Sourcing Specialist - Outside Buys

This position oversees the strategic sourcing and management process of a business unit of lower-complexity SKUs.  Responsibilities may include performing analyses for business unit, assisting Sourcing Manager / Director with complex data gathering and analysis, assisting with developing sourcing strategies, executing sourcing strategies, monitoring market movements, negotiating agreements, and resolving issues with suppliers.  Position may also work closely with the Sourcing Manager or a Sr. Sourcing Specialist supporting more strategic, complex, or specialized categories.   

CORE RESPONSIBILITIES AND TASKS:

Essential Functions 

• With direction from Sourcing Manager, develop and implement sourcing strategies and plans for assigned finished goods and contract manufacturing categories consistent with global category strategies and Business Unit operating plans and objectives 
• Develop, issue and evaluate RFQ’s for finished goods and co-manufacturing services for assigned Business Units or as directed by Sourcing Manager 
• Partner with Marketing to support product portfolio strategy, innovation launches, and customer requirements related to finished goods.Support Marketing’s strategy and requirements. 
• Identify, qualify, and onboard new contract manufacturers (tollers) to expand capabilities and capacity. 
• Ensure uninterrupted supply of finished goods across the network, including capacity planning and risk mitigation with tollers. 
• With support from Sourcing Manager, negotiate and implement sourcing agreements and contracts with contract manufacturers that strengthen supply assurance, optimize cost, and improve Sherwin-Williams’ competitive position in the market. 
• Manage established pricing for finished goods and tolling arrangements, including verification, discrepancy resolution, and maintenance of pricing integrity. 
• With support from Sourcing Manager, negotiate and resolve claims, performance issues, and disputes with contract manufacturers related to quality, service, delivery, and cost for managed SKUs.
• With assistance from Sourcing Manager, develop written category strategies for assigned Business Units. 
• Develop and implement cost savings projects and initiatives for assigned SKUs 
• Collaborate closely with R&D/Technical teams to align on specifications, qualifications, and total cost of ownership; work with contract manufacturers to ensure timely access to data, materials, and resources required for product commercialization and lifecycle support. 
• Ensure compliance with internal policies and external regulations, including quality standards, contractual obligations, and applicable laws governing contract manufacturing and supply. 

Travel Requirements: Up to 10%

Job duties include contact with other employees and access confidential and proprietary information and/or other items of value, and such access may be supervised or unsupervised. The Company therefore has determined that a review of criminal history is necessary to protect the business and its operations and reputation and is necessary to protect the safety of the Company’s staff, employees, and business relationships.

This role is not hybrid and will be located at Sherwin-Williams Morikis Global Technology Center located at 6745 Miller Road, Brecksville, OH 44141.

This position is also eligible for a bonus based on performance and subject to the terms of the Company’s applicable plans.

POSITION REQUIREMENTS 

Required: 

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution
• Minimum of two (2) years post-collegiate business experience
• Strong critical thinking skills with the ability to analyze and synthesize information from multiple systems and data sources 
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills

Preferred: 

• Bachelor’s degree in a procurement specific field such as Supply Chain Management, Business Administration, Operations Management, or Procurement/Purchasing. 
• 4+ years post-collegiate business experience 
• A self-starter with an ability to work with minimal direction/supervision in a fast-paced environment. 
• Track record of increasing responsibility with strong performance and focus on cost savings and security of supply. 
• Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite (Excel, Word, SharePoint, and PowerPoint) 
• Strong written, verbal, and interpersonal skills. 
• Multilingual is a plus.