Strategic Sourcing Specialist

Strategic Sourcing Specialist Sycamore, IL Job Details $70,000

• $85,000 a year 1 day ago Benefits Paid holidays Dental insurance 401(k) Paid time off Vision insurance Employee stock ownership plan Qualifications Vendor relationship building Cost management Cash flow management Procurement category management Record keeping Report writing Microsoft Excel Microsoft Outlook Food safety management Presentation software Writing skills Basic math Non-disclosure agreements (NDAs) Sustainable sourcing Mid-level Cost control 3 years Invoice processing Administrative experience Manufacturing standard operating procedures Supplier audits Developing strategic sourcing strategies Sensory evaluation Bachelor's degree Task prioritization Decision making Mentoring Vendor relationship management Organizational skills Microsoft Teams Contracts Participating in conferences Vendor contract management Networking through strategic partnership building Clerical experience Procurement contract negotiation Lean management Strategic partnerships Cross-functional collaboration Implementing cost-saving initiatives Technical Proficiency Cross-functional communication File organization Supply chain collaboration New product launch experience Time management Supply chain process improvement

Full Job Description Description:

CORE HOURS

Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m.

• 5:00 p.m. Starting Pay $70,000
• $85,000 (Annually)

UNIVERSAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Support the Mission of the Company by identifying and accomplishing team and individual performance goals that directly support the goals of the Company. Treat all co-workers, customers and suppliers with respect and in accordance with the Company's Core Values. Follow all company GMPs and SOPs.

GENERAL SUMMARY

The Strategic Sourcing Coordinator supports procurement and supply chain operations by identifying, evaluating, and managing suppliers to ensure the timely and cost-effective sourcing of materials and services. In a food manufacturing setting, this role focuses on sourcing ingredients, packaging, and operational supplies while ensuring compliance with food safety standards, sustainability goals, and cost optimization strategies.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES

Strategic Sourcing Management o Understand key markets that impact product categories and actively review and engage in the impacts on business needs o Actively seek out and identify new sources of supply for new and existing items o Build strategic partnerships with key suppliers to drive innovation, mitigate risks, and optimize value across the supply chain network. o Identify and communicate trends within the supplier and material network through conferences, seminars, supplier visits, etc. o Work closely within the product development process to recommend preferred supplier networks o Identify and lead the process for approving potential alternative sources of supply for assigned materials. Supply Management o Lead the procurement of ingredients and packaging products, ensuring the lowest total cost, quality that meets specifications, delivery according to requirements, and payment terms that maximize cash flow. o Strategic management of supplier performance to assess the ability to meet quality and volume requirements. o Purchase assigned ingredients and packaging materials to optimize value and quality o Enter and maintain data in Canopy o Working knowledge of all current ingredients and materials. o Negotiate optimal pricing, terms, minimum order quantities, lead times, and product quality. o See ingredients/packaging in operation and how they are used at both facilities. o Maximize inventory turns without running out of materials. o Understand the features/benefits of our current ingredients and materials and how they relate to the company Food Safety and Product Quality goals. o Own and manage new and discontinued material processes o Cost sheet management o Invoice review and approval Vendor Management o Develop working knowledge of suppliers and build strong business relationships. o Tour vendor operations of key ingredients/materials. o Communicate product requirements, information requirements to do business (coordinate with QA). o Communicate the expectation of high performance by vendors, including a "value-added" relationship desired. o Assure all required information from Vendors stays current. o Coordinate handling of vendor complaint issues with QA. Cost Management o Understand and support the cost management plan and engage current vendors in the plan (partner relationship). Continually look for ways to reduce costs. o Conduct price comparisons regularly. o Request extended payment terms from each supplier. o Recruit samples of comparable products from prospective vendors when appropriate. o Identify new ways to reduce costs, i.e., reduce minimum order quantities, implement consignment inventory agreements, freight reduction strategies, new materials, etc. o Respond diligently to each price increase we receive to thwart it or delay it. o Track specific raw material/commodity prices that affect costs, i.e., poultry, tuna, steel, oil, etc. o Communicate key cost information to the Commercial Team on a timely basis. Go To Market Team Participation o Learn the business, i.e., key customers, key products, challenges & opportunities. o Look for ways to add value to the selling process and to improve/support the Customer Success goal. o Provide pricing, samples, and information to the team as requested. o Act as a key resource to developing and launching new product concepts

Additional Duties and Responsibilities:

o Attend weekly meetings o Complete weekly sensory evaluations o Participate in Special Projects as assigned. o Pursuing opportunities to add value to the Suter team (i.e. volunteer to assist with company events; volunteer to lead a project; become involved in a Lean team; submit a safety suggestion; write and/or audit an SOP; find ways to reduce waste; mentor/coach others; cross-train or learn a new task or skill. o Develop and maintain strong working relationships with all internal customers, suppliers, and freight service providers. o Evaluate existing purchasing procedures with a lean manufacturing mindset and continuously search for new ways to reduce costs and improve efficiency. o General file management o Participate in cross-functional teams as needed. o Annual audit of recipes and freight cost o Understanding of supplier documentation software o Support execution of supplier contract and/or NDA process and ensure execution of supply chain agreements. o Manage multiple priorities/meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment. o Attentive to detail and strong organizational skills. o Shift from various projects and manage frequent interruptions. o Negotiating and solid decision-making skills

Requirements:

EDUCATION AND WORK EXPERIENCE

Bachelor's degree preferred. Three to five years of supply chain experience.

KNOWLEDGE

Strong working knowledge of Microsoft Outlook, Excel, PowerPoint, and Teams

ABILITIES AND SKILLS

Time Management

• Ability to plan work hours to most efficiently and accurately complete job responsibilities. Reasoning
• Comprehend several abstract and concrete variables; use logic or reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions or approaches to problems; consider the relative costs and benefits of potential actions to choose the most appropriate one. Mathematical
• Add, subtract, multiply, and divide whole numbers and perform arithmetic calculations involving fractions, decimals, and percentages quickly and correctly. Communication
• Ability to communicate information and ideas in a professional manner by speaking or writing so others will understand; ability to gather and organize information to write reports; evaluate technical data; and effectively relay information to small groups of people both internally and externally. Technical
• Ability to operate and control office equipment; ability to monitor equipment to make sure it is running properly. Perform day-to-day administrative tasks such as maintaining files, spreadsheets, records, and processing paperwork. Professional
• Communicating with people inside and outside the organization; representing the company to vendors, suppliers, and other external sources. This information can be exchanged in person, in writing, by telephone, or by e-mail. Physical Effort
• Sedentary work; exert a negligible amount of force frequently or constantly and up to 10 pounds of force occasionally to lift, carry, push, pull, or otherwise move objects. Vision
• Far, near, and mid-range vision, depth perception, color identification, and field of vision. Activity
• Regularly required to talk, hear, perform repetitive motions, use finger dexterity; occasionally stand, walk, and reach with arms and hands.

THE SUTER COMPANY BENEFITS

(including, but not limited to) Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP) Medical Dental Vision Life & Accident Insurance 401k Retirement Plan Paid Time Off Vacation Paid Holidays Wellness Programs

WORK ENVIRONMENT AND ADA STATEMENT

The work environment characteristics described herein are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently exposed to wet and/or humid conditions, temperature extremes and moderate noise. This role description does not state that the above are the only duties and responsibilities assigned to this position. Employees holding this position will be required to perform any other job-related duties as required. Equal Opportunity Employer