Sourcing Specialist

General Fasteners•Livonia, MI

1d•Hybrid

About The Position

General Fasteners is seeking a Sourcing Specialist to join their stable and growing local company. This role plays a key part in securing new business by ensuring accurate, competitive, and timely quotations. The Sourcing Specialist will manage supplier selection and the RFQ process, evaluating suppliers based on capability, quality, cost, and delivery to meet customer and company objectives. This position involves working with suppliers and cross-functional teams to deliver solutions that enhance customer relationships and drive profitable growth.

Requirements

Knowledge of sourcing, procurement, and supplier evaluation practices in a distribution environment.
Ability to interpret part descriptions, technical drawings, and specifications.
Understanding of supply chain considerations including tariffs, surcharges, logistics, transit times, and inventory management.
Analytical skills to evaluate supplier proposals with a focus on cost, quality, delivery, and profitability.
Proficiency with RFQ processes, documentation, and data tracking.
Strong communication and collaboration skills to work effectively across functions and with suppliers, demonstrating professionalism and ownership.
Ability to manage multiple priorities under tight deadlines with accuracy and attention to detail.
Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite.
Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain Management, Business, Engineering, or related field preferred; equivalent experience considered.
Minimum 3 years of experience in sourcing, procurement, or supply chain role.
Knowledge of PPAP requirements and supplier quality documentation.
Familiarity with ISO and other industry quality certifications.
Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively and cross-functionally to meet deadlines and deliver results.
Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal.
Comfortable talking on the phone.
Enjoy building relationships with people.
Team-oriented.
Creative problem-solving skills.

Nice To Haves

Experience with Epicor P21 ERP or quotation tracking systems.
Fastener experience is a plus.

Responsibilities

Review quotation requirements, drawings, specifications, volumes, and customer needs to identify qualified suppliers.
Select suppliers based on manufacturing capabilities and capacity, alignment of volume requirements with supplier preferences and company inventory turn goals, quality certifications and compliance standards, supplier location, and customer delivery expectations, tariff and surcharge considerations, and other cost or risk factors.
Issue RFQs with required documents and customer requirements, ensuring clear, professional communication.
Maintain proactive follow-up with suppliers to clarify requirements and ensure deadlines are met.
Collaborate with sales, engineering, quality, and other teams to resolve issues and refine proposals that support winning new business.
Review and compare supplier proposals to identify the best option balancing profitability, competitiveness, and customer needs.
Record proposal data in the internal quotation document and present recommendations for approval to Sourcing Manager when thresholds require.
Notify sales to finalize margin assignment and preparation of the customer-ready quote to support timely and accurate submissions.
Document and track quote status and handoffs using established tracking mechanisms, ensuring accuracy and consistency.
Manage control and retention of supplier quotes and related documentation in the shared folder.
Support customer or internal requests for clarification or additional information after quote submission.
Continuously seek ways to improve processes and outcomes through forward-thinking and innovation, supporting company goals for efficiency and competitiveness.