Provide sourcing and procurement support to all manufacturing locations for the designated commodity.

+ Onboard and vet new suppliers, ensuring they meet quality, cost, delivery, and compliance requirements.

+ Periodically travel to manufacturing sites, including locations such as St. Louis and Georgetown, for supplier and site support visits typically lasting 1 to 3 days, with travel expenses covered.

Essential Skills

+ Experience working in a sourcing or procurement function, supporting materials, components, or services for manufacturing or similar operations.

+ Strong understanding of procurement principles, strategic and tactical sourcing, and negotiation techniques.

+ Proven negotiation skills with the ability to secure favorable pricing, terms, and conditions while maintaining strong supplier relationships.

+ Strong analytical skills, including the ability to collect, analyze, and summarize data to support procurement decisions and strategy development.

+ Conflict resolution skills with the ability to address and resolve supplier or internal stakeholder issues professionally and effectively.

+ Experience working with any ERP system to manage purchasing, materials, or supply chain activities.

+ Strong communication skills, with the ability to build and maintain relationships with external suppliers and internal stakeholders.

+ Demonstrated attention to detail in contracts, data, and procurement processes.

+ Ability to work as a self-starter, taking initiative and managing responsibilities with minimal supervision.

+ Reliable, prompt, and consistently on time, with a strong work ethic and commitment to follow-through.

Additional

Skills & Qualifications

+ Experience working with contracts, including drafting, reviewing, and…