Sourcing Manager, Advanced Sourcing

Plexus•Neenah, WI

About The Position

Plexus is seeking a Sourcing Manager, Advanced Sourcing, responsible for identifying gaps between the existing supplier base and new technology needs, determining whether the right suppliers are available to meet customer expectations, developing and administering potential new suppliers, and developing advanced sourcing supply-chain strategies. The role generates technology roadmaps and manages identified technology gaps. The position develops and executes forward-looking technology strategies for CEC/PCB commodities. It conducts industry research and applies knowledge of manufacturers, suppliers, and markets. The role requires understanding engineering drawings and manufacturing considerations, including materials, tolerances, DFM/DFA feedback, tooling, lead times, and NREs, and recommending manufacturing changes that reduce unit costs without compromising quality. The Sourcing Manager establishes and tracks commodity-group performance objectives and metrics, supports customer management and supply-chain teams in identifying supplier capability and capacity gaps during NPI, and provides guidance on advanced sourcing strategy. The role cultivates regional and global strategic supplier relationships, assesses technology gaps and supplier risks, identifies qualified alternative manufacturers, and helps close technical gaps through early engagement and collaboration with quoting, sourcing, supply-chain, and regional NPI teams. It ensures manufacturer information such as Q-codes and lead-time parameters is available for a smooth NPI handoff. Plexus describes its work as partnering with Aerospace/Defense, Healthcare/Life Sciences, and Industrial companies to design, manufacture, and service products. Its stated values include Growing our People, Building Belonging, Innovating Responsibly, Delivering Excellence, and Creating Customer Success. The company offers a comprehensive benefits package and identifies itself as an Equal Opportunity Employer.

Requirements

Hands-on sourcing experience with electro-mechanical commodities, specifically sheet metal, plastics, castings, wire harnesses, cables, actuators, and custom tooling.
Deep technical competence in sourcing custom engineered components, CEC, PCBs, and tooling.
Competence in sourcing, supply chain, and logistics.
Strong experience driving supplier performance.
Demonstrated commodity management expertise.
Ability to communicate at all levels within an organization.
Strong data analysis and decision-making capabilities.
Continuous improvement mindset.
Project management experience.

Nice To Haves

Bachelor’s degree with 6 or more years of related experience; an equivalent combination of education and/or experience will be considered.
Experience in Design.

Responsibilities

Develop, communicate, and execute the forward-looking technology strategy for CEC/PCB commodities.
Conduct industry research and maintain business knowledge of manufacturers, suppliers, and the marketplace.
Assess drawings, materials, tolerances, DFM/DFA feedback, tooling, lead times, and NREs, and recommend manufacturing modifications that reduce unit costs without compromising quality.
Establish performance objectives and metrics for the Commodities Group, track performance, and report progress monthly or quarterly.
Support customer management and the supply-chain team in identifying capability and capacity gaps in incumbent suppliers during the NPI stage.
Provide guidance and support to the organization on advanced sourcing strategy.
Cultivate and maintain regional and global strategic supplier relationships, including relationships with supplier executives.
Assess technology gaps, design improvements, and supplier risks, including single-source parts, EOL/NRND components, and long lead times.
Identify and qualify alternative manufacturers, using existing Plexus sources or finding new sources as appropriate.
Collaborate with quoting, sourcing, and supply-chain teams during Quote Kick-Off Early-Engagement to close technical gaps and support a smooth NPI handoff.
Work cross-functionally with SC Architects, Directors of Manufacturing Solutions, Business Development Directors, and regional NPI teams in the Pursue and Define funnel stages.
Ensure manufacturer information, including Q-codes and lead-time parameters, is available to support NPI.