Senior Strategic Sourcing Manager

Optimas Solutions•Sturtevant, WI

5d•Hybrid

About The Position

Optimas is a global distributor of integrated supply chain solutions, and engineering support focused on delivering fasteners, components, industrial and safety supplies to diverse customers around the world. Our local, on-the-ground teams understand the nuances of every community we serve. This allows us to adapt with our customers and partners as needs evolve, leveraging our footprint to remain at their side while providing a highly personalized level of service and support. Optimas is seeking an experienced, driven candidate to fill the role of Senior Strategic Sourcing Manager on our dynamic team based in Wood Dale, Illinois. This position reports directly to the Senior Director, Strategic Sourcing and will oversee the externally threaded (aka Male Threaded) fastener category and a team of 2-3 sourcing managers. The ideal candidate for this position has strong procurement and analytical experience, preferably in the fastener industry, combined with the vision to create actionable sourcing strategies. In this role the candidate will be responsible for developing category goals, the identification of tactics to achieve them and, through the efforts of a dedicated sourcing team, the execution of cost savings programs. A candidate for this position must be a creative problem-solver who thrives in a dynamic environment, an analytical thinker who is able to make competent decisions and not shy away from difficult situations that may arise with key supply partners.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in business/adjacent, Masters preferred
Minimum of 7 years’ experience in a strategic sourcing role within a manufacturing or distribution industry
Experience leading a team of sourcing managers, purchasing managers or supply chain buyers is required
Track record of driving cost reductions in a spend portfolio >USD 100 million and thousands of SKU’s
Background in Strategic Sourcing concepts with application to real-world scenarios
Strong negotiation skills, particularly with senior-level sales personnel
Able to hold vendors accountable financially for defective products, services and/or delays
Experience reading and writing supply contracts is essential
Ability to perform analysis and interpret data into actionable steps
Can work cooperatively with senior members of other functional areas, particularly Quality and Sales
Strong business acumen – financial, strategic, operational and leadership skills
Ability to understand business models and key cost drivers quickly
Excellent communication skills, both verbal and written
Drive, determination, and a self-disciplined approach to achieving results
Strong work ethic and comfortable using KPI-based measurement tools
Demonstrated flexibility and open-mindedness around change; positive, can-do attitude
Must be proficient in Microsoft Office, and prior experience utilizing NetSuite and/or Tableau will be helpful

Nice To Haves

Project management experience a definite plus
Experience in cold heading or other metalworking industries will be viewed favorably.
Multilingual skills would be advantageous

Responsibilities

Strategy Development – Develop sourcing strategies for the assigned category based on rigorous analysis of spend data, supply market dynamics, category intelligence, and business requirements.
Tactics Identification – “how do we get there” roadmaps with accountability and timeliness.
Use of Strategic Sourcing toolset – 7-step method, market analyses, key supplier selection, vendor and spend consolidation, tender issuance and management, and execution of tender outcomes.
Communication Skills – Exceptionally strong written and oral communication skills are necessary. Position may join in presenting plans and results to senior management as well as colleagues across the business.
Negotiations – Strong negotiations skills are required; formal training is preferred.
Must be able to read and write complex supply contracts, including liaising with Legal department as necessary.
Information Resource – understand material cost changes and relevant market dynamics within the assigned category and provide stakeholders with relevant and timely updates.
Technical Skills – an understanding of manufacturing practices used for products within the category and the ability to understand product specifications and features (i.e. cold heading, secondary finishes, etc.). Experience in cold heading or other metalworking industries will be viewed favorably.
Analytical Skills – Enjoy gathering and digging deeply into data to identify issues and creative, effective solutions.
Partner with Customer and Supplier Quality managers to drive continuous supply base improvement in the category, including external benchmarking and the use of KPI’s to monitor compliance to Optimas requirements.
Lead cost recovery and defective material disposition with responsible vendors.
Foreign Travel may be required.