Sourcing Specialist

POSITION SUMMARY:

Reporting to the Director of Sourcing, the Sourcing Specialist supports sourcing activities across assigned product categories by assisting with supplier research, RFQs, pricing analysis, supplier communication, and sourcing documentation. This role helps identify qualified suppliers, evaluate supplier capabilities, maintain accurate sourcing data, and support cost savings, quality, delivery, and supply continuity goals. The Sourcing Specialist works closely with Purchasing, Product Management, Operations, Sales, and other cross-functional partners to support sourcing initiatives and ensure suppliers meet company expectations for cost, quality, service, and reliability.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:

Sourcing Support & Supplier Evaluation

• Support the Director of Sourcing in executing sourcing strategies for assigned product categories, including supplier research, RFQ preparation, pricing comparisons, and sourcing documentation.
• Identify and evaluate potential domestic and international suppliers based on cost, quality, capacity, lead times, service levels, and overall business fit.
• Assist with RFQs, RFPs, bid comparisons, award recommendations, and supplier onboarding activities.

Supplier Communication, Data & Documentation

• Communicate with suppliers regarding pricing, lead times, product availability, documentation requirements, shortages, and follow-up items.
• Maintain accurate supplier, item, pricing, and sourcing data within ERP and related systems.
• Assist with supplier documentation, including certificates of origin, compliance documentation, product specifications, and other required records.
• Maintain organized sourcing files, reports, and communication records to support visibility, accountability, and audit readiness.

Supplier Performance, Cost Savings & Risk Monitoring

• Track supplier performance related to cost, quality, delivery, responsiveness, and compliance, escalating concerns to the Director of Sourcing as needed.
• Support cost savings and value improvement initiatives by gathering data, analyzing supplier options, and documenting opportunities.
• Monitor market trends, pricing changes, product availability, and supply risks to support informed sourcing decisions.
• Support supplier meetings, business reviews, audits, corrective action follow-ups, and continuous improvement initiatives.

Cross-Functional Partnership

• Partner with Purchasing, Product Management, Demand Planning, Operations, Sales, and Customer Service to align sourcing activities with business needs.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

REQUIRED SKILLS AND ABILITIES:

• Working knowledge of sourcing, procurement, purchasing, supplier management, and supply chain processes.
• Ability to support supplier research, pricing analysis, RFQs, bid comparisons, and cost savings initiatives.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with the ability to review data, identify trends, and make sound recommendations.
• Strong attention to detail and ability to maintain accurate supplier, item, pricing, and sourcing information.
• Effective communication and relationship-building skills with internal stakeholders and external suppliers.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities, follow up consistently, and meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office, especially Excel; experience with ERP systems preferred.
• Ability to work collaboratively across departments and support sourcing priorities with a customer-focused mindset.
• Willingness and ability to travel domestically and internationally as needed.

KEY COMPETENCIES:

• Supplier sourcing and qualification
• RFQ/RFP preparation and bid comparison
• Pricing analysis and cost savings support
• Supplier performance tracking and follow-up
• ERP data accuracy and sourcing documentation
• Market trend and supply risk monitoring
• Cross-functional sourcing coordination

BEHAVIORAL COMPETENCIES:

• Proactively seeks out relationships with colleagues
• Comfortably communicates through different mediums
• Follows through with established requirements
• Is highly attentive to details
• Carefully follows rules and regulations
• Is considerate of others' time and resources
• Collaborates comfortably with different groups of people
• Makes efficient use of existing resources

SUCCESS MEASURES:

• Accurate and timely supplier, item, pricing, and sourcing data maintained in ERP and related systems
• Completed RFQs, bid comparisons, and sourcing documentation that support informed supplier decisions
• Documented cost savings, value improvement, and supplier performance opportunities
• Effective follow-up on supplier documentation, shortages, lead times, and corrective action items
• Improved visibility to supplier capabilities, risks, pricing changes, and market trends
• Strong cross-functional alignment with Purchasing, Product Management, Operations, Sales, and Customer Service

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:

• Bachelor’s degree in business, supply chain management, operations, engineering, or related field preferred.
• Minimum of 2 years of experience in sourcing, procurement, purchasing, supply chain, product management, or a related field preferred.
• Experience in industrial distribution, manufacturing, PVF, hose, fittings, or related product categories preferred.
• ERP experience preferred; P21 experience a plus.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Prolonged periods of sitting at a desk.
• Frequent use of a computer, keyboard, mouse, and phone.