Direct Material Leader, Global Sourcing

Velcro•Manchester, NH

4d•Remote

About The Position

Direct Material Global Sourcing Leader provides strategic leadership and direction for the company’s global direct sourcing needs, purchasing and supplier management functions. This role ensures cost-effective, ethical, and sustainable sourcing strategies that support organizational goals, strengthen supplier partnerships, mitigate risk, and drive competitive advantage. This role will develop a high-performing Direct Material Sourcing organization that regularly delivers value, innovation, and quality across all categories/regions worldwide. This position will lead a team of three (3) professionals. As the Direct Material Leader, you will be knowledgeable of Company input materials and critical indices. The incumbent will be responsible for building multi-year, multi-category strategies which manifest into formal agreements that drive meaningful impact to the P&L. This position is expected to contribute to the organization’s thought leadership in the ir respective categories and ensure the Company executes global sourcing initiatives.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in supply chain management, Business Administration, Engineering, or related field (MBA preferred).
10 years of progressive experience in global sourcing, procurement, or supply chain management, with at least 3 years in leadership roles.
Demonstrated strong record for building effective teams in all direct material categories.
Proven experience as a business leader with sound management skills and experience managing metric-oriented performance objectives.
Proven track record of negotiating and managing complex global supplier agreements and partnerships
Experience in a continuous improvement environment with a successful YOY track record
Experience operating successfully in an agile, highly matrixed environment
Experience in team building and management of direct reports
Experience in multicultural negotiations, contracting and supplier management activities
Experience in leading large, globally complex projects
Strong financial acumen with the ability to develop and manage budgets, forecasts, and business cases.
Excellent leadership, communication, collaboration, presentation and influencing skills with the ability to operate across cultures and geographies.
Strong change-management skills, able to lead transformation initiatives in fast-paced, dynamic environments
Strategic thinker with demonstrated ability to deliver cost savings, supplier innovation, and operational efficiencies.
Strong MS Office Skills (Outlook, PowerPoint, Excel, Word).
Ability to travel, both domestic and internationally; up to 20%.

Nice To Haves

Experience and proven track record deploying AI for Purchasing professionals.
Preference given to remote worker situations.
Experience in Strategic Sourcing of commodities, raw material, and finished goods is preferred
LEAN and Kaizen experience.
Scientific approach to problem solving
5/6 step sourcing approach
Development/execution of direct material strategies
Continuous improvement, Six Sigma concepts & methodologies, and work experience as a leader with excellent negotiation skills.
Oracle or equivalent ERP experience.
Ability to speak Spanish

Responsibilities

Develop and execute the company’s global sourcing and procurement strategy aligned with the Global VP and overall business objectives.
Identify and pursue opportunities to optimize total cost of ownership, improve supply chain efficiency, and resilience.
Collaborate with Direct Category Managers to strengthen supplier relationships.
Build and lead a global Direct Materials sourcing team capable of supporting current and future business growth.
Continue to develop/enhance global metrics and KPI measuring tools for the betterment of the company utilizing “ best in class ” benchmarks.
Lead, monitor, coach Sourcing team on all critical Sourcing KPI’s and initiatives/projects
Stay current on category markets, industries, cost drivers and mega trends, Provide insights and economic outlook to inform and guide category strategies, keeping the company updated on opportunities & risks.
Manage supporting personnel in the execution of the multi-step strategic sourcing process.
Support strategy development, negotiations and contract approach for all major global business agreements.
Establish a robust global supplier selection, evaluation, and performance management framework.
Negotiate using established Global Direct Material contracts that secure favorable terms, mitigate risks, and ensure compliance with regulatory, ethical, and sustainability standards.
Update, modify or enhance current templates as needed or as best practice dictates.
Through the Supplier Relationship Management (SRM) framework, drive global supplier innovation in product development, technology, and supply chain resilience.
Partner with internal stakeholders (R&D, operations, finance, quality, planning & logistics) to align sourcing strategies with organizational needs. (e.g. make v. buy)
Implement best-in-class sourcing processes, tools, and analytics to enhance decision-making and visibility across the supply base.
Ensure continuity of supply, price certainty and proactively manage global risks, including geopolitical, financial, and operational challenges.
Lead the deployment of KPI’s that define performance targets aligned with the financial and supply chain performance goals of the company (global, regional, local).
Collaborate with the VP of Global Procurement to implement Supply Chain Financing (SCF) solutions that extend payment terms, positively impact DPO and CCC, aligned with company goals across the Direct Material supplier base.
Ensure adherence to company policies, legal requirements, and industry standards across all sourcing activities.
Champion sustainability, diversity, and corporate social responsibility within the global supply chain.
Monitor and report on sourcing performance, cost savings, and risk metrics to senior leadership.
Other duties may be assigned or for the performance of this position

Benefits

Competitive pay
Comprehensive benefits package
Generous time-off
Medical and Prescription Coverage (HSA and HRA Options)
Dental Coverage
Vision Coverage
Flexible Spending Accounts
Award Winning Wellness and Incentive Program
Life Insurance
Short- and Long-Term Disability
Business Travel Accident Insurance
Voluntary Accident & Critical Illness Insurance
EAP (Employee Assistance Program)
Retirement Savings Plan 401(k) Saving Plan with generous 5.5% Company match and Immediate Vesting
Paid Vacation Time
Paid Sick Time
Paid Parental Leave
13 Paid Company Holidays
Tuition Reimbursement Program
Financial Wellness Benefit – Smart Dollar®
Employee Recognition Programs
Employee Resource Groups
Charitable or Educational Matching Gift Program
Employee Referral Bonus Program