Position Summary
Harden Architectural Security Products is seeking a highly motivated Strategic Supply Chain & Sourcing Manager to help strengthen and scale our supply chain infrastructure during an exciting period of growth and operational transformation.
Harden designs and manufactures high-security doors, windows, glazing systems, and perimeter protection products used in some of the world's most demanding environments, including U.S. embassy projects and other critical infrastructure applications. As our business expands into new domestic markets, new product offerings, and a future ERP implementation, we are seeking a supply chain leader capable of building a resilient, scalable, and strategically aligned supply base.
This is not a transactional purchasing role. The successful candidate will play a critical role in:
• Expanding and qualifying new suppliers
• Building redundancy into key supply categories
• Driving total cost of ownership improvements
• Supporting ERP implementation and supply chain process design
• Supporting new product introduction and buy/resell offerings
The ideal candidate combines strategic sourcing expertise, strong commercial judgment, manufacturing knowledge, supplier development experience, continuous improvement, and systems thinking.
Military veterans are strongly encouraged to apply. Experience in military logistics, supply chain operations, procurement, contracting, acquisition, sustainment, transportation, maintenance, or operational leadership often translates exceptionally well to this role. We value leadership, problem-solving, planning, supplier management, risk mitigation, and mission-focused execution.
This position will focus on building Harden's future supply chain capabilities, including supplier development, sourcing strategy, ERP implementation, and support of new product growth initiatives. The role works closely with existing supply chain resources and production planning resources responsible for day-to-day supplier relationships and purchasing operations.
Key Responsibilities
Strategic Sourcing & Supplier Development
• Identify, evaluate, qualify, and onboard new suppliers to support business growth and reduce supply chain risk
• Conduct supplier capability assessments, including manufacturing capability, capacity and scalability, quality systems, delivery performance, and operational flexibility
• Build and maintain a pipeline of qualified suppliers capable of supporting future growth initiatives
• Lead supplier negotiations related to pricing, lead times, terms, and service expectations
• Establish long-term strategic supplier relationships aligned with Harden's operational and commercial goals
Total Cost of Ownership (TCO) Management
• Drive sourcing decisions based on total cost of ownership principles, including piece price, freight/logistics, lead time impact, inventory carrying cost, quality performance, and warranty/service costs
• Conduct cost analyses, benchmarking, and market evaluations to identify savings
• Support margin improvement initiatives through strategic sourcing and supplier optimization
• Collaborate with engineering and operations teams to identify opportunities for cost reduction and supply chain simplification
Supplier Performance & Risk Management
• Develop supplier qualification and performance management processes
• Monitor supplier performance related to quality, on-time delivery, responsiveness, capacity, and continuous improvement
• Proactively identify and mitigate supply chain risks
• Work closely with suppliers to resolve issues and improve long-term performance
• Conduct supplier visits and audits as needed
ERP Implementation & Supply Chain Systems
• Assist during ERP selection and design supply chain processes and system logic that support efficient purchasing workflows, accurate lead times, inventory optimization, reduced working capital, and improved planning and visibility
• Ensure supplier and inventory data structures accurately reflect operational realities
New Product Introduction & Business Expansion
• Support sourcing activities related to new product development and market expansion
• Identify and qualify suppliers capable of meeting product cost, quality, and delivery targets
• Support buy/resell product strategies by identifying vendor partnerships that expand Harden's offerings, improve customer experience, and create operational efficiencies
Cross-Functional Collaboration
• Partner closely with Engineering, Operations, Sales, Project Management, and Leadership
• Support strategic decision-making through supply chain insight and analysis
• Help build scalable supply chain processes that support company growth
Qualifications & Experience
Required Qualifications
• Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain Management, Operations, Engineering, Business, or related field preferred
• 5-10+ years of experience in strategic sourcing, supply chain management, or procurement within a manufacturing environment
• Proven experience developing and qualifying new suppliers
• Strong understanding of total cost of ownership (TCO) principles
• Experience negotiating supplier agreements and managing supplier relationships
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills
• Excellent communication and organizational skills
• Ability to travel periodically for supplier visits and audits
Preferred Qualifications
• Experience within building materials, architectural products, metals/fabrication, or industrial manufacturing
• ERP implementation experience
• Familiarity with project-based manufacturing environments
• Experience supporting new product introduction
• Understanding of regulated or performance-based products and standards
Desired Competencies
• Strategic thinking and long-term planning ability
• Strong commercial and operational judgment
• Ability to proactively identify and solve problems
• Technical curiosity and understanding of manufacturing processes
• Ability to assess supplier capability beyond pricing alone
• Strong negotiation and relationship management skills
• Systems thinking and process improvement mindset
• Ability to balance cost, quality, service, and operational flexibility
Compensation & Benefits
Harden offers a competitive compensation package including:
• Competitive base salary
• Performance-based incentive opportunity
• Health, dental, and vision insurance and retirement benefits with company matching
• Paid time off and designated holidays
• Opportunity to play a key role in a growing organization undergoing significant operational and strategic expansion
Why Join Harden?
This role offers the opportunity to help shape the future of a growing company serving high-security and mission-critical applications. The Strategic Supply Chain & Sourcing Manager will play a direct role in strengthening Harden's operational capabilities, supporting growth initiatives, and building a scalable supply chain platform for the future. At Harden, we value:
• Ownership
• Initiative
• Collaboration
• Practical problem solving
• Continuous improvement
If you are a strategic supply chain professional who enjoys building systems, developing supplier networks, and creating operational advantage, we encourage you to apply.
