The roleWe are seeking a results-driven
Senior Strategic Sourcing Manager to lead sourcing strategy and supplier performance across direct, capex, automation, and indirect spending. You will own category roadmaps, drive cost competitiveness and supply continuity, and lead sourcing for new launches. The ideal candidate is an innovative, data-driven leader with a passion for strategic sourcing excellence, continuous improvement, and building high-performing teams and supplier partnerships that enable long-term growth.
This is a hybrid role on the Corporate Sourcing team and has 2 direct reports and team size is likely to match Dakkota growth initiatives.
What You'll Do- Category strategy & roadmap: Develop and execute multi-year sourcing strategies across assigned indirect, capex, automation, MRO, and direct commodities (metals, resins, electronics, electrical) aligned to engineering and manufacturing imperatives.
- Supplier selection & development: Lead cross-functional source-selection teams; manage supplier evaluation, readiness, performance, and development, including engineering-change management and supply planning.
- Launch sourcing: Lead end-to-end supplier sourcing and quotation for new program launches across pre-production, prototype, and full production, meeting program timing, cost, and quality targets within the APQP process.
- Cost & margin: Drive contribution-margin expansion and total-cost-of-ownership reduction through should-cost modeling, negotiation, VA/VE, and supplier consolidation across direct and indirect spending.
- Risk & continuity: Mitigate supply risk through multi-sourcing, sub-tier visibility, and business-continuity planning; ensure supply continuity across the category portfolio.
- Supplier relationships and diversity: Cultivate strong supplier relationships through performance management and supplier development initiatives. Expand qualified diverse supplier pipeline and advance customer Tier-2 diversity-spend objectives.
- Commercial & compliance: Own commercial terms - pricing, contracts, performance metrics - and maintain accurate, compliant documentation aligned to the Business Operating System (BOS).
- Team leadership: Build and develop a high-performing sourcing team through coaching, mentoring, and capability development.
- Continuous improvement: Apply Lean principles, structured problem-solving, and data-driven insight to improve sourcing processes and outcomes.
- Safety and strategic Orientation: Promote a safe work environment by adhering to all company safety and emergency protocols. Support additional strategic initiatives and responsibilities as assigned by leadership.
Key KPIs and Success Metrics- Deliver annual cost reduction goals on managed spend.
- Achieve on-time sourcing readiness for 100 % of program-launch milestones.
- Achieve VA/VE savings across direct and indirect categories.
- Maintain supplier scorecard performance (quality / delivery).
- Improve inventory and working capital by optimizing MRO and Capex spending.
Who you are- Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain, Engineering, Business, or a related discipline required, MBA or advanced degree preferred.
- 7+ years of progressive strategic sourcing, procurement, or category management, preferably at a Tier 1 automotive supplier or in advanced manufacturing, including 2+ years leading people or cross-functional projects.
- Experience sourcing components supporting electrification, energy systems, or sustainable materials strongly preferred.
- Demonstrated track record of delivering cost savings, leading complex supplier negotiations, and executing effective category management strategies.
- Strong understanding of automotive supply chain operations, including APQP and program launch processes.
- Expertise managing one or more indirect spend categories, including Capex, Automation, MRO, services, and operational support materials.
- Experience in managing one or more key direct material commodities such as metals, resins, electronics, electrical and energy-related components.
- Proficiency with ERP systems and sourcing/procurement tools.
- Advanced analytical capabilities, including cost modeling and financial analysis.
- Proven ability to influence and collaborate with cross-functional stakeholders at all levels of the organization.
- Excellent communication, negotiation, and leadership skills.
- Strong business acumen with a strategic mindset and results-oriented approach.
- Preferred certifications: CPSM, ASCM/APICS CSCP, and/or Lean Six Sigma (Green or Black Belt).
Health, Safety, Physical & Travel Requirements- Normal amount of sitting and standing, average mobility to move around an office and plant environment, able to conduct normal amount of work on a computer.
- Up to 30% of travel outside of assigned work location may be required.
- Valid Driver's license
Life at DakkotaOur success is rooted in meaningful relationships and a culture that feels like family. We champion compassion, respect, and work-life balance, while supporting each team member's personal and professional growth. Through initiatives like our Mentor & Mentee Program and Enterprise Learning University, we foster continuous learning, knowledge sharing, and career development. Combined with ongoing development opportunities, competitive pay, and a comprehensive benefits package, we empower our people to thrive both at work and in life.
Our benefits include paid time off, medical, dental, and vision coverage, and a 401(k) plan for eligible employees.
Explore everything we have to offer at Dakkota Careers!
