Strategic Sourcing Manager - Mechanical Components

Why This Role?

This is far more than a traditional commodity management position. You'll have the opportunity to:

• Own a strategic portfolio representing approximately $75M in annual spend.
• Influence sourcing strategy, supplier selection, and supply base development decisions that will support the company's long-term growth objectives.
• Partner directly with leaders across Engineering, Operations, Quality, Product Management, and Supply Chain.
• Play a visible role within an organization making significant investments in manufacturing expansion, automation, technology, and operational excellence.
• Help shape the supplier network that will support the next decade of growth.
• Make meaningful business decisions that impact quality, delivery performance, customer satisfaction, and profitability.

If you enjoy understanding how products are made, solving complex manufacturing challenges, developing suppliers, and driving measurable business results, this is the type of role where your work will have a direct and lasting impact.

Key Responsibilities

• Strategic Sourcing & Commodity Leadership
  • Develop and execute sourcing strategies for mechanical components and assemblies.
  • Evaluate supplier capabilities, capacity, quality systems, and cost competitiveness.
  • Lead supplier selection, onboarding, development, and rationalization initiatives.
  • Negotiate contracts, commercial agreements, and pricing strategies.
  • Drive cost reduction and cost avoidance opportunities across the supply base.
• Supplier Development & Performance Improvement
  • Build strong relationships with strategic suppliers and manufacturing partners.
  • Analyze supplier operations and identify opportunities to improve efficiency, quality, capacity, and responsiveness.
  • Lead supplier improvement initiatives and performance reviews.
  • Support long-term supplier capability planning and growth initiatives.
• Manufacturing & Process Analysis
  • Evaluate manufacturing processes, production constraints, and cost drivers.
  • Utilize process mapping, value stream analysis, and continuous improvement methodologies to support decision-making.
  • Assess supplier capacity and scalability to support future business requirements.
  • Support new product introductions and supplier readiness activities.
• Cross-Functional Collaboration
  • Partner closely with Engineering, Operations, Quality, Product Management, Finance, and Supply Chain teams.
  • Help resolve supplier-related challenges affecting production, quality, and delivery performance.
  • Influence strategic decisions and drive alignment across stakeholders throughout the organization.

Qualifications & Experience

• Required
  • Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Supply Chain, Operations, Business, or a related discipline.
  • 5+ years of experience in Strategic Sourcing, Commodity Management, Supplier Development, Procurement, Manufacturing Engineering, or Supply Chain within a manufacturing environment.
  • Experience sourcing fabricated, machined, stamped, forged, or engineered mechanical components.
  • Strong analytical, problem-solving, and negotiation skills.
  • Ability to evaluate manufacturing processes, supplier operations, and cost structures.
• Preferred
  • Mechanical Engineering, Industrial Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or another highly technical background.
  • Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, Value Stream Mapping, APQP, PPAP, or Continuous Improvement experience.
  • SAP, ERP, Ariba, or advanced sourcing systems experience.
  • Experience assessing supplier capacity, production flow, and operational performance.

Who Will Excel Here?

The strongest candidates are typically individuals who started their careers in engineering, manufacturing, operations, or process improvement before moving into sourcing or supply chain leadership roles. You might be a great fit if you:

• Enjoy understanding how products are made.
• Have a natural curiosity about manufacturing processes and supplier operations.
• Like solving problems and driving continuous improvement.
• Are comfortable working with suppliers, engineers, operations leaders, and executive stakeholders.
• Use data and analytics to support decision-making.
• Can balance strategic thinking with hands-on execution.

Candidates from industrial automation, industrial equipment, machinery manufacturing, heavy manufacturing, power systems, automotive, engineered products, appliance manufacturing, or related industries are highly encouraged to apply.

Location, Travel & Work Environment

This position can be based in either the Milwaukee, WI or Buffalo Grove, IL area and operates within a collaborative hybrid work environment. Team members typically work a combination of onsite and remote days, with regular in-person interaction supporting collaboration, relationship-building, and knowledge sharing. Travel is generally limited and consists primarily of visits to supplier facilities throughout Wisconsin, Illinois, and the broader Midwest. Most travel can be accomplished through day trips, with occasional overnight travel as needed. Candidates should enjoy getting out from behind the desk and engaging directly with suppliers and manufacturing operations.