Strategic Sourcing Manager

The Strategic Sourcing Manager is a foundational role at GMI Solutions that involves overseeing our organization’s procurement strategies for existing business, in addition to partnering with new business development when needed, with heavy emphasis on supplier management, cost savings, negotiation of supplier agreements and inventory management.

By collaborating closely with our sales, engineering, quality, manufacturing and finance groups, this position will be responsible for price negotiation, optimizing costs and efficiency, ensuring favorable terms are met, working on inventory agreements along with on-time delivery and quality output.

Reporting directly to the VP of Business Operations this position will leverage their procurement expertise and supplier management to ensure all commercial agreements are met with the external supply base and ensuring that the purchasing team is meeting all procurement objectives. This role demands a proactive and strategic mindset, solid business acumen, as well as excellent communication skills, to effectively communicate the needs of our end customers to the supply base.

The ideal candidate for this position should possess a strong background in cost savings/price negotiation, supplier management and procurement best practices, as well as a proven track record of successful negotiations, inventory management and long-term vision for the purchasing team. 

Overall, this challenging yet rewarding role offers a unique opportunity for an experienced professional to make a significant impact on the organization's growth and success, while fostering collaboration and innovation across various departments.  

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

This role involves leadership of a team of purchasing professionals, along with owning and managing their own category of parts. Both external and internal collaboration is required for the financial success of GMI Solutions.

As the individual responsible, you will be tasked with understanding the current GMI supply chain and procuring strategies, developing a plan for improvement on supplier management and cost advantages. You will lead a team of purchasing professionals to execute all objectives and continue to meet the Key Performance Indicators.

Collaboration with the sales, engineering, quality, manufacturing and finance groups will be a key aspect of your role, as you will be required to collaborate and share procurement and inventory strategies, along with continuous improvement initiatives. Travel may be required for specific supplier visits.

This role relies heavily on strong leadership and interpersonal skills, ability to problem solve and make decisions quickly and accurately, clearly communicate to all parties and operate in a solid time management and urgent state. 

PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES   

- Strategic planning of the procurement strategies that align with GMI Solutions business objectives.

- Supplier management which includes evaluating and ensuring quality and timely deliveries.

- Monitoring and owning inventory management levels and supplier agreements

- Leading and mentoring the purchasing team, providing guidance and ensuring KPIs are being met

- Cost savings identification and execution

- Building and maintaining strong relationships with suppliers

- Leading freight supplier management with cost review and reduction   

SECONDARY RESPONSIBILITIES   

- Lead, define, and implement continuous improvement activities for the Procurement team

- Utilize data analytics for decision-making and process optimization.

- Support new business needs when required

- Contribute and support Key Performance Indicators for Procurement   

Please note that this list of duties and responsibilities is not exhaustive and may be subject to expansion as deemed necessary by management to meet the evolving needs of the organization.

To be successful in this role, the individual must be capable of performing each essential duty satisfactorily. The following requirements represent the necessary knowledge, skill, and abilities for the position. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to fulfill the essential functions.

- Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain Management, Business Administration or related field with minimum of 7 years of experience in sourcing, procurement or supply chain with focus on leading teams

- Additional certifications in the area of expertise are preferred.     

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES REQUIRED

- Strong communication skills for effective interactions with suppliers, co-workers, and customers.

- Excellent multitasking ability with a positive and proactive attitude for program success.

- Highly adaptable to changing requirements and proactive in problem-solving.

- Demonstrates leadership, supply chain management skills, and exceptional organizational capabilities.

- Proficient in MS Office, especially Excel, and able to work closely with cross-functional teams.

- Excellent oral and written communication skills for professional interactions.

- Willingness to provide assistance to other projects and departments as needed, utilizing strong supply chain skills

- Open to learning and developing new competencies for personal and organizational growth.

- Experience in leading a team of professionals

- Occasional willingness to travel domestically and internationally, as required. 

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS AND WORKING CONDITIONS   

Must possess mobility to work in a standard office and lab setting and to use standard office equipment, including a computer, and to attend meetings at various sites within and away from the office. Strength to lift and carry materials weighing up to 80 pounds. Vision to read printed materials and a computer screen. Hearing and speech to communicate in person and over the telephone. Work is normally performed in a typical interior/office work environment, this position is factory based, in Mequon, WI