Specialist Mechanical Sourcing

For our U.S. applicants, CPKC•Kansas City, MO

11d•Onsite

About The Position

This role is focused on advanced sourcing expertise rather than transactional purchasing. It requires full ownership of the RFP lifecycle, including RFP development, contract drafting, and leading complex commercial negotiations in close partnership with Legal and Risk teams. The Specialist Sourcing – Mechanical Locomotive & Freight Car is accountable for end-to-end strategic sourcing within the Mechanical portfolio, from initial sourcing strategy through to post-award contract management. The role also demands strong experience negotiating complex contractual terms - such as indemnities, limitation of liability, warranties, and insurance requirements - and is suited for professionals who have led high-level commercial discussions, not routine purchasing activities.

Requirements

3+ years of progressive experience in strategic sourcing, contract negotiation, or commercial management (experience in heavy industry, rail, or preferred capital goods)
Demonstrated experience drafting and negotiating complex commercial contracts in partnership with Legal, including indemnity, limitation of liability, warranties, and termination clauses
Experience leading commercial negotiations directly with suppliers, including managing supplier redlines and risk positions
Strong working knowledge of insurance and risk allocation principles in contracts (e.g., CGL requirements, liability coverage, risk transfer mechanisms)
Proven experience managing end-to-end RFP processes including supplier engagement, clarification meetings, and award recommendations
Experience managing contracts post-execution, including performance monitoring and compliance enforcement
Ability to influence cross-functional stakeholders including Legal, Risk, Engineering, and Operations

Responsibilities

Integral part of the Mechanical Procurement team managing a portfolio of approximately $500M USD in spend ensuring the continuity of supply for all materials, assets, and services for the Mechanical department
Lead commercial and contractual negotiations with suppliers, including detailed drafting and negotiation of key legal terms such as Indemnification and liability allocation, Limitation of liability, Representations and warranties, Termination clauses, Governing law and dispute resolution, etc.
Lead full lifecycle sourcing activities from strategy development, RFP issuance, bid evaluation, supplier negotiations, contract drafting, execution, and ongoing contract management
Act as the primary interface with Legal and Risk teams to review, redline, and finalize contract terms, including facilitating negotiations between suppliers and internal stakeholders
Lead negotiation of insurance and risk provisions with suppliers in coordination with Risk Management (e.g., CGL requirements, coverage limits, endorsements, risk allocation)
Own the development and execution of complex RFPs, including Drafting commercial frameworks and evaluation criteria, Leading supplier clarification meetings and commercial negotiations, Structuring award recommendations based on total cost of ownership and risk considerations
Manage executed agreements to ensure compliance with commercial and operational KPIs
Monitor supplier performance and enforce contract provisions, including penalties, rebates, and service levels where applicable
Drive contract governance through regular supplier reviews, issue resolution, and continuous improvement initiatives
Lead commercial and contractual negotiations with suppliers, including detailed drafting and negotiation of key legal terms such as Indemnification and liability allocation, Limitation of liability, Representations and warranties, Termination clauses, Governing law and dispute resolution, etc.