Do you want to be a Strategic Sourcing Specialist at Autocar Parts, LLC.?
Can you be comfortable being uncomfortable? Are you fine with always speaking your mind? Can you lead, execute, and stay focused despite many distractions, and do the work yourself if needed?
At Autocar Parts, we fight for the customer’s needs. We invest in and grow businesses that disrupt their industries by putting the customers’ needs first. From big data to industrial manufacturing, we deliver tools that transform the work of the people that use them.
It takes a special kind of person to be a part of this business in transformation. We are privately owned and expect our team members to act with an owner mindset: Relentless about creating value for the customer. Dogged about finding efficiencies and eliminating waste. Standing arm in arm with the rest of the team until the job is done—and ready to do it again the next day, with a smile.
It is not easy do things differently. But we do it—because we are passionate about improving our business and the lives of the people who use our tools.
Your Mission

• Develop and implement product sourcing strategies that support high level service to our customers at the lowest possible cost
• Partner with current and new vendors to expand our portfolio of products via clear mutually beneficial agreements

Autocar Parts is currently looking for an experienced Strategic Sourcing Specialist who is an enthusiastic self-starter with a strong drive to improve existing processes and systems through positive relationships with both internal and external customers. You will build a plan that focuses on obtaining competitive pricing and identifying and executing cost reduction strategies with vendors who deliver high levels of service. You will lead negotiations for selected product categories and support your team to build the foundation of long-term contracts with key suppliers. You will partner with all areas of the business including planning, marketing, sales and engineering. Excellent organizational skills, ability to balance immediate/long term priorities and exceptional multitasking skills are a necessity.
RESPONSIBILITIES

• Develop and implement product category sourcing strategies
• Implement those strategies to source new parts at competitive prices which meet program targets
• Identify and execute cost reduction strategies – negotiate needed outcomes
• Achieve annual cost reduction goals
• Hold regular vendor reviews focused on tactical objectives of cost & service as well as strategic opportunities for growth and new products
• Partner with our truck manufacturing team to build joint agreements that support both OEM and aftermarket supply
• Support your team to develop contract terms that benefit Autocar’ s business needs and provide a competitive advantage
• Lead the identification of new technologies and products aligned with the company growth strategy to expand our product offering
• Support Supplier expediting efforts as an escalation point
• Manage Supplier packaging development for specialty shipments (cabs, glass, etc.)

REQUIREMENTS

• Sourcing and vendor management experience with both domestic and overseas vendors - Automotive parts preferred
• At least 3 years of vendor management experience – preferred to have both manufacturing components and distribution-based product experience
• Strong interpersonal and communications skills (oral & written)
• Self-starter with ability to work independently under pressure and react quickly to changing priorities.
• Experience in utilizing fact-based data to drive decisions. Strong knowledge of Excel, including Pivot Tables and “V” Lookups
• Experience in use of ERP systems; knowledge of NetSuite preferred
• Bachelor’s Degree Required, preferred supply chain, logistics, or engineering focus

Note: This role is on-site in Highland Park, IL Monday through Friday, regular business hours.