Metals Sourcing Manager

Job Summary

Nortek Data Center Cooling is seeking a proactive and detail-oriented Metals Sourcing Manager to lead sourcing efforts across carbon steel, stainless steel, aluminum, and copper. Supporting a multi-site manufacturing footprint in Oklahoma City, OK and Dyersburg, TN, this role combines strategic sourcing with tactical execution, including placing orders for in-house metal fabrication needs.

Key Attributes of Position

• Ability to personally live safe and hold themselves and other team members accountable by having their back in support of our Safety core value.
• Ability to bring order and process to meetings and event planning.
• Has the ability to work collaboratively and lead teams in a Teamwork culture.
• Ability to ignite and lead change as a catalyst for improvement.
• Takes accountability to create and execute solutions that deliver desired results and can “own it” in a Performance Driven Culture.
• Ability to thrive in a “legacy now” culture in which we strive to do the right thing for the company today, even if it is the hard thing, and leave behind a stronger company for the next generation of employees.
• A “builder” who is comfortable in a continuous improvement culture.

Job Responsibilities

• Strategic Sourcing & Market Intelligence: Analyze metal market trends and cost indices (e.g., CRU) to inform sourcing strategies. Develop and maintain cost models and forecasts for key metal categories.
• Supplier Identification & Management: Identify and qualify mills, service centers, and fabrication partners. Negotiate pricing, lead times, and capacity commitments. Ensure supplier performance aligns with quality, delivery, and cost expectations. Monitor supplier capacity and develop contingency plans to mitigate supply disruptions.
• Design Optimization & Cross-Functional Collaboration: Collaborate with engineering to influence material selection and design-for-cost. Recommend alternative materials or fabrication methods to reduce cost and improve manufacturability. Coordinate sourcing activities across multiple manufacturing sites to ensure alignment and continuity.
• Tactical Execution: Place and manage purchase orders for in-house metal fabrication needs. Coordinate with internal stakeholders to ensure timely delivery and alignment with production schedules. Support inventory optimization and lead time management across sites. Track and report spend, savings, and supplier performance metrics.
• Risk Management, Compliance & Sustainability: Ensure compliance with trade regulations and internal sourcing policies. Support sustainability and ethical sourcing initiatives in metals procurement. Collaborate with logistics and quality teams to ensure smooth material flow and supplier accountability.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain, Engineering, Materials Science, or related field; MBA preferred.
• 5+ years of experience in metals sourcing, preferably in manufacturing or industrial environments.
• Strong understanding of metal markets, CRU indices, and fabrication processes.
• Experience placing and managing purchase orders in ERP systems.
• Excellent negotiation, analytical, and communication skills.
• Ability to interpret technical drawings and collaborate with engineering teams.

Preferred Experience

• Sourcing across multiple metal categories (carbon, stainless, aluminum, copper).
• Familiarity with in-house fabrication operations and production planning.
• Exposure to global sourcing, trade compliance, and sustainability practices.
• Experience supporting multi-site manufacturing operations.