What are the responsibilities and job description for the Strategic Sourcing Specialist position at Twin City Fan Companies, Ltd?
Core Responsibilities
- Support development and execution of sourcing strategies for key categories (e.g., metals, motors, bearings, drives)
- Analyze supplier performance and identify improvement opportunities
- Participate in supplier segmentation (Preferred, Approved, Conditional, Exit)
- Assist with supplier development initiatives and corrective action follow-up
- Conduct or support supplier audits and improvement plans
- Partner with engineering and operations on supplier-related projects and NPD efforts
- Help improve OTIF (On-Time In-Full) and reduce supply disruptions
- Support issue resolution and supplier escalations
- Use ERP systems (Passport, Epicor) to analyze spend, performance, and trends
- Contribute to standardizing sourcing practices and processes
Ramp-Up Expectations
First 90 Days
- Learn products, manufacturing processes, and supply chain workflows
- Become familiar with ERP systems and sourcing tools
- Understand supplier base and key categories
- Build cross-functional relationships (operations, quality, engineering, purchasing)
- Identify initial supplier performance gaps
6–12 Months
- Contribute to category strategy development
- Actively support supplier performance improvement efforts
- Participate in supplier segmentation and governance processes
- Demonstrate improved data-driven decision making
- Drive measurable improvements in delivery and performance
Key Capabilities for Success
- Ability to make sound decisions within defined scope
- Strong analytical skills; able to work with imperfect data
- Effective communication across functions
- Ability to influence others without direct authority
- Organized and detail-oriented with strong follow-through
Key Challenges
- Working within multiple ERP systems and fragmented data
- Supporting a sourcing organization with varying levels of maturity
- Limited forecasting and evolving demand planning processes
- Navigating incomplete or inconsistent data
Attributes & Behaviors
- Self-motivated and accountable
- Comfortable balancing tactical execution with strategic thinking
- Curious and eager to learn
- Resilient in a changing environment
- Collaborative and relationship-focused
- Strong problem-solving mindset
- Continuous improvement orientation
Required Skills & Experience
- Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience
- 3–5 years of sourcing, procurement, or supply chain experience (manufacturing preferred)
- Experience with supplier performance tracking and improvement
- Basic negotiation and supplier management skills
- Experience using ERP systems and data analysis
- Strong analytical and problem-solving ability
Preferred Qualifications
- Experience in industrial or manufacturing environments
- Exposure to categories such as metals, motors, castings, or fabricated components
- Familiarity with supplier audits and development practices
- Knowledge of strategic sourcing or category management concepts
- Experience with tools such as Epicor, Passport, or Power BI
Culture Fit
- Demonstrates integrity and accountability
- Works collaboratively across teams
- Focuses on continuous improvement
- Builds strong working relationships
- Delivers results while supporting team success
Employee Value Proposition
This role provides an opportunity to build foundational strategic sourcing skills while gaining exposure across operations, engineering, and supply chain.
You will:
- Gain hands-on experience in supplier management and sourcing strategy
- Develop skills in data analysis, negotiations, and supplier performance improvement
- Work cross-functionally and contribute to meaningful business outcomes
- Grow into increased responsibility as sourcing capabilities mature
This is an excellent opportunity for someone looking to advance from tactical procurement into strategic sourcing and make a measurable impact.