Supply Chain & Strategic Sourcing Manager

Company Overview

A longstanding American manufacturer known for battery connection solutions used in critical industries including commercial vehicles, construction, industrial operations, agriculture, defense, marine, and more throughout North America is expanding under new private ownership. With investments in growth, operational excellence, and acquisitions, the company seeks to strengthen its supply chain and manufacturing capabilities.

Role Summary

The Supply Chain & Strategic Sourcing Manager will lead procurement and sourcing efforts across manufacturing operations, focusing on building resilient supplier partnerships, optimizing costs, managing risks, and supporting company growth. This position encompasses direct and indirect materials, supplier evaluation, contract negotiation, and aligning procurement with cross-departmental objectives such as operations, engineering, finance, and product development.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and implement sourcing strategies for key direct materials such as copper, lead, connectors, terminals, lugs, and packaging.
• Identify and qualify new suppliers to enhance cost efficiency, service quality, and supply reliability.
• Lead supplier negotiations covering pricing, contracts, payment terms, lead times, and service agreements.
• Establish strong supplier relationships with regular performance reviews focusing on quality, delivery, responsiveness, and value.
• Introduce dual-source and alternate-source strategies to improve supply chain resilience and reduce risks.
• Monitor commodity markets and industry trends to advise leadership on pricing risks and sourcing opportunities.
• Manage the entire purchasing cycle, including order creation, management, supplier communication, expediting, and receipt coordination.
• Collaborate with Operations and Planning teams to maintain optimal inventory levels supporting production needs.
• Resolve supplier issues related to deliveries, quality, invoicing, and service performance.
• Maintain and enhance procurement processes, policies, and approval workflows.
• Utilize ERP systems and reporting tools for procurement management, spend monitoring, and decision-making improvements.
• Identify and mitigate supply chain risks from supplier capacity, logistics, geopolitical factors, and market conditions.
• Support supplier qualification efforts linked to defense and government contract requirements including BAA and DFARS.
• Work with Quality and Engineering on corrective actions, supplier qualification, and material performance matters.
• Track supplier capacity and lead-time trends, communicating risks and mitigation strategies to stakeholders.
• Partner with Engineering and Product Development on new product introductions through sourcing, RFQ management, and qualification support.
• Align procurement decisions with Operations, Finance, Planning, and Customer Service to meet production, inventory, and customer commitments.
• Provide leadership with supplier performance reports, cost savings insights, spend analytics, purchase price variance, and procurement KPIs.
• Contribute to continuous improvement projects that elevate supply chain performance and operational efficiency.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain Management, Business, Engineering, or a related field.
• Minimum of 5 years' experience in procurement, sourcing, or supply chain within manufacturing.
• Proven track record in sourcing direct materials, components, or assemblies.
• Successful background in negotiating supplier agreements and achieving cost reductions.
• Experience with ERP systems and procurement management tools.
• Familiarity with supplier qualification, sourcing strategy development, and supply chain risk management.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills to interpret data and inform decisions.
• Excellent communication and relationship-building abilities.
• Able to manage multiple priorities effectively in a dynamic manufacturing setting.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience sourcing copper, wire, cable, electrical, industrial, or MRO-related materials.
• Knowledge of defense or government procurement standards such as DFARS, BAA, or ITAR.
• Certifications such as CPSM, CIPS, or equivalent.
• Experience with commodity purchasing agreements and pricing models.
• Experience managing supplier relationships domestically and internationally.

Benefits & Work Environment

The company fosters a positive workplace culture valuing employee contributions. The role offers competitive salary with performance-based bonuses, generous paid time off, comprehensive benefits, 401(k) plan, career growth opportunities, and is located onsite at the corporate offices in Franksville, WI.