Strategic Sourcing Manager

Position Summary

The Strategic Sourcing Manager will provide strategic direction for assigned categories of materials and services, supporting enterprise-wide sourcing initiatives across plants, terminals, and operations. This role is responsible for developing and executing sourcing strategies that generate cross-functional value, supply chain savings, and operational improvements through effective contracting and supplier engagement.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and manage key supplier relationships across the organization, using KPIs and performance dashboards to track effectiveness.
• Apply the industry-standard 7-Step Strategic Sourcing methodology.
• Provide category insight and expertise for assigned categories/commodities and implement proactive commodity/category management strategies.
• Analyze requirements, develop RFPs, review and evaluate bids, schedule supplier presentations, and deliver results to stakeholders.
• Partner with business units to establish and execute category strategies, offering insights, recommendations, and guidance.
• Challenge stakeholders constructively to uncover new value opportunities and optimize processes.
• Develop and manage contract portfolios to minimize risk exposure while capturing benefits through standardized processes and language.
• Maintain sourcing data including agreements, project results, and supplier communications.
• Lead supplier meetings and business reviews to ensure accountability and compliance with agreements.
• Serve as a business partner and change agent to align sourcing strategies with business needs.
• Provide mentorship to colleagues on the strategic sourcing process.
• Negotiate at a senior level and act as the lead in supplier mediation or problem resolution.
• Support procurement personnel in developing project scopes and performance requirements for successful project execution.
• Conduct category planning and stakeholder engagement to align sourcing needs with market conditions.
• Travel extensively to build relationships with internal teams and suppliers.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain, Business, Science, or Engineering OR 10 years of industrial experience with demonstrated achievements in operational and supply chain excellence.
• Strong background in procurement, supply chain, finance, manufacturing operations, management consulting, project management, or material sciences.
• Prior experience in process industries, steel mills, or service center environments is a plus.
• Proficiency with MS Office applications (Excel, PowerPoint, etc.).

Skills & Competencies

• Leadership: High energy, action-oriented, with a “can-do” attitude; leads by example.
• Business Acumen: Strong general management perspective; able to conduct financial analysis and break down complex projects into actionable phases.
• Communication: Effective written, verbal, and presentation skills; able to influence stakeholders at all levels.
• Creativity & Growth Mindset: Comfortable in fast-paced environments; fosters innovation and new business opportunities.
• Problem Solving: Strong analytical skills with the ability to independently and collaboratively resolve complex business issues.
• Confidence & Drive: Persistent, tenacious, and able to influence others through urgency and enthusiasm.
• Organization: Skilled at prioritizing and managing multiple complex projects simultaneously.
• Collaboration: Builds strong stakeholder and supplier relationships to expand sourcing impact across the organization.
• Independence: Self-motivated and able to work with minimal supervision.

Preferred Certifications

• Professional procurement and supply chain certifications (e.g., CPSM, CSCP, CPIM) are a plus.