Job Description

Job Summary

This position will be viewed as the subject matter expert and act as a resource for given commodities. The primary responsibilities will be to:

• Develop and implement sourcing strategies while managing the business relationships with suppliers of these commodities
• Direct the activities of department Planner/Buyers/Analysts in execution of these sourcing strategies
• Lead cross-functional teams (Engineering, Supplier QualityCommercial) in the supplier selection process
• Negotiate, execute, and effectively manage supplier agreements
• Establish and manage inventory levels throughout the supply chain in a cost-efficient manner considering the total cost of acquisition/ownership

Job Details

New Products Introduction Responsibilities

• Ensure that standard costs, material groups, source data and other required material master items are correct and complete at time of new part set up and ongoing maintenance
• Early Supplier Involvement (ESI). Coordinate with Engineering to engage suppliers in design/process improvements in the concept phase of product development
• Participate in New Product Introduction teams representing the supply chain function
• Identify new sources of supply, along with Engineering, for new technologies, equipment, or processes being utilized in product development and the qualification of these new suppliers with Supplier Quality Engineering
• Recommend existing or potential sources of supply and ensure that material is only procured from approved company suppliers
• Risk mitigation: Identify long lead time and/or critical components and drive potential secondary sources. The purpose is to insure adequate or dual sources of supply on the corresponding materials so as not to impact Operations when the product is released to market
• Development of materials plans at prototype and scale up phases including cost estimates, risk mitigation, and quality assessments
• Coordinate with project managerchief engineer to validate and ensure agreement on final costs

Commodity Management Responsibilities

• Develop and manage the implementation of commodity sourcing strategies
• Identify critical first tier or 2nd tier components and suppliers that present a business risk to the company
• Develop, recommend, and implement risk mitigation strategies for single, sole sourced, or high business risk components
• Understand and publish trend analyses of cost drivers for commodities managed
• Ensure database integrity of commodity materials or suppliers under management. E.g., Correct Pareto classification, A, B, C, material group or commodity code, supplier information etc.
• Engage other company facilities to ensure all impacted sites have input and are aligned to the commodity strategy
• Establish and implement lean principles with suppliers as appropriate. E.g., pull replenishment Kanbans
• Negotiate and manage Kanban, consignment contracts or supply agreements with all suppliers in assigned commodity
• Establish and maintain appropriate inventory levels that balance business risk with investment
• Establish Kanban lot sizes and the appropriate amount of Kanbans in circulation within the supply chain
• Identify and execute continuous productivity, cost and/or business process improvements with suppliers based upon key cost drivers. These improvements are to be documented
• Manage, along with Supplier Quality Engineering, supplier performance metrics. For suppliers that do not meet the required levels, issuing Supplier Corrective Action Reports (SCARs) or other performance improvement initiatives ensuring these are being completed as planned
• Manage the business relationship with key suppliers
• Ensure that business readiness/supplier capacity actions are communicated with suppliers periodically. Provide demand projections and monitor performance. Frequency of communication will vary depending upon the critical nature of the commodity or component and its corresponding availability
• Proactively work with IT and suppliers to evaluate suppliers' cybersecurity protocolsreadiness. This is a prerequisite for conducting electronic business
• Strategic sourcing and implementation of all new parts required for ECO implementation. Appropriate disposition of parts affected by ECO change
• Participate in and as needed, lead groups within the Supply Chain function on corporate sourcing initiatives
• Initiate regular, periodic supplier meetings - either at supplier, or in-house to review performance, new opportunities, cost reductions, etc. Documents of record, meeting minutes etc. are to be maintained. Frequency will vary based upon the critical nature of supplier or raw material/component/sub-assembly supplied
• Lead teams in new supplier qualifications when need has been identified. E.g., Strategic Outsourcing opportunities, existing supplier replacement etc.
• Assist Planner/Buyers/Analysts with difficult supplier management issues
• Develop, as appropriate, asset reclamation strategies for inventory, scrap, and equipment
• Develop professional skills of subordinates through coaching, mentoring, and training, as applicable

Skill Requirements

• BS/BA degree required; MS/MA/MBA preferred
• APICS certification and/or ISM certification preferred. Considered a strong plus and requirement for advancement
• 10+ years' experience in the following disciplines: supply chain management, strategic sourcing, general business management, demand or materials management, operational management utilizing traditional ERP systems, source-to-pay models, or other cloud-based systems
• Working knowledge of Logistics, Incoterms, HTS, modes of transportation a must
• Experience in Additive Manufacturing a must
• Knowledge of data science a plus
• Must develop a working knowledge of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and its applicability to SCM
• Specialized training in "lean manufacturing/lean enterprise" concepts a strong plus
• Must be able to demonstrate aptitude in purchase price cost analyses
• Must be able to manage inventory levels. Hands-on utilization of MRP and Kanban replenishment
• Ability to utilize competitive knowledge within the supply base to determine appropriate risk management/mitigation strategies
• Negotiation techniques and presentation skills a must
• Advanced written and verbal communication skills with internal and external stakeholders
• Must be able to understand and interpret contractual language
• Must be willing to travel locally and internationally
• Critical thinking, decision making, complex problem solving, project management, expert in primary function(s), ability to lead, motivate and develop skills among colleagues
• Global thinking: e.g., knowledge of FX, geopolitical events, commodity indices, etc.