Our client is seeking a driven and technically savvy Strategic Sourcing Specialist to play a key role in shaping sourcing strategy, strengthening supplier partnerships, and driving cost efficiency within a fast-paced manufacturing environment. This position operates at the intersection of engineering, supply chain, and operations—ideal for someone who enjoys solving complex challenges, negotiating value, and continuously improving processes. This is more than a traditional purchasing role—it's an opportunity to directly influence supplier performance, support new product launches, and contribute to overall operational success and profitability.

Responsibilities

Strategic Sourcing & Supplier Management

• Lead supplier identification, evaluation, and qualification efforts for new and existing programs
• Build and maintain strong, collaborative supplier relationships
• Manage supplier transitions and resourcing initiatives to mitigate risk and improve performance
• Act as the primary liaison between suppliers and internal engineering teams

Quoting & Cost Management

• Oversee component quoting and participate in quote review processes
• Evaluate supplier quotes for cost accuracy, competitiveness, and technical alignment
• Lead negotiations to achieve cost targets and maximize savings opportunities
• Drive continuous cost reduction and value engineering initiatives

Performance & Reporting

• Monitor and manage key purchasing KPIs, including purchase price variance (PPV) and budget adherence
• Track and report PPV as a percentage of sales
• Support supplier diversity and reporting initiatives
• Prepare and present performance updates using tools such as Excel, PowerPoint, and reporting platforms

Operational Leadership

• Oversee supplier component releases through coordination with internal teams
• Ensure alignment across purchasing, engineering, and supplier quality functions
• Identify risks, bottlenecks, and potential supply chain disruptions—and take proactive action

Qualifications

• 3–5+ years of experience in purchasing, sourcing, or supply chain within a manufacturing environment
• Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Supply Chain, or a related field
• Proven experience in supplier management and contract negotiation
• Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel, PowerPoint, and Word, along with data/reporting tools
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and organizational skills
• High attention to detail with the ability to manage multiple priorities
• Excellent communication skills with the ability to collaborate cross-functionally

Preferred Experience

• Exposure to manufacturing processes such as:
  • Injection molding
  • Die casting
  • Stamping
  • Screw machining
  • Cold heading
  • Plastic extrusion
  • Springs and forming processes
• Experience in automotive or other highly regulated manufacturing environments
• Familiarity with value engineering and cost optimization strategies
• Experience with business intelligence tools such as Power BI

Titles Encouraged to Apply

• Strategic Sourcing Engineer
• Supply Chain Engineer
• Commodity Buyer
• Procurement Engineer
• Senior Buyer
• Sourcing Specialist