Strategic Sourcing Lead

Job Summary:

We are seeking a Strategic Sourcing Lead with deep expertise in sourcing high precision steel components for industrial and hydraulics applications. This role will lead sourcing initiatives, develop supplier strategies, and drive cost optimization while ensuring quality and compliance with engineering specifications. The position requires approximately 20% domestic and international travel to support supplier development, audits, and sourcing activities. 

Duties/Responsibilities:

• Develop and execute sourcing strategies for high precision steel parts.
• Identify, evaluate, and qualify suppliers with capabilities in CNC machining, metallurgy, and precision fabrication.
• Lead RFQ/RFP processes, negotiate pricing and terms, and manage contract execution.
• Collaborate with engineering, quality, and operations teams to align sourcing with technical requirements and project/production schedules.
• Analyze market trends, raw material pricing, and supply risks to inform sourcing decisions.
• Drive continuous improvement and cost reduction initiatives across the supply base.
• Supports project management for new product development (NPD), new supplier onboarding and improvement of existing suppliers

Required Skills/Abilities:

• Familiarity with ISO 9001, AS9100, or IATF 16949 standards.
• Experience sourcing from North American, European, and Asian suppliers.
• Knowledge of CAD drawings and ability to interpret technical specifications and tolerances.
• Knowledge of precision turning equipment capabilities i.e., Swiss, Index, Multi-spindle, Davenport, etc.
• Knowledge of heat treat/metallurgy. 
• Knowledge of precision finishing equipment capabilities and surface finish specifications.
• Knowledge of new supplier on-boarding and quality PPAP processes (APQP).
• Proficiency in ERP systems, Power BI, and sourcing tools with Strong Excel and data management skills.
• Excellent communication, analytical, and project management skills.
• Strong understanding of steel grades, tolerances, surface finishes, and manufacturing processes.

Education and Experience:

• Bachelor’s degree in supply chain, Management, Mechanical or, Manufacturing Engineering, or related field; experience in a manufacturing environment; or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• 5 years of strategic sourcing experience in precision manufacturing, metal components, commodity management, or related experience.
• Proven negotiation skills and experience with global suppliers.

Physical Requirements:

The characteristics listed below are representative of the physical demands required by an individual to successfully perform the essential duties of this position.  Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential duties.

• While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to stand, walk and sit; use hands to finger, handle, or feel; and reach with hands and arms
• The employee is frequently required to talk and/or hear
• Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, color vision, depth perception, and ability to adjust focus

Work Environment:

The characteristics listed below are representative of the work environment typically encountered by an individual while performing the essential duties of this position. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential duties.

• While performing the duties of this job, the employee is exposed to a normal office environment and manufacturing environments.

NOTE: The above stated duties are intended to outline those functions typically performed by individuals assigned to this classification.  This description of duties is not intended to be all-inclusive nor to limit the discretionary authority of leadership to assign other tasks of a similar nature or level of responsibility.