Strategic Sourcing Engineer

Do you consider yourself a strong, versatile sourcing professional, skilled at managing projects with key internal and external stakeholders to successful execution? Do you thrive in an environment where your natural curiosity and ability to seek out opportunities and change is valued and encouraged? If so, perhaps the Strategic Sourcing role with Amarr, is for you!

Amarr, a part of ASSA ABLOY (the global leader in opening solutions), is a leading manufacturer of residential and commercial garage doors. We are committed to delivering high-quality products and exceptional service to our customers.

As we continue to grow, we are seeking a responsible and detail-oriented professional to join our team as a Strategic Sourcing Engineer in our Lawrence, KS location.

This role reports to the Director of Sourcing, this is an opportunity for a results-driven and detail-oriented individual with a vision to work, learn and grow in a professional sourcing environment. You will work closely within the Supply Chain team, as well as with Distribution, Marketing, Finance, Engineering, and Manufacturing Operations to coordinate sourcing strategy, negotiating with key suppliers, and purchasing crucial commodities. This role also works closely with product development and value analysis/value engineering. You will facilitate the development and execution of category and sourcing strategies to realize overall business objectives.

Departmental accountabilities include but not limited to:

• Reengineering and optimizing supply chains
• Identify, select, qualify, and form strategic partnerships with suppliers based on internal and external customer needs within the framework of Amarr’s strategic direction.
• Evaluate suppliers' capabilities regarding quality, technology, service, cost competitiveness, capacity, financial strengths, flexibility, and commitment.
• Negotiate the best price and terms and through the onboarding process establish expectations for our partners.
• Execute master purchase agreements.
• Develop sourcing and overall supply chain strategies within a category or categories.
• Manage sourcing projects as project leader, working closely with cross-functional groups to ensure seamless project implementation.
• Work upstream on product development programs pending requirements and aligns with Engineering, Marketing, Manufacturing, Finance and Sales to champion the sourcing role and ensure practical cycle time is communicated and provided to procure material.
• Work closely with the procurement (Buyer/Planners, Purchasing Manager) team on cost, source information, lead-time, and other appropriate information to the production environment.
• Collaborate with Supplier Development and Supplier Quality Engineering to ensure that supplier performance and DDPM goals are achieved through the sourcing strategy.
• In conjunction with Procurement, Supplier Development and Supplier Quality Engineering, facilitate and manage supplier performance (i.e., cost, quality, delivery, customer service).
• Work in partnership with Sales, Engineering, Manufacturing, Marketing, Customers and Suppliers on identified Value Engineering initiatives.
• Lead and champion complex make versus buy projects incorporating a strategic mindset.
• Support the VA/VE leader by owning and solving more complex technical VA/VE projects.
• Leading efforts to guide the “digitization” of the supply chain.
   

We know you might be a great fit to join our team if:

• You are a curious, out-of-the-box, collaborative, yet contrary thinking individual (not afraid to challenge) that wants to bring your skills and experience to the team.
• Executive presence
• Self-starter capable of developing, enhancing, and building the supplier development and supplier quality programs.
• A background collaborating with buyers, planners, and expediters is helpful.
• You are an analytical individual who is strategic and possesses the ability to drive short-term operational objectives.
• You possess a solid understanding of total cost of ownership and total landed cost and apply these concepts when performing total cost analyses.
• You have exceptional computer skills.
• You are in your comfort zone presenting to internal and external groups, peers, and executives, to sell ideas and proposals and provide critical information.
• You have knowledge of relevant operational sourcing/procurement processes, preferably within an ERP/MRP based manufacturing company.
• A highly desirable candidate has experience and expertise in one or more relevant categories such as flat steel, rod/spring wire, aluminum, glass, chemicals, EPS, stamped and roll-formed components, and/or corrugate.
• Significant project management experience within a supply chain function performing strategy development is significantly valued.
• Exceptional interpersonal and social skills and can find solutions across functional groups.
• Strong negotiation skills with a collaborative approach are necessary.

Key indicators you are a fit:

• A BS degree in Engineering is required; however, for the right candidate with a supply chain or related 4-year degree and possessing an engineering mindset with demonstrated success solving complex problems -- an exception may be made.
• Professional certification, or pursuit of professional certification within 3 years.
• You possess at least 5 years of professional experience in sourcing, category management, project management, or supply chain management within a lean manufacturing organization or similar.
• Excellent analytical, problem solving and conflict resolution skills.
• Excellent interpersonal communication skills.
• Keen sense of customer service (internal and external)
• Strong English verbal and written communication skills
• Processes & procedures oriented.
• Works well in a team environment in a Matrix Organization

Benefits include Medical/Dental/Vision, Paid Time Off, Paid Holidays from day one, tuition reimbursement, and a 401k plan (with an automatic 3% company contribution, regardless of your contribution after your first year of employment) among others.

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