Strategic Sourcing Manager

Strategic Sourcing & Supplier Development Manager

Onsite: Rochester, NY

Position Overview

WorldWide Electric is seeking a highly analytical and results-driven Strategic Sourcing & Supplier Development Manager to lead supplier cost management, sourcing strategy, supplier performance improvement, and value creation initiatives across the organization.

This role is responsible for identifying and executing opportunities to reduce cost of goods sold (COGS), improve supplier performance, strengthen supplier relationships, and provide market intelligence that supports strategic business decisions. The ideal candidate will proactively identify opportunities and risks, independently drive initiatives from concept through implementation, and effectively influence both suppliers and internal stakeholders.

This is not a transactional purchasing role. Success in this position requires strong analytical skills, negotiation expertise, executive-level communication, and the ability to influence both suppliers and internal stakeholders.

Key Responsibilities

Strategic Sourcing & Cost Reduction

• Develop and execute sourcing strategies that support company objectives for cost, quality, service, and supply continuity.
• Lead supplier negotiations focused on improving pricing, payment terms, lead times, service levels, and total cost of ownership.
• Identify and implement COGS reduction initiatives through strategic sourcing, value engineering, packaging optimization, supplier consolidation, and process improvements.
• Conduct should-cost analyses to evaluate supplier pricing and identify opportunities for cost reduction.
• Track, measure, and report savings, cost avoidance, and sourcing initiative performance against established goals.

Market Intelligence & Commodity Management

• Monitor commodity markets, foreign exchange trends, tariffs, freight costs, and other market drivers that impact material costs.
• Develop insights and recommendations regarding cost trends, inflationary pressures, and sourcing risks.
• Proactively identify market opportunities and potential cost increases and communicate recommendations to leadership.
• Maintain awareness of industry trends, supplier capabilities, and emerging technologies.

Supplier Performance & Development

• Develop and manage supplier scorecards and performance metrics.
• Hold suppliers accountable for quality, delivery, responsiveness, and cost performance expectations.
• Lead supplier business reviews and corrective action discussions when performance issues arise.
• Identify and execute supplier development initiatives that improve operational performance and strengthen strategic partnerships.
• Evaluate and select suppliers based on strategic fit, capabilities, quality, cost competitiveness, and long-term value.

Contract Management & Risk Mitigation

• Lead commercial negotiations and contract reviews with suppliers.
• Partner with Legal and other stakeholders to review and negotiate contract terms and conditions.
• Assess supplier risks and develop mitigation strategies to protect supply continuity.
• Support dual-source and contingency planning initiatives where appropriate.

Cross-Functional Leadership

• Partner closely with Engineering, Finance, Product Management, and Executive Leadership to identify and execute value creation opportunities.
• Present sourcing strategies, supplier performance updates, market intelligence, and cost reduction initiatives to senior leadership.
• Lead cross-functional sourcing projects and drive accountability for project milestones and results.

Qualifications

Required

• Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain Management, Business Administration, Engineering, Finance, or a related field.
• 5 years of experience in strategic sourcing, procurement, supply chain, supplier development, or related functions.
• Demonstrated success negotiating supplier agreements and driving measurable cost reductions.
• Experience performing spend analysis, should-cost modeling, and supplier performance management.
• Experience with global sourcing and international supplier management.
• Strong analytical and financial acumen with advanced Excel skills.
• Experience working with ERP systems and business intelligence tools.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Proven ability to work independently and manage multiple priorities with minimal supervision.

Preferred

• Experience in manufacturing, industrial products, motors, generators, controls, electrical products, or related industries.
• Experience developing executive-level presentations and business cases.

Employees must be legally authorized to work in the United States. Verification of employment eligibility will be required at the time of hire. Visa sponsorship is not available for this position.

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