Strategic Sourcing Specialist

Role Purpose:

Leads cross functional teams made up of business unit developers/engineers, IT professionals, and contract specialists to accomplish the outcomes listed below;

1) Manage global sourcing strategies for our key embedded software suppliers as well as Brand Label suppliers that have technology embedded into their products,

2) Achieve year-on-year improvement in total cost, quality, and service while leading regional and global sourcing management activities and leading supplier relationships,

3) Engage with Business Unit engineering teams in support of a Risk Mitigation program and process that impacts the Client supply base (software partners as well as Brand Label partners) which supports companies Security strategies.

Key Responsibilities:

• With guidance from the Manager of Strategic Sourcing, develop the sourcing strategy for assigned software and technology commodities and suppliers, using input from the sourcing team and key global/regional stakeholders within the business units. The sourcing strategy will drive the continuous improvement of client’s Total Cost of Ownership (TCO) for the assigned commodities.

• Drive implementation of the sourcing strategy for assigned commodities. Once a sourcing strategy has been developed, the Commodity Manager will communicate, monitor and aggressively manage business unit compliance of the strategy. The Manager will also establish working relationships with other functions (e.g. Engineering, Plant Operations, Suppliers and Product Quality, etc.), bringing a Strategic Sourcing perspective to all key processes.

• Leadership of strategic sourcing teams. The Commodity Manager will lead and drive results of specific strategic sourcing strategies within embedded software and Brand Label suppliers that have technology embedded in their product. This role must be successful at managing and influencing a cross-functional team. The Commodity Manager will act as a catalyst for change to achieve business goals as well as addressing barriers to change.

• Develop an expertise in the business unit products and/or corporate function needs and capabilities for commodities and services. The Commodity Manager partners with business units and functions to understand their goals and objectives and formulates strategies to achieve desired business results. On an ongoing basis, the Manager will remain current on service and supply market trends, supplier economics, and best practice sourcing.

• Responsible for Global Supplier Management. The Commodity Manager will monitor and evaluate supplier performance around security, quality, delivery, lead time of all suppliers. Conduct regular strategic business reviews with suppliers and stakeholders to ensure continuous improvement of the supply base.

• Measure and track performance on Sourcing KPIs within each commodity or service. The Commodity Manager will be responsible for monthly reporting to senior management on key performance indicators within the supply chain. These KPI’s may include savings, quality, delivery, lead time, market trends, etc.

• Identify and implement Total Cost of Ownership (TCO) reduction opportunities for assigned software and technology / services. Within the business unit or function, the Commodity Manager will champion annual productivity improvements by leading internal and joint supplier/unit teams pursuing TCO reduction opportunities in alignment with the sourcing strategy (e.g. security expectations, improving supplier operations, demand management, improving supply chain flexibility, etc.).

• Facilitate a culture in which everyone can do their best work through inclusion, engagement, and retention.

• Ensure thorough familiarity with policies and procedures relating to Sourcing and standards of business conduct.

• Comply with all client policies and procedures.

Skills, Knowledge, Experience and Education

• Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Engineering or Supply Chain Management.

• Minimum of five (5) years of experience working in Direct Material and/or strategic sourcing or an operations discipline in a manufacturing and/or industrial environment

• Basic knowledge of commodities (Direct / Indirect, depending on role), supply management practices and analytics

Desired Qualifications:

• Proven experience in conflict resolution, strategy development and project management.

• Advanced knowledge of commodities (e.g. electronics, factored product/brand label).

• Demonstrated ability to manage projects / assignments requiring identification of objectives, resources and/or approaches.

• Working knowledge of ERP systems is essential, preferably SAP.

• Knowledge in data architecture and management applications (e.g. Excel, PowerPoint, etc.)

• Advanced formal degree

Temperament

• Strong team leader/contributor, comfortable in leading cross functional and multi-cultural teams.

• High energy, driven and enthusiastic about opportunities to establish new approaches to reduce Total Cost Ownership (TCO).

• Possess well-rounded knowledge in supply chain, materials planning and logistics

• Exceptional problem solving and project management skills

• Excellent presentation and communication skills (written and verbal) to various levels internal and external to client

• Proficient in dealing with language and cultural barriers

• Capable of capturing and transforming an idea/concept into business opportunity and deliver positive results

• Demonstrated ability to manage complex projects / assignments requiring identification of objectives, resources and/or approaches.

• High energy, driven and enthusiastic about driving productivity opportunities.

• Ability to effectively influence key stakeholders without a direct reporting relationship.

• Embraces and demonstrates leadership characteristics that foster a culture of inclusion.

Information Processing Capability (Factors of Complexity)

• This position will be responsible for annual spend up to $75 million.

• Commodity Manager will require the ability to understand basic engineering concepts and comprehend client Product as well as Brand Label supplier product designs.

• This position will be provided support from the Direct Material Sourcing team which manages the Brand Label and Director Material suppliers which have technology within their product.

• There will be a need for the ability to manage multiple sourcing projects at one time, project management skills or experience is desirable.

• A basic understanding of Software security practices will be essential in the success of this role.

Accepts Role Requirements

• This position may require up to 20% travel, including both International and Domestic.

• As this is a Global role, there will be an expectation to support regional teams and different times of the day.

• This position will pivot in the types of support and actions needed to support successfully. There will be shifting priorities which may lead to a mix of daily duties including; support of legal reviews, negotiations with suppliers, facilitation of security reviews, workshops with engineers.

Key Performance Metrics:

• Continuous improvement of client’s Total Cost of Ownership (TCO) for the assigned commodity/services which include productivity and cash flow.

• Successful (on time and accurate) completion and facilitation of security reviews.

• Management of Risk factors (valid contracts, cost and cash flow controls, facilitation of security reviews)

Direct Reports:

• None – this is an individual contributor role

Decision Authority and Budget:

• This role will report to the IT sourcing manager (which will have DOA for contracts)