Sourcing Engineer

Illinois Tool Works•Mokena, IL

58d•$90,000 - $100,000

About The Position

Job Description The Strategic Sourcing Group at ITW Smart Components North America is seeking a passionate, driven, and intellectually curious Sourcing Engineer to drive impact and deliver results. Strategic Sourcing is responsible for all direct materials purchased. We develop partnerships with our internal engineering, innovation teams and our suppliers to deliver high-quality products. This position will lead supplier relationships, define category and supply base strategy, manage and negotiate Product Supply Agreements and related contractual executions, influence the technology roadmap, lead supplier negotiation and selection, drive continual cost optimization and ensure continuity of supply. An ideal candidate will have high ambition to grow. You must be a high energy/impact individual with demonstrated ability to succeed in a high demand and ultra-high stress environment. The successful candidate will be comfortable with ambiguity, can lead without authority and be able to work across organizational lines. The ideal candidate will be able to think and act strategically, to set a vision and execute against that vision. It is critical that the person in this role is able to develop productive, collaborative working relationships with a variety of people with differing levels, personal styles, cultural backgrounds and geographical locations.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree, preferably in an Engineering, science-based discipline, Business or Supply Chain-related field or equivalent experience
Minimum of 4 years of work experience in direct material sourcing, supply chain, engineering, or operations capacity
Familiarity with the Strategic Sourcing Process and experience in project management
Familiarity with automotive APQP and change management processes
Ability to work in a decentralized organization
Fast learner that demonstrates strong business acumen and strong communication skills
Advanced skills in Excel and MS Office
An understanding of manufacturing practices and the ability to understand automotive product specifications and features are essential for success in this position.
Willingness to travel domestic / international 25%

Nice To Haves

Knowledge and experience in Design for Manufacturing and VA/VE are desired

Responsibilities

Secure components and/or services in the assigned categories that will provide competitive advantage in both technology and cost for ITW.
Deliver aggressive costing and budget projections, with the ability to standup to rigorous opposition and drive alignment with the leadership team
Drive change management to continuously improve efficiency, yield and performance via VA/VE projects, competitive tension, and risk mitigation
Manage the supply base end-to-end from inception to end-of-life to ensure continuity of supply with the right materials driving plan in place.
Work with a cross functional team to drive the supplier selection process and component qualification both under engineering and commercial best practices/disciplines.
Serve as key escalation channel responsible for continuity of supply risks (lifecycle, lead time/availability, sole sourcing, financial, supplier selection, warranty, etc.). Track commodity shortages, price increases, Force Majeures, and other events to ensure supply continuity.
Where appropriate, protect ITW's long-term interest with formal contracts or agreements between ITW and its suppliers.
Acquire and maintain understanding of product purchases, knowledge of the supply base and product cost
Lead supplier RFQ process, conducting supplier analysis to ensure that competitive pricing, continuity of supply risk mitigation, delivery, quality, and lead time is being achieved
Partner with internal teams throughout the Product Opportunity Development (POD) to manage BOM cost for outsourced components and assemblies, with focus on Total Cost of Ownership (TCO)
Lead/ Participate in meetings to ensure key customer deliverables are being met (cost, lead time, etc.)
Forecasts price trends and their impact on current and future price.
Participate in supplier audits and supplier material qualification activities as needed