POSITION SUMMARY: Thruway Inc. is seeking a proactive and results-driven
Sourcing Lead to support and enhance our sourcing operations. This role is critical in ensuring product availability, competitive cost structures, and on-time delivery while building strong, strategic relationships with our supply chain partners.
As a key member of the sourcing team, you will play an integral role in aligning suppliers with Thruway's business goals and driving value across our organization.
POSITION OVERVIEW: The Sourcing Lead leverages strong product knowledge and market insight to strategically align components with the right suppliers, optimizing quality, cost, and service outcomes.
In this role, you will collaborate closely with the Sourcing Manager and Procurement team while also managing independent initiatives and projects. Your work will directly contribute to supplier development, process improvement, and overall supply chain performance.
What You'll Do:- Partner with the Sourcing Manager to support daily operations and strategic sourcing initiatives
- Collaborate cross-functionally and independently manage key sourcing activities and projects
- Work with Procurement to develop suppliers that align with Thruway's inventory and operational goals
- Help implement and validate sourcing systems and processes that drive efficiency and scalability
- Engage with suppliers through communication, meetings, and occasional travel
Key Responsibilities: - Identify, evaluate, and develop suppliers with a focus on quality, reliability, cost, and capacity
- Support sourcing strategies for corporate customer RFQs, including pricing, timelines, and supply planning
- Assist in benchmarking key product categories and driving competitive cost positioning
- Contribute to high-risk and complex RFQs, including new products and custom components
- Build and maintain strong supplier relationships to secure high-quality components at optimal total cost
- Ensure ERP data accuracy and continuously improve system integrity
- Partner with internal teams (Sales, Procurement, and Branch Leadership) to align customer requirements with sourcing strategies
- Support cost reduction initiatives through benchmarking and re-sourcing efforts
- Analyze and report on supply chain performance, identifying opportunities for improvement
- Continuously expand knowledge of industry standards, materials, coatings, and manufacturing processes
PERFORMANCE METRICS: Success in this role will be measured by:
- Quote Success Rate: Driving RFQ wins and continuously improving win ratios
- Margin Improvement: Contributing to reduced costs, improved efficiencies, reduced scrap and increased profitability
- High-Risk RFQ Support: Enhancing accuracy and reducing response times
- Supplier Management: Maintaining effective Approved and Prospective Vendor Lists (AVL/PVL)
- Collaboration: Strong partnerships across sourcing, procurement, sales, and operations
- Inventory Support: Improving inventory turns and minimizing scrap and rework
QUALIFICATIONS & SKILLS: We're looking for a motivated professional who thrives in a fast-paced, collaborative environment and is eager to make a measurable impact.
Required Skills & Experience:- Strong communication and relationship-building skills
- Proven ability to manage multiple priorities and meet deadlines
- Experience with ERP systems (NetSuite preferred)
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite
- Working knowledge of industrial and/or electrical hardware
- Strong analytical, organizational, and time management skills
- Customer-focused mindset with excellent problem-solving abilities
- Demonstrated negotiation skills
- Team-oriented with a positive, proactive attitude
WORK ENVIRONMENT & TRAVEL- Occasional travel to branch locations and supplier sites
- Primarily office-based (approximately 80% seated, 20% active/movement)
Job Type: Full-time
Schedule: Monday-Friday Day shift (8:00am-4:30pm)
Location: Syracuse, NY
Thruway Fasteners, Inc. offers a competitive and comprehensive benefit program with an employer contribution for eligible employees: - Medical plan options including a Co-Pay plan and High-Deductible Healthcare plans
- Dental (including orthodontic coverage for dependents up to age 19)
- Vision plan with choice Davis or VSP networks
- Company paid Basic Life, AD&D and State Disability
- Health Savings Account (HSA)
- Voluntary life insurance
- Voluntary short-term and long-term disability
- Voluntary critical illness, accident insurance, theft & legal services, hospital indemnity
- Employee Assistance Program
- Paid Time Off
- Paid Holidays
- 401k retirement plan with employer match
- Employee Referral Program
