Strategic Sourcing Manager
A leading manufacturer of premium engineered consumer products is seeking a Strategic Sourcing Manager to lead sourcing initiatives across multiple direct material commodity categories. This highly visible role will develop and execute sourcing strategies that improve cost, quality, supplier performance, and supply continuity while supporting new product development and long-term operational growth.
Working closely with Engineering, Operations, Quality, Finance, and Product Development, you’ll help shape supplier strategy, influence product design decisions, and strengthen a global supply base that supports innovation and manufacturing excellence.
This is an excellent opportunity for an experienced sourcing professional who enjoys balancing strategic supplier partnerships with hands-on execution in a collaborative manufacturing environment.
Responsibilities
- Strategic Sourcing & Supplier Management
- Develop and execute strategic sourcing plans for assigned commodity categories.
- Lead supplier selection, RFQs, contract negotiations, and long-term supplier relationship management.
- Negotiate pricing, commercial terms, capacity agreements, and service expectations while driving total cost of ownership improvements.
- Identify and implement cost reduction initiatives without compromising quality, delivery, or innovation.
- Continuously evaluate global sourcing opportunities and supplier capabilities. Supplier Performance & Continuous Improvement
- Establish supplier performance metrics focused on quality, delivery, responsiveness, cost, and capacity.
- Conduct supplier business reviews, audits, and performance evaluations.
- Partner with suppliers to resolve quality issues, delivery challenges, and supply chain risks.
- Develop corrective action plans and drive continuous improvement initiatives throughout the supply base. New Product Development Support
- Collaborate with Engineering and Product Development teams to source materials and components for new product launches.
- Identify qualified suppliers early in the design process to improve manufacturability and reduce product cost.
- Coordinate supplier sample submissions, qualification activities, and production readiness.
- Support supplier transitions and new product introductions to ensure successful launches. Inventory & Supply Chain Optimization
- Partner with Planning and Operations to develop inventory strategies that balance customer service with working capital objectives.
- Help reduce obsolete inventory through improved sourcing and lifecycle planning.
- Manage Vendor Managed Inventory (VMI) programs and other supplier collaboration initiatives where appropriate.
- Monitor global market conditions, commodity trends, tariffs, logistics, and geopolitical risks that may impact supply.
Desired Skills and Experience
- Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain, Business, Engineering, Economics, or a related discipline.
- 5+ years of strategic sourcing, commodity management, or procurement experience within a manufacturing environment.
- Demonstrated success negotiating complex supplier agreements and managing strategic supplier relationships.
- Experience sourcing direct materials for manufacturing operations.
- Strong analytical, negotiation, project management, and communication skills.
- Experience working with ERP/MRP systems and Microsoft Office.
- Ability to influence cross-functional teams and build collaborative supplier partnerships.
- Willingness to travel domestically with occasional international travel.
Submit Your Resume
ABOUT SKYWATER SEARCH
Start with your Short List
Led by a group of seasoned search industry professionals, SkyWater Search Partners brings new focus to a novel concept, “Short List Search.” Our purpose is to leave a lasting impression on the clients we serve by providing individuals who will make a measurable difference in their business. We strive to consistently deliver great results to our clients in a very timely manner.
Practice Areas
Our practice areas are led by highly experienced executive recruiters who take great care in fully understanding client requirements and candidate qualifications.
• Accounting and Finance
• Information Technology
• Operations
• Engineering
• Sales
• Marketing
• Human Resources
• Legal
• Construction
• Supply Chain
• Consumer Package Goods (CPG)
Founded on long-standing relationships and hundreds of successful placements throughout the Twin Cities business community, SkyWater Search Partners is a proven resource for clients and candidates looking to quickly and confidently explore their “short list” of best choices. Count on us to find the best people – and the best fit.
