Strategic Sourcing Specialist

Position Summary

Lead all procurement activities supporting Panel Build Operations, ensuring materials, components, and services are sourced, contract negotiations, and delivered to meet project schedules, quality expectations, and cost objectives. Serve as the primary procurement partner to the Supply Chain Supervisor, Operations, Engineering, and Manufacturing teams. Drive supplier performance, manage supply risk, and support material availability for Panel Build projects while providing procurement support for additional automation and non-Panel Build projects as required.  Create professional sourcing strategies to drive continuous improvement, optimal cost, better supplier performance, and improved working capital for the business

Core Responsibilities

• Execute RFQs, evaluate supplier quotations, negotiate contract parameters & agreements, and recommend sourcing decisions that optimize total cost and operational performance
• Own procurement execution for all Panel Build projects, including purchase order placement, supplier management, expediting, and issue resolution.
• Manage supplier relationships for assigned commodities and vendors, monitoring performance related to quality, delivery, responsiveness, and cost.
• Collaborate with Engineering, Project Management, Manufacturing, and Logistics teams to resolve material discrepancies, engineering changes, and schedule impacts.
• Partner closely with the Panel Build Supply Chain Supervisor to ensure uninterrupted material flow, timely shortage resolution, and accurate demand planning.
• Monitor project material requirements and proactively expedite critical components to support production schedules and on-time customer deliveries.
• Identify and mitigate supply chain risks through alternate sourcing strategies, safety stock recommendations, and supplier recovery plans.
• Review and maintain ERP purchasing data, supplier information, pricing, lead times, and planning parameters to ensure data accuracy.
• Support inventory optimization initiatives by aligning procurement activities with project demand, inventory targets, and working capital objectives.
• Provide procurement support for overflow activities related to non-Panel Build projects and other company purchasing requirements.
• Participate in continuous improvement initiatives focused on supplier performance, purchasing processes, inventory management, and operational efficiency.
• Develop and maintain supplier forecasts, communicate requirement changes, and coordinate recovery plans when schedules are at risk.
• Prepare reports and metrics related to supplier delivery performance, purchase order status, shortages, and procurement effectiveness.

Qualifications

• 5+ years of procurement, purchasing, or supply chain experience within a manufacturing, automation, or project-based production environment.
• Previous electronic component / electromechanical component sourcing preferred
• Demonstrated experience managing supplier relationships, negotiations, sourcing activities, and material expediting.
• Strong understanding of Bills of Material (BOMs), manufacturing processes, inventory management, and material planning concepts.
• Working knowledge of ERP/MRP systems and Microsoft Office applications, including advanced Excel skills.
• Excellent communication, organizational, analytical, and problem-solving abilities.
• Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously while prioritizing changing business requirements.
• Preferred qualifications include APICS/ASCM CPIM, CSCP, CPSM, or equivalent supply chain certification.
• Bachelor's degree in Procurement, Supply Chain Management, Business, Engineering, or a related field preferred; equivalent experience will be considered.

Work Environment

Role is primarily office-based with regular interaction in engineering, operations, warehouse, and receiving areas. Position requires frequent collaboration with suppliers, project teams, and operations personnel to support material availability and project execution. Adherence to all company safety policies and procedures is required.