Sourcing Manager Innovation and Special Projects

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

 

INNOVATION:

1. Supports consumer and automotive business units in the development of innovative new products by leading the strategic sourcing process for identification and implementation of new raw materials, components and/or 3^rd party manufacturing services.
2. Solves issues, problems and needs within the Innovation timelines and communicates back to the team any issues around timelines.
3. Brings new concepts to WM Barr that could become new Innovation Projects or improve and growth our existing products.
4. Helps to build cost expectations and works within the accepted cost in the design/sourcing of new products.
5. Partners with R&D and Quality for initial screening of vendors for qualification. 
6. Organizes sampling and production trials with vendors to prove out concept and support sales presentations.
7. Partners with supply chain planning team and marketing to ensure chosen supplier(s) can meet initial launch quantity and timing expectations.

 

 

 

SPECIAL PROJECTS:

 

1. Lead and execute special projects involving third-party contract manufacturers, including new product introductions, capacity expansions, process improvements, and supply chain optimizations to support company production goals.
2. Collaborate with cross-functional teams, such as R&D, quality assurance, engineering, and operations, to define project scopes, timelines, and deliverables aligned with business objectives.

1. Develop and implement risk mitigation strategies to address potential supply chain disruptions, quality issues, or other challenges.
2. Drive continuous improvement initiatives, such as implementing lean manufacturing techniques or adopting new technologies, in partnership with external vendors.
3. Ensure compliance with regulatory requirements, industry standards, and company policies throughout all project phases, including audits and certifications.
4. Prepare and present detailed project reports, status updates, and recommendations to senior leadership, highlighting achievements, challenges, and strategic insights.
5. Stay abreast of industry trends, market conditions, and emerging technologies in contract manufacturing to inform project strategies and sourcing decisions.
6. Analyze data from existing systems and make strategic sourcing/procurement recommendations to our functional partners in the business.

1. Monitor and report financial impact and performance of sourcing activities.
2. Provides support to a variety of categories based on the strategic demands of procurement stakeholders/customers.

1. Performs all work in accordance with Barr’s safety and quality guidelines and procedures; demonstrates clear understanding of these safety and quality objectives.

 

 

 

Qualifications/Experience:

 

Bachelor’s degree in Business, Supply Chain, Engineering, Chemistry, or a related field, with a minimum of three to five years of experience in managing contract manufacturing and international sourcing, utilizing independent judgment. Candidates should possess a strong understanding of standard costing systems, manufacturing processes, and world-class procurement practices, with experience collaborating with Marketing on new product development and introductions. A technical background in engineering or chemistry is preferred, though other relevant backgrounds may be considered. Global reach and experience are highly desired.  Project Management certification or extensive experience in managing projects is highly desired.

The ideal candidate will demonstrate an innovative, strategic, and creative problem-solving mindset, with expertise in solving complex design problems through collaboration with internal teams and external vendors. Strong negotiation skills, functional knowledge of best sourcing practices, and the ability to establish and implement new processes are essential. Candidates must exhibit excellent verbal and written communication skills, confidence in communicating with external business partners, and superior organization, planning, and follow-up skills. They should be adept at managing multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment, with excellent analytical, quantitative, and problem-solving abilities. The ability to lead and participate in multi-functional teams, establish effective working relationships within the Barr organization, and work independently or collaboratively is critical. Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications, particularly Excel, as well as word processing, spreadsheets, charts, and graphics, is required; familiarity with other Microsoft Office tools is a plus.

 

 

 

 

Work Environment/Physical Demands/Travel:

 

• Ability to work in an office environment with moderate noise level.
• Ability to work in a typical production environments with loud noise level and moving equipment consisting primarily of storage, blending, filling, and packaging equipment.
• Ability to work in an environment where hazardous chemicals are blended packaged and or distributed.
• Ability to sit, stand, walk, reach, climb, stoop, talk, hear, and see and ability for hand/wrist use for extended periods of time.
• Ability to convert design needs verbally and in writing to outsource design consultants and vendors; ability to effectively present information to top management or employee groups.
• Ability to define problems, collect data, establish facts, and draw valid conclusions.
• Ability to interpret technical instructions in mathematical or diagram form and deal with several abstract and concrete variables.
• Ability to read, analyze, and interpret general business periodicals, professional journals, technical procedures, or governmental regulations. Ability to write reports, business correspondence, and procedure manuals.  Ability to effectively present information and respond to questions from groups of managers, clients, customers, and the general public.
• Ability to problem solve, gather and interpret data; ability to budget and forecast.
• Ability to lift up to 10 lbs.
• This position must have the ability to travel, including International travel, when needed to support the business. Travel is variable depending on open projects, but up to 50% is required at times.

 

 

This job description reflects management’s assignment of essential functions; it was not meant to be all-inclusive of the tasks that may be assigned.

Equal Opportunity Employer

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