Senior Strategic Sourcing Lead

Albany International Corp.•Portsmouth, NH

About The Position

This role manages and supports corporate-wide purchasing and supply chain activities, focusing on indirect materials and services (such as IT, HR services, MRO, capital equipment, software, travel programs, and contract services). The role acts as a key link between suppliers, business units, and corporate finance/supply chain teams. They are responsible for sourcing, negotiating, and managing suppliers for assigned commodity groups, ensuring the company gets the best value, quality, and reliability while staying compliant with company policies and contracts.

Requirements

3+ years of related experience
Strong aptitude for negotiations including some significant demonstrated success
Knowledge of Contract Law and other Procurement regulations
Ability to assess internal risks of designs or processes that limit supply options
Excellent communication skills, verbal and written
Computer skills: word documents, excel and power point
Attention to details
Cost savings driven and understanding of impact to the bottom line
Cost-analysis skills and understanding of market drivers
Ability to multitask, manage time effectively
Out of the box thinking
Goal Driven
Sense of Urgency
"Hands-on" style

Nice To Haves

Supply Chain, Business, or a related field and bachelor's degree preferred
SAP experience highly desirable
Experience with managing suppliers based in the Americas, Europe and Asia is preferred

Responsibilities

Gather and analyze purchasing, pricing, and supplier performance data
Track market and price trends to set buying and negotiation strategies
Evaluate cost feasibility and establish price objectives
Source indirect materials and services (IT/HR subcontractors, equipment, tools, software, MRO, packaging, vehicles, travel programs, etc.)
Prepare and issue RFPs/RFQs, review proposals, and award purchase orders
Develop new suppliers based on price, quality, and on time delivery
Negotiate contracts and pricing, often at a global or enterprise level
Act as the primary relationship manager for assigned suppliers
Monitor supplier performance and resolve cost, quality, or delivery issues
Ensure supplier and purchasing compliance with company policies
Support corporate, business unit, and site-level procurement needs
Partner with Supply Chain, Finance, and Operations teams across locations
Provide management with insights, reporting, and purchasing recommendations
Approve payments, maintain procurement records, and support audits
Ensure contracts and purchases align with corporate policies and objectives
Contribute to procurement strategy and long-term cost-reduction initiatives
Influence organizational sourcing decisions and purchasing objectives
Represent the company on significant contracts and projects, including work with senior stakeholders
Communicate professionally with suppliers and internal stakeholders at all levels
Plan and manage their own workload and timelines
Solve complex procurement problems using policy, precedent, and judgment
Travel occasionally (up to ~25%) to support supplier meetings, negotiations, or site needs