Job Title: Strategic Sourcing Manager, Direct

FLSA Status: Exempt

Department: Supply Chain Services

Reports to: Strategic Sourcing Leader

GENERAL DESCRIPTION:

The Strategic Sourcing Manager leads and supports development, implementation, and management of sourcing strategies that optimize supplier partnerships, drive performance objectives and provide optimal flexibility, quality, delivery and lowest TCO. They deliver value and competitive advantage as measured by customer satisfaction, project execution, value improvement, innovation, and risk mitigation. They build relationships with suppliers; plan, execute and finalize sourcing strategies for product and manufacturing operations; work closely with stakeholders to identify and execute potential opportunities that drive value. They drive strategy development, cost management/reduction targets, and coordinate sourcing activities to support project initiatives. They work with teams to create an efficient and innovative partnership across all functions and levels. They are responsible for $50M-$60M direct spend.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

Operational Excellence

• Define and execute a sourcing calendar of initiatives for assigned categories based on business plans with support from stakeholders, market conditions and terms of outstanding contracts
• Establish collaborative relationships with departments to define requirements for Indirect products and services with a focus on fundamental needs balanced with innovation and financial constraints
• Understand and track the key input cost drivers and market factors for assigned commodities, provide countermeasure concepts, forecast, and maintain costing and should be cost model
• Provide category knowledge and market expertise for assigned spend and continuously learn new technologies, processes, and industry best practices that delivers value

Supplier Relationship Management

• Drive sourcing value by leveraging market knowledge, supplier optimization, predictable and industry leading pricing plans, RF(x)and (TCO) cost modeling through transparent SRM
• Create and implement SRM programs that include developing performance measures and scorecards, tracking and reporting against performance metrics, conducting timely supplier performance reviews, and taking corrective and recognition action
• Establish SRM strategies to deliver against goals and achieve sustainable supplier relationships
• Apply best in class practices and trends to create forward-thinking category and SRM strategies, including the implementation of technology/ analytical tools

Sourcing Process

• Execute, leverage, and deploy sourcing levers across all direct spend to create a competitive advantage
• Lead all aspects of supplier negotiations with business partners in drafting and executing contracts that protect the business interests and provide best value. Oversee and advise on contract structure, terms and conditions, and performance-based contracting with suppliers
• Seek opportunities for cost containment and/or improvement. Develop performance metrics, benchmarks and utilize best practice sourcing within the direct category portfolio
• Lead cross-functional team of department owners and other stakeholders, through the end-to-end sourcing process (identification through implementation) and coordinate engagement

BEHAVIORAL COMPETENCIES:

• Global Acumen
• Organizational Agility
• Intellectual Horsepower
• Negotiation Skills
• Passion for Results
• Action Orientated

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS:

Education: Bachelor's Degree in Business, Supply Chain, Finance, Economics, or related field

Experience:

• Minimum 8 years direct sourcing experience in multiple direct categories: Contracts, Negotiations, Supply Chain Management, Strategic Sourcing, Globalization, Supplier Development, Project Management, Market Analysis, Facility Management, Marketing, SG&A spend, etc.
• Minimum 4 years' experience in developing, negotiating, and implementing various contract types
• Strong background working cross functionally with multiple functions that drive business outcomes

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Robust interpersonal skills, including collaboration and willingness to make changes based on feedback
• Demonstrated ability in building and maintain relationships at all levels of the organization while managing multiple priorities and meeting deadlines in a fast-paced environment
• Strong verbal and written communication skills including the ability to generate compelling and powerful PowerPoint presentations
• High attention to detail and proven ability to manage multiple, competing priorities simultaneously

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Masters is a plus. Professional Certification (CPM/CSPM/APICS) is strongly preferred
• General understanding of the lean/Six Sigma practices and processes
• Strong analytical and critical thinking skills. Ability to handle sudden setbacks. Willingness to operate in a dynamic environment. Ability to make quick decisions with 80% information.

WORKING CONDITIONS:

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of the role. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Office deskwork, requiring sitting, walking, using phone & computer
• May include up to 20% travel domestically and potential for international travel
• Can tolerate variable and sometimes challenging conditions during visits or inspections of company equipment in a railroad environment

REV November 2020