Sourcing Specialist

PRIMARY FUNCTION:

The Sourcing Agent is responsible for the cost-effective sourcing of materials, products, equipment, supplies, and services. They maintain item cards, quality specifications, and product costing. As a member of the Supply Chain department, they are involved in make/buy sourcing decisions and may also participate in production scheduling and planning.

Specific Duties/Accountabilities:

• Source materials, products, supplies, equipment, and services in a cost-effective manner. Negotiate pricing and establish terms of purchasing.
• Participate in make/buy decisions based on costing analysis and lead times of products/components.
• Collaborate with various departments including Sales, Logistics, Engineering, and Manufacturing to create and maintain manufacturing, inventory, and maintain information in the ERP system. This includes Bill of Materials, Supplier, Lead Times, Replenishment System, Origin, Import Classification Codes, Outsourced Routings, Product Costing, and Quality Specifications.
• Analyze products for cost reduction possibilities (design, manufacture, supplier, material, etc.) and keep abreast of developing technologies that may benefit Saris Equipment.
• Participate in new product development teams with involvement in sourcing for products and raw materials.
• Manage supplier relationships and performance, including performance tracking and reporting, implementing remedial action, and identifying alternatives if remediation proves unsuccessful. Maintain an understanding of the items purchased and the processes used to produce them. Keep abreast of market conditions and make recommendations accordingly. Actively mitigate cost increases.
• Ensure that the vendor adheres to the specified quality standards for the supplied components or products. Review and identify defect complaints and communicate the returns, replacements, or credit issuance related to quality issues in production and defects in purchased products or components.
• Travel as necessary.
• Perform other duties as required or requested.

Essential Qualifications:

• 10-12 recent years of sourcing experience in a manufacturing setting, and/or a BS in supply chain management or related field.
• Strong computer skills, including MS Office apps like Word, Excel, and Outlook, and experience working with an ERP/MRP system.
• Good communication skills.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Highly organized, detail-oriented, and creative thinker.
• Ability to function well within a fast-paced, results-oriented environment.
• Ability to function well in a team setting and demonstrate personal integrity.

Additional Qualifications:

• 5 years of experience working with international vendors.
• Knowledge of and experience with Quick Response Manufacturing, Lean Manufacturing, and related efforts.
• Cycling industry knowledge and experience preferred.
• Experience with the new product development cycle and tolerance of ambiguity.