Sourcing Specialist

Howmet Aerospace • Waco, TX

1d • $100,000 - $120,000

About The Position

The Sourcing Specialist has major purchasing responsibilities for assigned commodities and services, ensuring that procurements follow Howmet purchasing policies and procedures. The role provides materials and services needed for efficient operations and secures favorable pricing through vendor negotiations. Working across cross-functional teams, the specialist drives early supplier engagement throughout development and product qualification, builds strategic relationships with supply partners and internal stakeholders, and helps meet project timing and cost targets.

The specialist determines total cost of ownership for commodities by understanding cost drivers supporting new business awards. The role leads efforts to meet cost targets, ensure suppliers deliver on time, and receive parts at the highest quality level. It also processes requisitions and purchase orders, monitors supplier performance, supports supplier development and quality resolution, and promotes purchasing best practices and compliance with company policies, safety and environmental standards, and Howmet Business Systems principles.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in business, engineering, supply chain, production management, logistics, or a closely related discipline.
• At least 4 years of experience purchasing a wide range of materials, products, and services in a manufacturing environment.
• Exposure to lean manufacturing principles.
• Thorough knowledge of electronic business enterprise systems.
• Strong interpersonal skills for effective interaction with vendors and internal and external customers.
• Excellent negotiation skills to secure best value for the company.
• Understanding of manufacturing processes and demonstrated experience sourcing commodities such as steel, aluminum, electro/electronic and mechanical components, tooling, and finished goods.
• Excellent analytical, negotiation, and problem-solving skills, with a focus on results, strategy, and hands-on execution.
• Ability to manage large, difficult, complex, or diversified supplier portfolios and resolve disputes while preserving supplier and internal relationships.
• Strong written and verbal communication, organizational, and program management skills.

Nice To Haves

• New Product Introduction experience.

Responsibilities

• Lead the strategic sourcing process for assigned commodities and projects.
• Develop sourcing strategies by analyzing the supply base, market conditions, and technology roadmaps.
• Lead contractual negotiations with suppliers on nondisclosure agreements, terms and conditions, and long-term agreements.
• Identify potential suppliers, analyze their capabilities, and develop sourcing strategies and roadmaps for Howmet stakeholders.
• Analyze supplier quotes using cost breakdown data, total cost of ownership, and should-cost analysis.
• Identify and implement cost reductions on new and series-production products and services.
• Manage supplier relationships, monitor supplier performance and competitiveness, and address gaps and issues.
• Support supplier quality efforts for supplier development, qualification, and quality issue resolution.
• Present sourcing strategies for multiple programs that meet business objectives and timelines.
• Build relationships across Corporate, Finance, Engineering, Manufacturing, Quality, and Operations to achieve program timelines.
• Process requisitions and place purchase orders, maintaining responsibility for procurement through receipt, acceptance, invoicing, and payment.
• Negotiate pricing and terms with vendors to secure best value for Howmet.
• Monitor supplier performance, maintain vendor relationships, and potentially visit vendor facilities to review operations and recommend improvement resources.
• Maintain positive, mutually beneficial supplier relationships.
• Work with Engineering, Research & Development, Quality Assurance, Manufacturing, and other internal customers to determine requirements and ensure service levels.
• Coordinate the purchasing process in Focus Factories and guide implementation and maintenance of best practices.
• Use electronic business enterprise systems to manage purchasing activities.
• Serve as an organizational resource and provide education and training on purchasing matters.
• Ensure work activities comply with established safety and environmental standards.
• Comply with company policies and procedures and conduct activities in accordance with Howmet's Guide to Business Conduct.
• Demonstrate knowledge of and commitment to Howmet Business Systems manufacturing principles and techniques.

Benefits

• Competitive wages.
• Comprehensive medical, prescription, dental, and vision coverage, including FSA and HSA account options.
• Pre-tax and Roth 401(k) retirement savings plans with employer matching funds and a separate employer retirement contribution.
• Paid holidays and vacation time.
• Paid parental leave and adoption assistance programs.
• Life insurance and disability coverage plans.
• Optional auto, home, legal, identity theft, and pet insurance coverage plans.
• Tuition Assistance Program and ongoing professional development opportunities.
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP).

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level