Senior Sourcing Specialist

About the role

This position oversees the strategic sourcing and management process of a category of moderately complex or specialized materials and supplies. Responsibilities may include developing and executing sourcing strategies, monitoring market movements, negotiating agreements, working with a broad base of business groups, and resolving issues with suppliers. Position may also work closely with the Sourcing Manager or Sourcing Director supporting more strategic, complex, or specialized categories.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement sourcing strategies and execution plans for assigned finished goods and contract manufacturing categories, aligned with global category strategies and Business Unit operating plans and objectives
• Develop, issue, and evaluate RFQs for finished goods and co-manufacturing services for assigned Business Units or as directed by Sourcing leadership
• Partner with Marketing to support product portfolio strategy, innovation launches, and customer requirements related to finished goods
• Identify, qualify, and onboard new contract manufacturers (tollers) to expand capabilities and capacity
• Ensure uninterrupted supply of finished goods across the network, including capacity planning and risk mitigation with tollers
• Negotiate and implement sourcing agreements and contracts with contract manufacturers that strengthen supply assurance, optimize cost, and improve Sherwin-Williams' competitive position in the market
• Manage established pricing for finished goods and tolling arrangements, including verification, discrepancy resolution, and maintenance of pricing integrity
• Negotiate and resolve claims, performance issues, and disputes with contract manufacturers related to quality, service, delivery, and cost for managed SKUs
• Develop and maintain documented category strategies specific to finished goods and co-manufacturing
• Develop and implement cost savings projects and initiatives for assigned SKUs
• Collaborate closely with R&D/Technical teams to align on specifications, qualifications, and total cost of ownership; work with contract manufacturers to ensure timely access to data, materials, and resources required for product commercialization and lifecycle support
• Ensure compliance with internal policies and external regulations, including quality standards, contractual obligations, and applicable laws governing contract manufacturing and supply
• Travel Requirement: Up to 20%

Qualifications

Required:

• Bachelor's degree from an accredited institution
• Minimum of four (4) years post-collegiate business experience
• Self-starter who operates effectively with limited direction in a fast-paced, often ambiguous environment; demonstrates persistence and ownership to drive issues to resolution
• Proven track record of increasing responsibility and strong performance
• Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite (Excel, Word, SharePoint, and PowerPoint)
• Strong written, verbal, and interpersonal skills
• Strong critical thinking skills with the ability to analyze and synthesize information from multiple systems and data sources
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Demonstrated ability to operate beyond entry-level tasks, applying sound judgment and problem-solving in complex situations

Preferred:

• Bachelor's degree in a procurement specific field such as Supply Chain Management, Business Administration, Operations Management, or Procurement/Purchasing
• 6+ years of successful experience in sourcing, procurement or supply chain, ideally with exposure to finished goods or contract manufacturing environments
• Multi-Lingual