Director, Strategic Sourcing

Last date to apply: We are continuously accepting applications.

About the role

The Director of Strategic Sourcing will lead strategic initiatives related to the sourcing strategy for finished goods procurement. The role will lead the development and management of new suppliers and the supply chain to improve service, quality, and total cost of ownership. Activities will include leading the evaluation and implementation of the supply base to support licensing to OEM transition within product categories through interaction with internal business areas such as product management, marketing, engineering, and supply chain.

Responsibilities

• Develop strategic initiatives and KPIs aligned with overall business objectives; create processes and procedures to ensure success.
• Develop and manage a finished goods sourcing strategy by identifying and developing key supplier relationships.
• Leverage suppliers’ engineering and manufacturing resources to accelerate product development cycles with improved cost.
• Responsible for all commercial relationships with suppliers for finished goods and components from high-growth regions, securing targeted levels of cost, quality, delivery, sustainability, etc.
• Engage in contract negotiations with OEM suppliers and develop business relationships.
• Implement approved strategies for finished goods that actively search for performance improvement and cost-reduction opportunities by understanding customer needs, supply market trends, and innovation.
• Drive value by implementing strategic sourcing and entering into cost-efficient agreements that fulfill supply requirements for finished goods and components from high-growth regions.
• Conduct detailed demand, spend, cost, and market analysis using a structured approach to tendering and negotiating with suppliers based on the overall strategy.
• Drive supplier performance, contract effectiveness, collaboration, and integration to deliver improved results with key suppliers for finished goods.
• Manage the total lifecycle of a supplier contract, including submission to legal, expiration alerts, etc.
• Assume overall responsibility for supplier performance and rating based on KPIs.
• Conduct and follow up on PPV activities, budgeting (forecast and actual), and annual price negotiations, as well as other initiatives for assigned commodities.
• Analyze information from multiple sources and develop and present recommended strategies for each assigned project.
• Create project-specific work teams and follow the implementation of strategic projects.
• Support quality audits and approval of new sources, ensuring Husqvarna quality standards are consistently followed, including tier II and III suppliers.
• Support Product Directors by working with external companies to identify innovative product ideas and further commercialize them.
• Cultivate a network in the industry and develop business intelligence to support senior leadership in making strategic decisions.
• Monitor external and internal environments for the development of new market segments, including developing business strategy for adjacent space growth.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s Degree (or foreign equivalent) in Engineering, Supply Chain, Logistics, Business, or a related field; advanced degree preferred.
• Minimum of 10 years of experience in high-volume manufacturing, including 6 years of strategic sourcing; OPE industry experience preferred.
• Experience and/or certification with lean manufacturing/Six Sigma methodologies preferred.
• High energy level, a self-motivated leader who builds strong global teams.
• Finished goods sourcing (consumer packaged goods) at the corporate level, including high-growth regions and working with regulatory and safety requirements and standards for products sourced in low-cost countries and sold abroad.
• Proven success with large contract negotiations and contract management.
• Product development leadership and building supplier quality processes at a global level.
• Knowledge and/or experience with VA/VE principles preferred.
• Project management experience preferred.
• Exceptional cross-cultural negotiation skills along with a demonstrated ability to understand, appreciate, and interact effectively with people from diverse backgrounds.
• Demonstrated ability to think strategically and execute global/regional initiatives at the department level.
• Demonstrated ability to construct highly creative sourcing solutions.
• Demonstrated global project management, risk management, and supply market analysis skills, as well as the ability to analyze Total Cost of Ownership (TCO).
• Strong business acumen, including a sound understanding of financial drivers, commodity market conditions/swings, and their impact on the business.
• Excellent influence and negotiation skills, including a solid understanding of legal terms and conditions.
• Deep understanding of contract terms and conditions.
• Strong analytical skills, including a demonstrated ability to synthesize and interpret financial data and apply it to decision-making.
• Proficiency in MS Office software applications (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Project).
• Ability to maintain confidentiality regarding proprietary company information.
• Ability to work extended hours (including weekends) and travel up to 30% to domestic and/or international sites as required.