Director Strategic Sourcing

KPI Solutions•Kansas City, MO

18h•Onsite

About The Position

KPI is seeking a Strategic Sourcing Director who is responsible for leading sourcing strategy, supplier relationship management, commercial negotiations, and vendor performance management across the organization. This role drives supplier partnerships that support project execution, operational scalability, margin improvement, risk mitigation, and long-term business growth. The position serves as a strategic leader partnering cross-functionally with Engineering, Controls, Estimating, Operations, Project Management, Finance, and Executive Leadership to ensure supplier capabilities align with customer commitments and organizational objectives.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in supply chain, Business, Engineering, Operations, or related field.
10+ years of procurement, strategic sourcing, supply chain, or vendor management experience.
5+ years of leadership experience within warehouse automation, material handling, industrial automation, systems integration, manufacturing, or related industries.
Experience negotiating complex commercial agreements and managing strategic supplier relationships.
Strong understanding of automation project lifecycles including engineering, fabrication, installation, commissioning, and startup support.
Experience managing supplier performance programs and vendor scorecards.
Strong financial and commercial acumen including pricing analysis, margin impact, and risk management.
Experience working within ERP systems such as NetSuite, SAP, Oracle, or similar platforms.

Nice To Haves

Experience within robotic warehouse automation or systems integration environments.
PMP, CPSM, CPM, or related certifications preferred.
Experience managing global suppliers and complex project-based sourcing environments.
Familiarity with contract requirements, liquidated damages, and project-based commercial structures.

Responsibilities

Develop and execute strategic sourcing initiatives across automation, robotics, conveyor, controls, software, installation, and engineered systems categories.
Establish and maintain strategic supplier partnerships with key OEMs, integrators, subcontractors, and technology providers.
Lead vendor management initiatives including supplier qualification, onboarding, segmentation, scorecards, and performance improvement programs.
Conduct recurring Business Reviews and executive supplier reviews to evaluate operational performance, strategic alignment, future opportunities, and risk mitigation.
Develop and maintain supplier scorecards measuring delivery, quality, responsiveness, engineering support, safety, warranty performance, and commissioning support.
Negotiate pricing, commercial agreements, milestone payment structures, service agreements, warranties, and other key commercial contractual terms.
Support pre-sales, estimating, and project execution teams by validating supplier capabilities, schedules, pricing, and operational risks.
Identify and mitigate supply chain risks related to lead times, tariffs, capacity constraints, labor availability, financial stability, and technology maturity.
Develop preferred supplier programs and sourcing strategies that improve operational consistency, scalability, and cost competitiveness.
Monitor market trends, supplier capabilities, and emerging automation technologies to support organizational growth and competitive positioning.
Ability to travel 15 – 20% as required for supplier visits, project support, factory inspections, business reviews, and industry events.