Sourcing Manager

Ascentek•Golden Valley, MN

4h•Hybrid

About The Position

The Sourcing Manager manages sourcing operations that build value-driven vendor partnerships with a focus on risk management, reliability, and cost-effectiveness that support overall organizational strategies. This role involves following structured negotiation processes for supplier negotiations and contracting, and coordinating with internal stakeholders to define material, quality, and service requirements. The Sourcing Manager nurtures vendor partnerships, tracks KPIs and goals, and monitors scorecards to evaluate vendor performance. They are responsible for evaluating new sources, methods, and vendors to ensure a reliable supply of materials, and conducting frequent market analysis and benchmarking to anticipate price fluctuations. The position also entails managing processes, creating efficiencies, and controlling costs using ERP systems and software tools. This role typically reports to a senior manager or director.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain, Business, Engineering, or related field.
5 years' experience in the related area as an individual contributor.
1 - 3 years supervisory experience may be required.
Proven experience managing complex, multi-channel categories, including: Hard parts / industrial components, Installation or project-based supply chains, eCommerce or high-SKU environments.
Prior experience leading or mentoring team members.
Strong expertise in supplier negotiations, cost modeling, and supply risk management.
ERP/MRP systems (JDE, SAP, Oracle, etc.).
Advanced Excel and data analysis.
BI tools for spend and supply chain analytics.
Understanding of logistics, fulfillment models, and landed cost structures.
Strategic category management.
Leadership and team development.
Supplier negotiation and relationship management.
Multi-channel supply chain optimization.
Risk management and problem solving.
Financial and operational acumen.

Nice To Haves

APICS CPIM / CSCP
CPSM
Proven experience managing complex, multi-channel categories, including: Battery or regulated product categories.

Responsibilities

Own category performance across cost, service levels, quality, and supply risk.
Develop and execute multi-year category strategies across: Hard parts and mechanical components, Vehicle wash systems and installation materials/services, eCommerce product portfolio (high-SKU, demand variability, fulfillment-driven), Battery categories (regulated products, shelf-life considerations, supplier constraints).
Align category strategies with channel-specific requirements: Manufacturing & operations, Field installations, eCommerce / distribution.
Drive total cost of ownership (TCO) through sourcing optimization, supplier consolidation, and should-cost analysis.
Monitor market dynamics (commodities, freight, capacity, regulatory considerations for batteries) and proactively adjust strategies.
Lead supplier selection, negotiations, and contract management across all categories.
Develop strategic partnerships with suppliers.
Establish and manage supplier performance KPIs (OTIF, quality, lead time, cost competitiveness).
Implement risk mitigation strategies, including dual sourcing and safety stock strategies for critical SKUs and install components.
Drive continuous improvement initiatives with suppliers to improve lead times, cost, and service levels.
Oversee execution of MRP, forecasting, and replenishment strategies across diverse demand streams: Predictable manufacturing demand, Project-based installation demand, Volatile eCommerce demand patterns.
Ensure inventory strategies reflect: Service level targets by channel, Shelf-life and storage constraints (batteries), Lead time variability and supply risk.
Manage trade-offs between inventory investment, service levels, and cost efficiency.
Provide escalation support for shortages, allocation scenarios, and installation-critical delays.
Lead and develop a team of buyers/planners.
Define roles and responsibilities to ensure proper balance between: Strategic category management, Tactical purchasing and planning execution.
Coach team members on: Supplier negotiations, Data analysis and decision-making, Category ownership mindset.
Drive performance management and continuous skill development.
Act as the primary Supply Chain leader for assigned categories.
Partner closely with: Operations (production planning and material availability), Engineering (specifications, substitutions, product changes), Field Services (installation timelines and material readiness), eCommerce / Commercial teams (SKU availability, service levels, promotions), Finance (cost tracking, savings validation).
Support new product introductions (NPI) and expansion of eCommerce offerings.
Own multi-million-dollar category spend and deliver against cost savings and margin targets.
Drive improvements in: Inventory turns and working capital, Supplier performance and reliability, Cost structure across channels.
Ensure alignment between contracts, pricing, invoices, and ERP data integrity.

Benefits

Medical Plan options, including fertility coverage and free mental health and telehealth coverage
Dental and Vision Insurance
FSA/HSA options
Paid parental leave
Company-provided short-term disability, long-term disability, and life insurance
Supplemental Insurances, including accident, critical illness, hospital, and supplemental life insurance
401(k) with a generous company match
Pet Insurance Benefits
Tuition reimbursement
21 Paid Days Off
7 Paid Holidays
Short-term Incentive Plan (STIP)
Dress For Your Day (casual dress environment)
Paid comprehensive on-the-job training
Company phone provided
Company computer provided
Career advancement opportunities