Lead, Sourcing

Polaris•Plymouth, MN

2d•Onsite

About The Position

You will support the development and execution of sourcing strategies that align with broader commodity objectives while helping drive supplier performance, cost competitiveness, and operational excellence. In this role, you will partner with buyers, suppliers, engineering teams, and cross-functional stakeholders to manage supplier relationships, evaluate sourcing opportunities, execute value improvement initiatives, and support strategic supply chain decisions. You will contribute to supplier selection, contract execution, project management, cost reduction programs, and commodity strategy development while balancing quality, delivery, and business objectives. This role provides the opportunity to influence sourcing strategies, lead cross-functional initiatives, and deliver measurable business value across the supply base.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain, Business Administration, or a technical field.
Minimum of 4 years of purchasing or related professional experience.
Demonstrated experience in supplier management, sourcing, procurement, or supply chain functions.
Strong negotiation, decision-making, and problem-solving skills.
Ability to develop and implement strategic plans while identifying and managing business risks.
Excellent written and verbal communication skills with the ability to collaborate effectively across functions and with external suppliers.
Strong organizational and project management skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities, stakeholders, and deadlines.
Ability to read and interpret engineering documentation and technical data.
Experience with cost analysis, supplier selection processes, and contract negotiations.

Nice To Haves

APICS CPIM, ISM C.P.M./A.P.P., and/or PMP certification preferred.

Responsibilities

Support the development, execution, and governance of commodity strategies in alignment with organizational goals and broader supply chain objectives.
Manage supplier relationships and provide guidance to buyers on supplier management practices, supply agreements, and long-term contractual commitments.
Lead sourcing activities for assigned projects, including supplier identification, request for proposal and quotation processes, supplier evaluations, and sourcing recommendations.
Identify and execute cost reduction initiatives, supplier transitions, tool transfers, and other value improvement projects to support business objectives.
Manage project scope, schedules, costs, technical requirements, and drawing release status while driving corrective actions when needed.
Collaborate with buyers to develop supplier-specific cost reduction plans, establish measurable targets, and support achievement of those objectives.
Utilize fact-based negotiation, should-cost modeling, market analysis, and other sourcing tools to identify and implement strategic sourcing opportunities.
Partner with engineering teams and suppliers to evaluate and implement new technologies and support product development initiatives.
Support supplier quality and operational teams in addressing quality concerns, delivery challenges, root cause investigations, and corrective actions.
Conduct make-versus-buy analyses, perform cost analyses, resolve pricing discrepancies, and support financial performance objectives.
Coordinate activities across multiple departments to support product development, launch, production, and ongoing manufacturing requirements.