Sourcing Specialist

Job Summary: The Sourcing Specialist is responsible for developing and executing sourcing strategies for various commodity groups to optimize supply chain performance. The Senior Sourcing Specialist will identify and evaluate existing and potential suppliers to ensure competitive pricing, capability, and capacity to meet the current and future needs of IEA’s supply chain. The Sourcing Specialist receives specific work assignments under general supervision and resolves most problems with limited supervisory assistance. This position works closely with finance, engineering, quality, and new product development for any new RFQ sourcing initiatives. They will maintain a close working relationship with the Materials Management and Sales Departments so there is timely availability of product.

The Sourcing Specialist will develop and maintain positive working relationships with all suppliers. This position identifies and mitigates risks in the supply chain’s performance. This job includes researching and completing Requests for Quotes (RFQs). Completing these RFQs requires this individual to analyze customer and competitor data and to interpret specific part schematics and specs. This position may offer a flexible schedule after a period of onboarding, training, and meeting performance goals.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities include the following, with other duties assigned as necessary:

• Quote and negotiate pricing for: production components and tooling, new components, prototypes, piece pricing, lead times, freight costs, transportation, terms, and rebates
• Make supplier selections and follow through on all purchases throughout the product development process; expedite as needed.
• Distribute RFQ packages to existing and new suppliers to support new product development business growth
• Develop and implement roadmap to obtain cost savings goals.
• Lead, develop, deliver, and negotiate supply contracts to optimize price, lead time, and payment terms.
• Create and track purchase orders to suppliers for production tooling and pre-production components
• Create direct materials cost models: Evaluate and compare quotes, assist with pre-sourcing supplier decisions to complete the cost models
• Manage supplier relationships for the prototype and production supply base: Balance the needs and performance expectations of IEA
• Collaborate with Operations, Engineering, Quality, and Sales to ensure purchased materials meet specifications for production and customer requirements.
• Manage supplier contracts in a manner that ensures all requirements and special terms and conditions are met.
• Support departmental and organizational goals and objectives: Support leadership through Continuous Improvement projects or other tasks aimed at achieving goals and objectives
• Work with the Quality Department to ensure that plans of action are developed and implemented for improving poor performing suppliers and rewarding top performing suppliers
• Maintain and enhance strong partnerships with existing suppliers through excellent communication and collaborative approach in resolving issues and drive cost savings
• Conduct on-site visits to suppliers and coordinate the onboarding of new suppliers. Manage the expansion of the supplier network.
• Be the knowledge expert on assigned material categories guiding the organization on product usage and specifications
• Work with Marketing, Sales, Supply Chain Planners & Leadership, and Logistics in solving supply issues impacting markets or customers, and on new product introduction
• Utilize cost analysis, price analysis, and cost modeling techniques to manage supplier costs
• Assist with Large Key Customer contracts, work closely with the Supply Chain team and appropriate sales team to establish pricing and inventory levels that support our contracts with our customers
• Identify potential weaknesses in current supply chain, address or escalate when needed.

• Monitor PPV (purchase price variance) and develop year-on-year cost savings initiatives.
• Updates ERP system, purchasing vendor contracts, and supplier/product information as needed.
• Ensure that all work is done in accordance with and adheres to IEA’s ISO and Quality standards.
• Reasonable accommodations will be made for individuals with disabilities to perform essential duties.

Work Environment

• Work location(s): Office; metal fabrication/assembly shop; local domestic travel to visit suppliers (<10%).
• Exposure to: Fumes, airborne particles, wet/humid (non-weather) conditions, toxic/caustic chemicals, and moving mechanical parts/equipment.
• Personal protective equipment requirement: Safety glasses and Safety toe shoes when on shop floor.

Position Requirements

Key skills, abilities, and knowledge

• • Proven excellence in written and oral communication; good interpersonal skills with the ability to interact and communicate with all levels of the organization and suppliers.
  • Versatility, flexibility, and a willingness to work within constantly changing priorities with enthusiasm and a sense of urgency.
  • Demonstrate high standards of personal integrity by keeping confidential information private, balancing ethics and honesty, and acting fairly and appropriately at all times.
  • Exhibit dependability by working independently, taking ownership and accountability for meeting timelines, goals, and objectives through efficient workload management.
  • Ability to develop strong, trusting business relationships with internal / external suppliers toward achieving department / company goals.
  • Proactively support an atmosphere of teamwork by working collaboratively to meet team goals/objectives while respectfully appreciating other team members’ viewpoints.
  • Able to: reach decisions, take a thoughtful approach when considering options, seek input from others, and make difficult decisions.

Position Qualifications

Experience

• • A minimum of 5 or more years of purchasing experience, must include minimum 1 year of sourcing experience, in a manufacturing environment is required.
  • Sound working knowledge of Microsoft Office: Excel, Word, Office, Power Point
  • ERP systems required (Syteline preferred)
  • Proven experience in sourcing, negotiations, and management of suppliers and projects.

Education

• • Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Supply Chain, or related field preferred.
  • Experience will be considered in lieu of college degree.

Certificates, Licenses, etc.

• • CPIM, CPM, or CSCP preferred but not required.