Strategic Sourcing Specialist

RPM Industrial Coatings Group is looking for a Strategic Sourcing Specialist to join our team. The Strategic Sourcing Specialist is responsible for sourcing, purchasing, and supporting strategic procurement initiatives for materials, equipment, services, and indirect goods required to support manufacturing and business operations. This position partners with suppliers and internal stakeholders to identify cost-saving opportunities, strengthen supplier relationships, negotiate competitive terms, and ensure a reliable supply of quality products while maintaining appropriate inventory levels and minimizing supply chain disruptions. Principal Duties and Responsibilities The responsibilities include the following (other duties may be assigned): Review and evaluate purchase requisitions for accuracy, completeness, and proper authorization. Confer with vendors and suppliers to obtain product and service information, including pricing, availability, lead times, delivery schedules, and technical specifications. Collaborate with managers, supervisors, and manufacturing personnel to identify and select products and services that best meet operational requirements. Research, evaluate, and develop potential suppliers to improve quality, reliability, cost competitiveness, and supply continuity. Analyze spend, historical pricing, market conditions, and industry trends to identify sourcing opportunities and potential cost savings. Recommend effective sourcing strategies, including competitive bidding, contract sourcing, supplier consolidation, and long-term supplier agreements. Prepare and issue purchase orders and bid requests in accordance with company policies. Analyze supplier quotations and bid proposals; negotiate pricing, terms, contracts, and delivery schedules within established budgetary guidelines and authority limits. Maintain accurate procurement records, including purchases, supplier information, contracts, pricing agreements, delivery performance, inventory levels, and quality metrics. Monitor supplier performance related to quality, delivery, responsiveness, and cost effectiveness. Investigate and resolve issues involving defective, damaged, or unacceptable goods and services by coordinating with quality control personnel, end users, suppliers, and other stakeholders. Initiate corrective actions with suppliers and monitor resolutions to prevent recurring issues. Review, reconcile, and approve supplier invoices for payment by verifying purchase order pricing, quantities received, and contract terms. Qualifications Experience and Education Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain Management, Business Administration, Operations Management, or a related field preferred. Minimum 5 years of purchasing or procurement experience in a manufacturing environment. · Experience with inventory management and purchasing systems. Specific Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities Strong understanding of procurement principles, purchasing practices, and inventory management. Ability to analyze pricing trends, market conditions, and supplier performance. Strong negotiation and vendor management skills. Knowledge of Lean Manufacturing, Flow Manufacturing, and Just-In-Time (JIT) inventory concepts. Excellent organizational and time management skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities. Reasoning Ability · Ability to analyze complex purchasing situations and make sound business decisions based on cost, quality, delivery, and operational requirements. · Ability to evaluate supplier proposals, bids, and contracts and recommend the most advantageous solutions. · Ability to identify root causes of supply disruptions, quality issues, or inventory shortages and implement corrective actions. · Ability to interpret purchasing data, inventory reports, and market trends to support decision-making. · Ability to exercise independent judgment while operating within established policies, procedures, and budgetary guide…

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