What are the responsibilities and job description for the Strategic Sourcing Director position at Trelleborg Group?
Trelleborg is a world leader in engineered polymer solutions for almost every industry on the planet. And we are where we are because our talents brought us here. By specializing in the polymer engineering that makes innovation and application possible, Trelleborg works closely with leading industry brands to accelerate their performance, drive their business forward—and along the way, shape the industry and progress that will benefit humankind in the exciting years ahead. Our people are Shaping Industry from the Inside. Why don´t you join us?
Do you want to make a lasting difference for our customers and the environment? Start shaping industry from the inside.
Who are we?
Trelleborg’s Engineered Coated Fabrics operation is a world leader in engineered polymer solutions for almost every industry globally. We are where we are because our talents brought us here. By specializing in the polymer engineering that makes innovation and application possible, Trelleborg works closely with leading industry brands to accelerate their performance, drive their business forward—and along the way, shape the industry and progress that will benefit humankind in the exciting years ahead. Our people are Shaping Industry from the Inside.
About the Job
Reporting to the Director of Operations, the Strategic Sourcing Director is responsible for leading global business unit procurement strategies, managing vendor relationships, monitoring supply chain risks and driving cost savings. The Strategic Sourcing Director will be responsible for analyzing cost data, contract negotiations with vendors and supporting cross-functional teams to improve operational efficiency.
Responsibilities
- Develop and oversee the implementation of global sourcing strategies to reduce costs and improve efficiency
- Collaborate and communicate with key internal and external stakeholders to understand business needs and ensure global sourcing strategy alignment
- Identifies, facilitates and develops relationships with vendors and suppliers and maintains analysis of vendor spending and performance
- Manage total cost of ownership (TCO) initiatives to achieve long‑term savings and value creation
- Build strategic, long‑term supplier partnerships that support innovation, flexibility, and supply continuity
- Lead high-value contract negotiations regarding pricing, service and quality
- Lead global supply chain team to establish efficient processes
- Monitor supplier performance, identify risks and drive continuous improvement
- Support company initiatives, sustainability programs and ongoing improvements to sourcing processes
- Negotiates and coordinates additions, deletions and modifications to contracts
- Establishes procedures to ensure availability of raw materials
- Establishes requirements for suppliers to achieve quality standards
- Achieves cost saving targets
- Monitors supplier on-time delivery rates
- Reviews, analyzes and monitors supplier contract performance and compliance
- Manages the selection of raw materials based on user requirements and ensures purchases align with current strategy
- Ensures integrity of data in SAP
- Ensures suppliers adhere to company policies and regulatory standards
Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain, Business, Engineering, or related field
- Minimum of 8-10 years’ experience in global procurement, sourcing or supply chain management in a manufacturing environment
- Minimum of 5 years SAP experience
- Textiles or chemical experience is a plus
- Demonstrated success leading global negotiations, managing suppliers, and delivering cost reductions
- Demonstrated ability in leading a global supply chain team
- Experience in a multinational, matrixed environment strongly preferred
- Proven ability to manage complex planning scenarios and optimize manufacturing workflows
- Excellent analytical, organizational, and communication skills
- Proficiency in Microsoft Excel and SAP reporting tools
Successful candidate will have strengths in the following:
- Strong negotiation and communication skills
- Deep understanding of global textile and chemical supply markets, sourcing methodologies, and risk management
- SAP certification in relevant modules a strong plus
- Experience with Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, or other continuous improvement methodologies.
- Familiarity with ERP/MRP systems integration and data governance.
- Effective & efficient technical and strategic problem solving, and organizational skills required.
- Attention to detail, accuracy, and precision.
- Strong strategic thinking and analytical skills
- Integrity
- Ability to lead a global cross‑functional team and influence at all organizational levels
Travel Requirements
- Primarily office-based with regular interaction with multiple global facilities
- Requires splitting time and traveling between sites in Rutherfordton NC, Forest City NC, Monson, MA and Nottingham, UK. Domestic travel will be 20%. International travel will be 10%.
Benefits
As a valued Trelleborg team member, you will enjoy:
- Competitive salary
- Annual variable bonus plan
- Generous benefits package: Health, Dental, Vision, STD, LTD, Life, 401k
- Tuition Reimbursement
- Paid time off
- Paid holidays
- Employee assistance program
- A rewarding career with greater opportunity for impact
Trelleborg is an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to actual or perceived race, color, creed, religion, sex or gender (including pregnancy, childbirth or related medical condition, including but not limited to lactation), sexual orientation, gender identity or gender expression (including transgender status), ancestry, national origin, citizenship, age physical or mental disability, genetic information, marital status, veteran or military status or any other characteristic protected by applicable law.
At Trelleborg, our people are #shapingindustryfromtheinside