What are the responsibilities and job description for the MRO Sourcing Specialist position at Great Plains Mfg?
MRO Sourcing Specialist
Salina, KS
Great Plains Manufacturing is seeking a dynamic MRO Sourcing Specialist to join our Purchasing team. The MRO Sourcing Agent is responsible for strategically sourcing indirect materials and services to support manufacturing operations across multiple sites. This role is heavily focused on cost reduction, supplier consolidation, and value creation, while ensuring continuity of supply, quality, and service levels. The position partners closely with multiple teams to drive total cost of ownership improvements.
This is an on-site position that works M-Th from 7:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. and Friday 7:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. from our Corporate Offices in Salina, KS. Occasional out-of-state overnight travel may be required.
Primary Duties and Responsibilities:
- Strategic Sourcing & Cost Reduction
- Identify, develop, and execute cost reduction initiatives across MRO categories (e.g., spare parts, consumables, tooling, services).
- Lead sourcing events including RFQs, RFPs, and reverse auctions.
- Perform spend analysis to identify savings opportunities, cost drivers, and demand patterns.
- Negotiate pricing, payment terms, rebates, and service agreements to achieve annual cost savings targets.
- Implement total cost of ownership (TCO) strategies, including inventory optimization and lifecycle cost analysis.
- Supplier Management
- Identify and onboard new suppliers to increase competition and reduce dependency.
- Drive supplier consolidation and standardization across multiple manufacturing sites.
- Manage supplier performance (cost, quality, delivery, service) and lead corrective actions when needed.
- Develop and maintain strategic supplier relationships to support long-term cost and service improvements.
- Cross-Site Coordination and Operational Support
- Support critical/urgent sourcing needs to prevent production downtime.
- Collaborate with plant stakeholders (operations, maintenance/facilities, procurement, storeroom, IT, engineering, etc.) to align sourcing strategies.
- Standardize parts, suppliers, and processes across facilities to leverage volume and reduce complexity.
- Support site-level procurement teams with sourcing expertise and contract implementation.
- Contracting & Compliance
- Develop and manage contracts, blanket purchase agreements, and service agreements.
- Ensure compliance with company procurement policies and procedures.
- Track and report savings, contract utilization, and sourcing performance metrics.
- Other duties may be assigned that require other qualifications, physical demands, and/or work environment.
Preferred Skills and Qualifications:
- Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain, Business, Engineering, or related field (or equivalent experience).
- 3–7 years of sourcing/procurement experience, preferably in MRO or indirect categories.
- Demonstrated success in cost reduction and supplier negotiations.
- Strong analytical skills (spend analysis, cost modeling).
- Strong negotiation skills with a collaborative approach.
- Exceptional interpersonal and collaborative problem-solving skills across functional groups.
- Professional certification, such as APICS, or working toward obtaining professional certification is desired.
At Great Plains Manufacturing, our people drive our success, making us an exceptional place to work and thrive. With over 45 years of experience as a leading manufacturer of agricultural, farm, and landscaping equipment in Central Kansas, we are proud to be part of the Kubota organization. We have recently expanded with our new construction equipment division. If you're self-motivated, passionate about achieving goals, and value collaboration, we encourage you to apply to join our dynamic team. With over 2,300 dedicated professionals, Great Plains Manufacturing is committed to fostering innovation and supporting your professional growth. Join our team and be part of our exciting journey! Explore opportunities on our Careers page at www.WorkForGPM.com.