Director of Strategic Sourcing

Role Overview

KPI Solutions is hiring a Strategic Sourcing Director to steer sourcing strategy, supplier partnerships, commercial deal-making, and vendor performance across the business. This leadership role is focused on building supplier relationships that strengthen project delivery, improve scalability, enhance margins, reduce risk, and support long-term growth. You will work closely with Engineering, Controls, Estimating, Operations, Project Management, Finance, and senior leadership to make sure supplier capabilities support customer commitments and company goals.

Key Responsibilities

• Create and roll out sourcing strategies for automation, robotics, conveyor, controls, software, installation, and engineered systems categories.
• Build and manage strategic relationships with important OEMs, integrators, subcontractors, and technology partners.
• Own vendor management programs, including supplier qualification, onboarding, segmentation, scorecards, and improvement plans.
• Run recurring business reviews and executive-level supplier reviews to assess performance, strategic fit, future opportunities, and risk reduction.
• Design and maintain scorecards that track delivery, quality, responsiveness, engineering support, safety, warranty performance, and commissioning support.
• Negotiate pricing, commercial terms, milestone payment structures, service agreements, warranties, and other contractual items.
• Support pre-sales, estimating, and project teams by checking supplier capability, schedules, pricing, and delivery risks.
• Spot and reduce supply chain risks tied to lead times, tariffs, capacity limits, labor shortages, financial health, and technology maturity.
• Develop preferred supplier programs and sourcing approaches that improve consistency, scalability, and cost competitiveness.
• Track market developments, supplier strengths, and new automation technologies to support growth and competitive positioning.
• Travel 15% to 20% as needed for supplier visits, project support, factory inspections, business reviews, and industry events.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in supply chain, business, engineering, operations, or a related discipline.
• At least 10 years of experience in procurement, strategic sourcing, supply chain, or vendor management.
• At least 5 years of leadership experience in warehouse automation, material handling, industrial automation, systems integration, manufacturing, or similar industries.
• Proven background negotiating complex commercial agreements and managing key supplier relationships.
• Strong understanding of automation project stages, including engineering, fabrication, installation, commissioning, and startup support.
• Hands-on experience with supplier performance programs and vendor scorecards.
• Solid financial and commercial judgment, including pricing analysis, margin impact, and risk management.
• Experience using ERP systems such as NetSuite, SAP, Oracle, or comparable platforms.
• Preferred: experience in robotic warehouse automation or systems integration settings.
• Preferred: PMP, CPSM, CPM, or similar certifications.
• Preferred: experience with global suppliers and complex project-based sourcing environments.
• Preferred: familiarity with contract terms, liquidated damages, and project-based commercial structures.

Core Competencies

• Strategic management of supplier relationships
• Clear executive communication
• Commercial negotiation
• Cross-functional leadership
• Vendor performance oversight
• Risk identification and problem-solving
• Financial and commercial awareness
• Project execution support
• Process improvement and operational discipline
• Change management and continuous improvement

Benefits

• Medical insurance
• Dental insurance
• Vision insurance
• Health care concierge service
• 401(k) retirement plan with pre-tax and Roth options
• Company-paid basic life insurance, short-term disability, and long-term disability
• Voluntary life and AD&D coverage
• Voluntary accident, critical illness, and hospital indemnity insurance
• Pet insurance
• Milk Stork program
• Wellness program with gift card rewards and wellness challenges
• Paid time off, including vacation, sick leave, and 10 holidays
• Training and development support

Equal Opportunity Statement

KPI Solutions provides equal employment opportunities to all individuals regardless of race, color, creed, religion, gender, age, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, veteran status, or any other protected characteristic under applicable state, federal, or local law.