Strategic Sourcing Specialist
On-sitePlymouth, Minnesota, United States
Job Summary
Strategic Sourcing Specialist responsible for developing and executing sourcing strategies for key manufacturing categories (e.g., metals, motors, bearings, drives); analyze supplier performance and identify improvement opportunities; participate in supplier segmentation; 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 and reduce supply disruptions; use ERP systems (Passport, Epicor) to analyze spend, performance, and trends; contribute to standardizing sourcing practices and processes. Ramp-up includes learning products and processes, familiarizing with ERP systems and sourcing tools, understanding supplier base, building cross-functional relationships, and identifying initial performance gaps. 6–12 months: contribute to category strategy development, support supplier performance improvement efforts, participate in governance, demonstrate data-driven decision making, drive improvements in delivery and performance. Required skills include strong analytical and problem-solving abilities, effective communication across functions, ability to influence without direct authority, organized and detail-oriented with strong follow-through. Preferred qualifications include experience in industrial manufacturing environments and familiarity with Epicor, Passport, or Power BI.
Required Qualifications
- 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
Desired 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.
- Gain hands-on experience in supplier management and sourcing strategy
- Develop skills in data analysis, negotiations, and supplier performance improvement
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