Sourcing Specialist

About the Role

The Sourcing Specialist is a pivotal, high-impact role responsible for strengthening Forza’s supply chain, driving cost reductions, and accelerating the launch of new products. Working closely with Purchasing, R&D, Operations, and Sales/Business Development, this role ensures we have reliable, cost-effective suppliers and the materials and components needed to support growth.

This is a hands-on, ownership-driven role in a fast-moving manufacturing environment. The ideal candidate is resourceful, persistent, highly analytical, and thrives on building strong supplier partnerships while delivering measurable results.

Key Responsibilities

Supplier & Raw Material Sourcing

• Research, identify, and source new equipment required to support production and automation initiatives.
• Ensure secondary suppliers exist for all key raw materials and products to reduce risk and strengthen our supply chain.
• Source all raw materials required to produce new products developed by R&D.
• Source products and components needed for new customer projects, as directed by Sales and Product Development.
• Identify products within the current mix that could be sourced from alternate vendors to improve margins.
• Network with potential vendors and suppliers to identify new product opportunities for the sales team.

Vendor Management & Qualification

• Vet, approve, and onboard new vendors according to Forza’s standards for quality, compliance, cost, and reliability.
• Maintain strong, strategic vendor relationships and negotiate pricing, terms, and lead times.
• Monitor vendor performance and implement corrective actions or supplier changes when needed.

Cross-Functional Testing & Development

• Work closely with R&D to test new raw materials and components, ensuring they meet quality, performance, and regulatory requirements.
• Assist in qualification runs, first production trials, and validation of newly sourced materials/products.

Cost Reduction & Continuous Improvement

• Identify and execute cost-saving opportunities across raw materials, packaging, freight, and other procurement-related areas.
• Analyze market trends, pricing movements, and category risks to guide purchasing strategy.
• Provide cost analysis and sourcing recommendations to leadership and Purchasing.

Documentation & Compliance

• Ensure all sourced materials and suppliers meet Forza and regulatory requirements.
• Maintain accurate records for suppliers, pricing, testing results, contracts, and approvals.
• Support Purchasing with accurate, timely data for ERP updates, purchase orders, and vendor records.

Qualifications

• Strong negotiation, relationship-building, and analytical skills.
• Ability to manage multiple projects with urgency and attention to detail.
• Comfortable working in a high-accountability, performance-driven environment with cross-functional partners.
• Self-starter who thrives in a dynamic, fast-paced manufacturing company.

Success Looks Like

• Secondary suppliers established for all critical raw materials within defined timelines.
• Measurable cost reductions across materials, packaging, and freight.
• On-time sourcing support for all new product developments and sales-driven projects.
• Strong supplier relationships and documented vendor performance.
• Improved margins from alternative sourcing and supply-chain optimization.