Sourcing Specialist

Aston Carter•Noblesville, IN

2d•$30 - $35•Onsite

About The Position

The Strategic Sourcing Specialist plays a key role in the supply chain management process by optimizing savings, strengthening procurement procedures, and supporting a designated commodity across all manufacturing locations. This role focuses on negotiating contracts and purchase agreements, developing strategic sourcing plans to mitigate supply chain risks, and establishing cost-saving and dual-sourcing initiatives for current and upcoming projects. The Strategic Sourcing Specialist builds and maintains strong relationships with suppliers, ensures the business receives optimal service, and proactively resolves supply-related issues impacting manufacturing sites.

Requirements

Experience working in a sourcing or procurement function, supporting materials, components, or services for manufacturing or similar operations.
Strong understanding of procurement principles, strategic and tactical sourcing, and negotiation techniques.
Proven negotiation skills with the ability to secure favorable pricing, terms, and conditions while maintaining strong supplier relationships.
Strong analytical skills, including the ability to collect, analyze, and summarize data to support procurement decisions and strategy development.
Conflict resolution skills with the ability to address and resolve supplier or internal stakeholder issues professionally and effectively.
Experience working with any ERP system to manage purchasing, materials, or supply chain activities.
Strong communication skills, with the ability to build and maintain relationships with external suppliers and internal stakeholders.
Demonstrated attention to detail in contracts, data, and procurement processes.
Ability to work as a self-starter, taking initiative and managing responsibilities with minimal supervision.
Reliable, prompt, and consistently on time, with a strong work ethic and commitment to follow-through.

Nice To Haves

Experience working with contracts, including drafting, reviewing, and supporting the negotiation of commercial terms.
Experience conducting supplier business reviews and using vendor scorecards to drive performance improvements.
Familiarity with strategic sourcing concepts such as dual sourcing, safety stock strategies, and risk mitigation.
Exposure to D365 or similar ERP platforms for managing inventory, purchasing, and safety stock settings.
Experience collaborating with finance and legal teams on procurement-related agreements.
Experience working with IT or data teams to develop procurement reports and process enhancements.
Ability to thrive in a growing organization and adapt to evolving processes and structures.
Strong organizational skills and the ability to manage multiple projects, suppliers, and deadlines simultaneously.
Professional, business-focused mindset with a commitment to continuous improvement in procurement practices.

Responsibilities

Execute and manage competitive, business-wide contracts and supplier relationships by leveraging combined volume across all business units to obtain better pricing and terms.
Research current purchased parts and identify alternative components that are more readily available and cost-effective.
Collaborate with suppliers to set up and maintain corporate accounts and favorable payment terms.
Work with affiliated and sister companies to combine similar product volumes and negotiate contracts with key suppliers.
Analyze, collect, and summarize procurement and spend data across the organization to support decision-making on future procurement strategies.
Act as a primary point of contact between the company and suppliers, maintaining strong relationships while continually scouting additional vendors to support future growth.
Work closely with finance and legal teams to ensure contract terms are favorable, compliant, and aligned with company objectives.
Develop and implement sound, cost-effective strategies for purchasing materials used in the business.
Conduct Quarterly Business Reviews with key suppliers to improve product quality, enhance delivery performance, and ensure supply reliability.
Create and maintain vendor scorecards, review performance with suppliers, and drive continuous improvement in quality, cost, and service.
Help define and support risk management procedures to mitigate losses in the event of product shortages, including elements of disaster recovery and business continuity planning.
Liaise with key internal stakeholders to understand their product and service needs and ensure procurement strategies align with operational requirements.
Create safety stock strategies for products in D365 to improve availability and reduce stock-out risk.
Support the establishment and standardization of corporate procurement processes to meet JSOX expectations and controlled process requirements.
Negotiate agreements, contracts, terms, and deadlines with vendors, balancing tactical cost reduction with strategic value to support overall company goals and initiatives.
Support the enhancement and improvement of the new vendor qualification process to ensure robust supplier onboarding and risk mitigation.
Collaborate with IT to establish new reports and processes that enhance procurement visibility and efficiency.
Support cost-saving initiatives for upcoming and current projects by identifying opportunities in sourcing, pricing, and supplier selection.
Provide sourcing and procurement support to all manufacturing locations for the designated commodity.
Onboard and vet new suppliers, ensuring they meet quality, cost, delivery, and compliance requirements.
Periodically travel to manufacturing sites, including locations such as St. Louis and Georgetown, for supplier and site support visits typically lasting 1 to 3 days, with travel expenses covered.