Strategic Sourcing LeaderHouston, TexasFull-Time (M-F) Role Summary/Purpose:This position requires an experienced, motivated, and innovative Strategic Sourcing Leader that has direct accountability for the business's most critical KPIs. Beyond sourcing strategy and Supplier negotiation, this leader will own inventory location strategy, Supplier OTD and capital planning for tooling ensuring inventory and tooling are delivered on schedule and at cost commitments.
The ideal candidate is a strategic thinker who is equally comfortable coaching a team, on the phone with Suppliers and pulling meaningful actions from data.
Essential Responsibilities: In the role of Strategic Sourcing Leader, you will:
- Develop and execute multi-year sourcing strategies that align spend, supply positioning (warehousing), and Supplier partnerships to enterprise growth and margin goals
- Lead and coach Buyers and actively participate in cross-functional and tactical support teams
- Own Purchase Price Variance (PPV) performance for all categories: set targets, track actuals/forecasts, investigate/resolve variances, and lead corrective actions with Suppliers and internal stakeholders
- Own CAPEX planning and budget management for tooling investments across the supply base
- Build and maintain project timelines for tooling programs, tracking milestones from PO placement through qualification and production readiness
- Complete ownership of Supplier performance including Supplier quality, COQ/CONC
- Negotiate and manage contracts, supply relationships and stocking agreements for raw materials and finished products
- Lead end-to-end sourcing operations for direct categories, evaluating low-cost country vs. domestic strategies and identifying opportunities
- Own a thorough understanding of the S&OP process, translating supply forecasts into clear commitments, expectations, and specifications
- Maintain thorough knowledge of market dynamics and commodity outlook; use data and business intelligence to identify and act on market trends
- Manage Supplier relationships and develop strategic partnerships
- Present KPI results and forecasts regularly to business leadership
- Prepare appropriate risk management for supply contracts and agreements (sole vs. single vs. multi-source strategies)
- Propose and implement mature sourcing policies
- Handle special projects as assigned
Desired Characteristics:• Demonstrated ownership of PPV, premium freight, or comparable cost/service KPIs in a manufacturing environment
- Experience managing CAPEX budgets and project deliverable timelines for tooling and/or capital equipment
- Experience leading projects, preferably in the electronics, electromechanical or castings industry
- Working knowledge or awareness of PCB manufacturing and sensor technology
- Strong negotiation, contract, and alliance management skills
- Able to adapt to changing priorities in a strategic, fast-moving environment
- Excellent ability to communicate with internal customers, Suppliers, and leadership
- Thorough knowledge of Master Supply Agreement (MSA) content and structure, including legal terms and conditions, transportation, INCO terms, payment terms, SOX compliance, and import/export
- Change agent with a bias toward continuous improvement
- Certified Supply Chain Professional (CSCP) or equivalent certification
Qualifications/Requirements:- Bachelor's Degree from an accredited college or university or equivalent work experience preferred
- Minimum 5-7 years of experience in Sourcing/Procurement for direct or indirect spend, preferably in an electronics or electro-mechanical industry preferred.
- 1-3 years or experience in a team leader role
- Proficient in Excel
- ERP/MRP and manufacturing plant experience
- Experience in contract management and Supplier negotiations
- Travel
