Strategic Sourcing Specialist

At the furthest frontiers of innovation, CommScope Data Center Solutions is committed to helping our partners and customers think bigger, build better

and evolve smarter in their data center and central office connectivity strategies. As the collaborative, go-to authority for high-density, low-latency fiber-optic infrastructure, CommScope Data Center Solutions helps the world’s networks scale up, scale out and scale across.

With the global manufacturing capacity to meet customers’ ambitious growth, our solutions help conquer network complexity, accelerate deployments and deliver long-term evolutionary performance. Together, we help operators stay ahead of evolving AI applications and increasing demands.

We are adding a Strategic Sourcing Specialist in Shakopee, MN, to work on new products! If you have a strong background in sourcing multiple types of categories, this role may be for you! Join a team passionate about launching new products and connecting with outside suppliers.

How You'll Help Us Connect the World:

This role is responsible for completing broad assignments involving the sourcing of components and raw materials, which require knowledge or experience in procurement and supply chain roles focusing on new product introduction. Supports introducing new products by sourcing materials at the right price and using the right supply chain from the beginning of production. Owning the Supplier Selection Process in support of NPI to help develop sources of supply to meet project/product requirements. Written and verbal communication are critical for providing a concise summary and overview of the supply chain chosen for the best cost, lead time, quality, and service level metrics.

• Collaborates with the NPI cross-functional project team to coordinate and deliver New Product Development, bringing new products to market across the company.
• Sources complex materials (e.g. injection molding/tooling, metal fabrications, fiber connectivity products, cabling, copper apparatus/connectivity products, and similar technologies) from suppliers who meet service, quality, and cost requirements and work with manufacturing site buyers or category management leads to source new products.
• Coordinates with Design Engineering to identify and negotiate cost reduction opportunities on existing and new products, ensuring early DFM engagement with suppliers.
• Initialize the RFQ process with suppliers to share confidential drawing packages and forecasts.
• Lead a cross-functional team, including quality, technical, and finance, to conduct due diligence on new suppliers and add them to the approved vendor list.
• Conducts cost/price analysis for all products within a multiple bidding approach, emphasizing cost value and creating multi-sourcing supply to mitigate risk. Establish negotiation strategies.
• Assist with supply chain setup to support suppliers in sourcing the right raw materials. Working with contract manufacturers to source finished goods.
• Maintains positive working relationships with supplier partners. Ensures that the Supplier KPI’s governing quality, delivery and NPI performance are considered before sourcing material from a particular vendor.
• Capability to lead multiple new projects concurrently to ensure supplier selection is completed within the timeframe required to meet market entry deadlines. Speed is essential for improving revenue and customer opportunities. Will be working in a fast-paced environment where internal customer needs must be identified early on to ensure success.
• Ensures that all sourcing is based on negotiated competitive bids submitted by qualified suppliers and aligned with Should Cost targets (where available).
• Establish all relevant work activities to set up selected suppliers for raw materials or finished goods. Work closely with Site or Category managers to hand over from NPI to general availability

Required Qualifications for Consideration:

• Three or more years of demonstrated ability in procurement
• Experience in sourcing complex major procurement categories/commodities on the mechanical side, such as plastic components, fiber optics, and packaging.
• Experience with ERP systems
• Ability to work in our Shakopee, MN office five days a week

You Will Excite Us If You Have:

• CIPS, C.P.M. or CPIM certifications
• SAP

What Happens After You Apply:

Learn how to prepare yourself for the next steps in our hiring process by visiting https://jobs.commscope.com/content/How-We-Hire/?locale=en_U

Why CommScope:

CommScope is on a quest to deliver connectivity that empowers how we live, work, and learn. Our employees push the boundaries of communications technology that enables game-changing discoveries like 5G, the Internet of Things, and gigabit speeds for everyone, everywhere. With our unmatched expertise in copper, fiber, and wireless infrastructure, our global clients rely on us to outperform today and be ready for the needs of tomorrow.

If you want to grow your career alongside bright, passionate, and caring people who strive to create what's next…..come connect to your future at CommScope.

CommScope is an Equal Opportunity Employer (EEO), including people with disabilities and veterans. If you are seeking an accommodation for the application or interview process, please contact us to submit your request at talentacquisition@commscope.com. You can also learn more about CommScope’s accommodation process and EEO policy at https://jobs.commscope.com/eeo