Strategic Sourcing Manager

About the Role

The Strategic Purchasing Manager is a senior supply chain leadership role responsible for developing and executing sourcing strategies that support metal fabrication and industrial manufacturing operations. This position focuses on securing high‑quality raw materials and outsourced services at optimal cost while ensuring continuity of supply, production efficiency, and customer satisfaction. Common search terms include Strategic Purchasing Manager, Supply Chain Manager, Sourcing Manager, Procurement Manager, and Manufacturing Purchasing Manager.

• Develop and execute strategic sourcing and procurement plans aligned with metal fabrication, machining, and finishing operations.
• Source, qualify, and manage supplier relationships for steel, aluminum, stainless steel, fasteners, coatings, and finishing chemicals.
• Negotiate pricing, contracts, lead times, and service agreements to achieve best total cost of ownership and supply reliability.
• Evaluate supplier performance based on cost, quality, delivery, and service, and drive continuous improvement initiatives.
• Monitor raw material markets, commodity pricing trends, and industry developments to inform purchasing decisions.
• Collaborate with Engineering, Production, and Quality teams to align material specifications, manufacturing requirements, and production schedules.
• Lead make versus buy analyses and assess outsourcing opportunities for fabrication, machining, and finishing services.
• Maintain accurate procurement records, supplier documentation, and contract performance metrics.
• Utilize ERP systems to manage purchasing workflows, inventory levels, forecasting, and reporting.

• Bachelors degree in Supply Chain Management, Business, Engineering, or a related field.
• Five or more years of purchasing or procurement experience within metal fabrication, machining, or industrial manufacturing environments.
• Strong knowledge of raw materials, machining processes, plating, powder coating, anodizing, and finishing services.
• Proven negotiation skills with experience driving cost reduction and supplier performance improvements.
• Excellent communication and collaboration skills with the ability to work effectively across cross‑functional teams.
• Proficiency with ERP systems and advanced skills in Microsoft Excel for data analysis and reporting.

• Experience with production scheduling and capacity planning processes.
• Knowledge of manufacturing workflows, tolerances, and material certifications such as DFARS, RoHS, and REACH.
• Experience sourcing materials and services from both domestic and international suppliers.
• Familiarity with lean manufacturing principles, continuous improvement, and supply chain optimization strategies.