Sourcing Specialist

Job Purpose

The Sourcing Specialist will handle strategic and tactical decisions and duties for the Purchasing Department. Normal buying responsibilities also apply: source, negotiate, and purchase for production all assigned commodities and products, focusing on cost reduction, quality standards, and supplier delivery performance.

• Adhere to company policies and present a professional, positive attitude at all times.
• Make day‑to‑day decisions involving the Purchasing Department based on strategic goals set by the Purchasing Supervisor/Supply Chain Manager.
• Research and source new products; work with project management teams and gather information on new products for research and development.
• Supply cost accounting information on all new items, price changes, and provide management with forecasted industry changes when appropriate.
• Research and evaluate suppliers based on price, quality, selection, service, support, availability, reliability, production and distribution capabilities, and the suppliers’ reputation and history.
• Source new suppliers and negotiate pricing for new items or possible price increases.
• Maintain and improve vendor relations to enhance consistent quality, cost, and delivery performance.
• May prepare purchase orders with quantities to ensure proper material flow on needed items and expedite orders to ensure timely delivery.
• Maintain procurement records of items or services purchased, costs, delivery, product quality or performance, and inventories.
• Discuss defective or unacceptable goods or services with Quality and Plant Manager, users, vendors, and others to determine source of trouble and take corrective action.
• Monitor reject material returns and credits for material and labor when necessary.
• Work with supervisor and quality assurance to identify problems, contact suppliers to arrange delivery of replacement material or disposition of rejected material, and obtain credits for material and/or labor. Keep all necessary personnel updated on arrival of replacement material and disposition of rejected material.
• Lead and/or participate in a variety of department related projects.
• Collaborate with all other departments to achieve company goals.
• Evaluate and monitor contract performance to ensure compliance with contractual obligations and determine the need for changes.
• Analyze price proposals, financial reports, and other data to determine reasonable prices.
• Confer with staff, users, and vendors to discuss defective or unacceptable goods or services and determine corrective action.
• Work with other Buyers as directed.
• Have ability to run MRP and generate orders.
• Monitor and follow applicable laws and regulations.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

• B.S. Degree in Business or related field, or CPIM, CPSM, CPM certification, and 2+ years of experience required or 5-7 years of experience in a related position required in lieu of education or a combination of education and experience. CPIM, CPSM, CPM certification preferred.
• Specific experience required in fundamentals of material requirement planning (MRP) in a manufacturing environment along with direct working knowledge of processes related to Quality Systems, New Product Development, and Project Management.
• Valid driver’s license required.