Director of Strategic Sourcing

Every day, MTI Motion associates around the world set the future in motion by solving our customers’ most vexing motion-control challenges. Serving various industries including commercial aerospace, defense, oil and gas, and transportation, MTI Motion designs and manufactures an innovative portfolio of custom, precision motion-control products and solutions, including high-performance motors, drives and controllers, as well as windings, gears and ball screws.

We’re committed to promoting a collaborative team environment that focuses on accountability, honesty, and integrity to ensure customer satisfaction. We take pride in the work we perform and are committed to continuous improvement. In addition to offering a competitive benefits package, we strive to offer our employees opportunities to achieve career advancement.

MTI Motion is a wholly owned operating company within the Steel Partners family of companies and is headquartered in Pleasant Prairie, WI, with facilities worldwide.

POSITION OVERVIEW:

The Director of Strategic Sourcing is responsible for the development, execution, and results of the businesses sourcing and procurement strategy. This role is ultimately accountable for supplier selection, price and performance as well as supply chain execution to meet both current and future business objectives. The Strategic Sourcing Leader provides strategic direction while supporting local teams across multiple manufacturing sites, ensuring execution and results across the entire supply chain.  

PRIMARY ACCOUNTABILITIES

• Supplier selection, price and supplier performance (incl quality, OTD, responsiveness, capacity readiness, and risk mitigation).
• Supplier qualification, and approval processes across all commodities.
• Development and execution of strategic procurement and sourcing plans that support the company’s technology, capability, and capacity roadmap.
• Creation, communication, and enforcement of sourcing, supplier, and purchasing policies.
• High-level escalation path for buyers, planners, materials managers, and site operational teams.
• Dotted-line functional leadership to Materials Managers to ensure local teams follow policy, maintain standards, and support business goals.
• Material cost reduction initiatives
• Contract negotiation strategies including MSAs, pricing agreements, and JIT supply programs.
• Overall inventory plan, in support of business goals and objectives such as inventory turns and Free Cash Flow.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

1. Sourcing Strategy and Supplier Selection and Performance
• Develop and maintain a robust long-term supplier strategy.
• Evaluate supplier capabilities, technologies, cost position, and capacity readiness.
• Establish and maintain dual-source and risk mitigation plans.
• Drive supplier rationalization and supply base optimization.
• Own supplier scorecards, performance metrics, and accountability mechanisms.
• Lead supplier corrective actions and escalation activities.
• Conduct structured business reviews with key suppliers.
• Ensure supplier compliance with contractual terms.
• Evaluate supplier readiness for scaling, tooling, and technological investments.
• Support make/buy decisions and capacity planning inputs.
2. Sourcing Policy and Procedures
• Maintain and ensure compliance with procurement, purchasing, and sourcing policies across all sites.
• Maintain the Approved Supplier List, purchasing thresholds, expediting rules, and contract compliance.
3. Cross-Functional Leadership & Communication
• Lead internal sourcing reviews, supplier business reviews, and cross-functional alignment meetings.
• Communicate sourcing strategies, changes, and expectations clearly to stakeholders.
• Collaborate with Business Unit teams, Finance and OpEx on budgeting, PPV analysis, and cost improvement plans.
• Partner with Engineering, Operations, and Quality to align supplier capabilities with new products and technologies.
• Act as the high-level escalation point for delivery issues, supplier failures, or shortages.
• Provide direction and support to site materials and scheduling teams during disruptions
4. Organizational Talent Development and Succession Planning
• Develop and mentor the procurement organization, including buyers, commodity managers, and analysts.
• Standardize tools, training, processes, and best practices.
• Promote continuous improvement methodologies in sourcing and supplier management.

Education & Experience Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in supply chain, Engineering, Business, or related field (MBA preferred)
• 10+ years of progressive supply chain experience, including senior leadership roles
• Strong background in procurement, buying, and capacity planning
• Experience in defense, naval, aerospace, or complex manufacturing environments strongly preferred
• Working knowledge of CPSR, DFAR/FAR compliance, and documentation for DoD contractors
• Proven success leading S&OP/IBP processes
• Deep knowledge of ERP systems
• Strong negotiation, analytical, and leadership skills
• Ability to travel 20% within the US and Mexico
• U.S. Citizenship required

Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job.  Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice.

EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

MTI Motion is an equal employment opportunity (EEOC) employer such that all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, age or other legally protected status.

We will ensure individuals with disabilities are provided with reasonable accommodations to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform essential job functions, and to receive other benefits and privileges of employment.  Please contact MTI Motion to request accommodation.