Sourcing Manager – Fasteners, Castings & Finished Goods

Location:

Chicago, IL

James Hardie is the industry leader in exterior home and outdoor living solutions, with a portfolio that includes fiber cement, fiber gypsum, composite and PVC decking and railing products. Our family of trusted brands includes Hardie®, Timber Tech®, AZEK® Exteriors, Versatex®, fermacell®, and Stru Xure®.

The Sourcing Manager will lead the strategic sourcing and supplier management of aluminum extrusions, powder coating, castings, fabricated metals, and other products. This role is critical to developing a resilient, cost‑effective, and globally competitive supply base. You’ll work cross‑functionally to optimize cost, ensure continuity, and improve supplier performance across multiple commodities. This position offers the opportunity to shape long‑term sourcing strategy while driving immediate value through tactical execution and supplier collaboration.

You'll join a team that values smart thinking, bold action, and continuous growth—both for the business and for your career.

• Develop and lead sourcing strategies for aluminum extrusions and other assigned commodities in alignment with business goals and global market conditions.
• Conduct market research to identify and evaluate current and potential domestic and international suppliers based on total cost, quality, capability, and capacity.
• Generate and maintain various top management flash reports and monthly market overview reports on key commodities.
• Manage supplier negotiations focused on long‑term value: pricing, terms, payment schedules, rebates, lead times, and risk mitigation.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with key suppliers; drive continuous improvement via performance reviews, scorecards, and structured feedback.
• Analyze cost structures, supply chain risks, and industry dynamics to drive sourcing decisions and strategic initiatives.
• Partner closely with engineering, manufacturing, and quality teams to ensure timely and specification‑compliant delivery of materials.
• Lead sourcing events (RFPs, RFQs) and oversee contracts to ensure total cost optimization and performance assurance.
• Project‑manage Sourcing and VA/VE projects to implementation.
• Monitor inventory levels and internal purchasing tendencies to coordinate with internal stakeholders to ensure supply continuity and support cost reduction targets.
• Champion process improvements and implement tools that enhance procurement efficiency and transparency.
• Ensure compliance with internal processes, SOX requirements, and procurement best practices.

• Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain, Mechanical Engineering, Business Administration, or related field required; MBA or certifications (e.g., CPSM, CPIM) preferred.
• Minimum of 5–7 years of sourcing or commodity management experience in a manufacturing environment, with a strong emphasis on aluminum extrusions and steel items.
• Demonstrated success negotiating with both domestic and international suppliers.
• Strong technical knowledge of sourcing systems, procurement processes, and cost structures.
• Demonstrated strong project management skills.
• Proficient in Microsoft Excel, PowerPoint, and ERP/MRP systems (JDE experience is a plus).
• Ability to synthesize complex data into clear insights and actions.
• Excellent interpersonal, communication, and negotiation skills.
• Comprehension of market dynamics and ability to translate the information into meaningful language.
• Advanced Excel and PowerPoint skills, MS Office proficiency, MRP, JDE.
• Strong initiative and ability to thrive in a fast‑paced, remote work environment.
• Travel may be required up to 35% for supplier visits and strategic meetings.

• First 90 Days:
  • Gain full understanding of commodity spend and supplier landscape.
  • Begin building relationships with key suppliers and internal stakeholders.
  • Align on immediate cost and improvement goals.
• First 6 Months:
  • Deliver a 12‑month category strategy.
  • Identify and launch key value‑engineering or cost‑reduction initiatives.
  • Support supplier performance scorecard initiatives and QBRs.
• First Year:
  • Own and lead aluminum extrusion sourcing strategy across the organization.
  • Lead strategic projects…