Strategic Sourcing and Procurement Manager

LED FastStart•Coushatta, LA

About The Position

Responsible for the company's end-to-end sourcing and procurement of products and services essential to operations. Tasked with overseeing all phases of sourcing necessary to identify cost saving opportunities, create competitive environments, creatively negotiate, and generate contracts to assure seamless availability of all products to support company objectives. Manage the activities of the procurement and inventory control departments and purchase supplies and materials at the optimal price and delivery cycle while maintaining lowest possible inventory levels. Responsible for forecasting, supplier selection, sourcing, inventory management and logistics of the mechanical components needed to ensure the Red River Plant keeps running with minimum downtime and the fleet of trailers and rail cars are properly maintained. Apply engineering expertise to optimize the procurement process, evaluate suppliers, and ensure that sourced mechanical components meet technical and quality standards. Assess and validate technical specifications, materials, and manufacturing processes to ensure sourced components meet design and quality criteria. Analyze industry trends and evolving technology in mechanical engineering and manufacturing to proactively identify supply base issues to minimize risk, protect continuity of supply and utilize emerging opportunities. Collaborate with engineering and product development teams to source components that align with design specifications and project requirements. Monitor inventory levels to keep within acceptable in-stock levels and develop forecasts for future demand and place orders in a timely fashion based on vendor lead times. Analyze cost structures, identify cost-saving opportunities, and negotiate favorable terms with suppliers while maintaining product quality and performance. Provide data analysis, insight, and recommendations to Executive Team and plant management. Conduct thorough evaluations and audits of potential suppliers to ensure their capabilities align with our technical requirements and industry standards. Develop and implement quality control procedures, working closely with suppliers to address and resolve any quality issues that arise. Lead innovation and improvement through research and recommend new materials, technologies, or suppliers that can enhance product performance or reduce costs. Work closely with internal teams, including engineering, production, and quality assurance, to ensure alignment and effective communication throughout the sourcing process. Oversee all plant procurement activities including maintenance parts and supplies, storeroom inventory, raw and supplemental materials, services and capital equipment purchases. Position may supervise 2 Warehouse Operations Associates.

Requirements

Masters degree in Mechanical Engineering or a closely related field
3 years experience as a Sourcing and Procurement, Supply Chain Management, Commodity Manager or closely related occupation
Proven ability to manage large ($20 million or more), multi-million-dollar global supply portfolios across multiple commodities and countries
Experience (3 years) negotiating non-disclosure agreements (NDAs), long-term agreements (LTAs), and vendor-managed inventory (VMI) agreements.
Experience (3 years) in optimizing inventory levels, and maintaining production continuity by reductions in shortages or excess stock
Experience in applying mechanical engineering knowledge to design for manufacturability and assembly (DFMA), material selection, and process selection.
Ability to streamline procurement processes and improve supplier performance, including applying Lean Six Sigma principles to achieve measurable improvements in cycle times and supplier KPIs.

Responsibilities

Oversee all phases of sourcing to identify cost saving opportunities, create competitive environments, negotiate, and generate contracts.
Manage procurement and inventory control departments.
Purchase supplies and materials at the optimal price and delivery cycle while maintaining lowest possible inventory levels.
Manage forecasting, supplier selection, sourcing, inventory management, and logistics of mechanical components.
Apply engineering expertise to optimize the procurement process, evaluate suppliers, and ensure sourced components meet technical and quality standards.
Assess and validate technical specifications, materials, and manufacturing processes.
Analyze industry trends and evolving technology to identify supply base issues, minimize risk, and protect continuity of supply.
Collaborate with engineering and product development teams to source components.
Monitor inventory levels and develop forecasts for future demand.
Analyze cost structures and identify cost-saving opportunities.
Negotiate favorable terms with suppliers.
Provide data analysis, insight, and recommendations to Executive Team and plant management.
Conduct evaluations and audits of potential suppliers.
Develop and implement quality control procedures and work with suppliers to resolve quality issues.
Lead innovation and recommend new materials, technologies, or suppliers.
Oversee all plant procurement activities including maintenance parts and supplies, storeroom inventory, raw and supplemental materials, services, and capital equipment purchases.
Supervise 2 Warehouse Operations Associates.