Strategic Sourcing Specialist-Site Operations/Planning
About The Position
As the Strategic Sourcing Specialist at Medtronic’s manufacturing site in Grand Rapids, MI, you will join our Operations Sourcing team, responsible for raw material supply continuity and collaborating cross-functionally with Site Operations, Planning, Quality, and Finance experts. Your expertise will power solutions for both our Grand Rapids and Dexter sites, solving complex supply challenges and fueling Medtronic’s mission to improve patient lives every day. You will serve as the primary escalation point for material issues that could impact manufacturing operations, back orders, backlogs, and supplier on-time-in-full performance, supporting the Cardiac Surgery business unit. These sites play a critical role in producing innovative medical devices used in cardiac surgery, minimally invasive therapies for heart valve repair, and the treatment of aortic disease. At Medtronic, we bring bold ideas forward with speed and decisiveness to put patients first in everything we do. In-person exchanges are invaluable to our work. We’re working a minimum of 4 days a week onsite as part of our commitment to fostering a culture of professional growth and cross-functional collaboration as we work together to engineer the extraordinary.
Requirements
- Bachelor's degree required plus a minimum of 2 years of relevant supply chain experience, or an advanced degree with a minimum of 0 years of relevant supply chain experience
Nice To Haves
- Solid background in supply chain, procurement, supplier management, operations planning, or materials management, ideally within medical device or other regulated, high-control manufacturing environments.
- Demonstrated ability to manage escalations, resolve supply continuity challenges, and lead cross-functional initiatives in a fast-paced environment.
- Strong communication, analytical, strategic thinking, troubleshooting, and problem-solving skills with the ability to influence stakeholders at multiple levels.
- Experience collaborating with suppliers and internal partners to drive operational and business results.
- Experience with integrated manufacturing, planning, and ERP systems (SAP, Blue Yonder, MRP/ERP), and familiarity with tools such as SIOP, Clear2Build, risk assessments, and supply shortage analytics.
- Knowledge of supplier capacity planning, inventory strategies (SIP, LTB, PIPO), project management principles, or continuous improvement methodologies.
- Strong computer skills, including Microsoft Outlook, Word, PowerPoint, and advanced Excel (vlookup, pivot tables, formulas, macros) as well as generative AI.
- Professional certifications such as ASCM/APICS CSCP or CPIM, Lean/Six Sigma Belt, or related supply chain/operations credentials.
- For Baccalaureate degrees earned outside of the United States, a degree that satisfies the requirements of 8 C.F.R. § 214.2(h)(4)(iii)(A) is required.
Responsibilities
- Build and maintain strong partnerships with suppliers and cross-functional teams, including Operations Scheduling, Supply Network Planning, Supplier Quality Engineering, Manufacturing, Finance, Operations Quality, and Category Management.
- Serve as the primary escalation point for raw material disruptions, driving rapid resolution for issues that may impact site operations, backlog, or backorder.
- Participate in Tier Reviews, Master Production Schedule (MPS) consensus meetings, and cross-functional Tier Escalation Meetings with site and functional leaders—providing clear status updates, communicating risks, and aligning mitigation plans.
- Use and continuously improve tools and processes such as shortage reports, Clear2Build, supplier SIOP, and supplier risk assessments to proactively identify and mitigate future component or material shortages.
- Ensure effective communication of unmitigated shortages and partner with stakeholders to implement operational mitigations that reduce business impact.
- Manage Strategic Inventory Purchases (SIP), Last Time Buys (LTB), Phase In/Phase Out (PIPO) transitions, and supply continuity projects in collaboration with Shared Services (Engineering/NPD), Material/Resin teams, and Tooling Management.
- Support audit readiness by coordinating supplier selection-related audits and providing site support during regulatory body audits.
- Drive or support supplier capacity management initiatives aligned with Medtronic’s long-term growth and reliability goals.
Benefits
- Health, Dental and vision insurance
- Health Savings Account
- Healthcare Flexible Spending Account
- Life insurance
- Long-term disability leave
- Dependent daycare spending account
- Tuition assistance/reimbursement
- Simple Steps (global well-being program)
- Incentive plans
- 401(k) plan plus employer contribution and match
- Short-term disability
- Paid time off
- Paid holidays
- Employee Stock Purchase Plan
- Employee Assistance Program
- Non-qualified Retirement Plan Supplement (subject to IRS earning minimums)
- Capital Accumulation Plan (available to Vice Presidents and above, or subject to IRS earning minimums)
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Principal
