Strategic Sourcing Manager – Vendor Development

About the Company

LAPP is a family-owned company headquartered in Stuttgart and a global leader in cable and connection technology. Founded in 1959, we remain fully family-owned today. With around 5,800 employees, we operate in over 80 countries—globally connected and regionally rooted. Working at LAPP means inventive spirit and a hands-on mentality meet cherished values and tradition. We offer all employees the freedom to develop and pursue new opportunities. Flexibility and personal responsibility are just as important to us as a family-friendly work environment. We value all our colleagues with their talents, ideas, and perspectives.

Responsibilities

• Develop and execute sourcing strategies for direct materials, including electrical components, wire/cable, plastics, metals, and assemblies.
• Conduct spend analysis and category reviews to identify cost savings, optimize supplier selection (RFx), and align multi-year strategies with growth and margin goals.
• Drive supplier rationalization and consolidation initiatives to optimize the supply base.
• Identify, qualify, and onboard high-performing suppliers aligned with quality, delivery, cost, and technology standards.
• Lead supplier audits, capability assessments, scorecard programs, and routine performance reviews.
• Cultivate strategic supplier partnerships and execute development plans to improve quality, capacity, responsiveness, and on-time delivery.
• Drive year-over-year cost reduction initiatives and lead commercial negotiations for pricing, rebates, and contracts.
• Partner with Engineering and Operations on VA/VE, design-to-cost, make-vs-buy evaluations, and alternate material sourcing.
• Assess supply chain and geopolitical risks, establishing dual-sourcing, continuity, and contingency plans.
• Monitor key commodity trends (copper, aluminum, precious metals, plastics/resins, electronics) to proactively mitigate market exposure.
• Partner across Engineering, Quality, Operations, NPI, and Program Management to ensure sourcing aligns with product launches and schedules.
• Ensure supplier governance and compliance with quality frameworks (ISO 9001, AS9100, IATF 16949) and regulatory standards (ITAR/EAR, RoHS, REACH, Conflict Minerals).

Requirements

• Minimum of 5 years' work experience in category/commodity management, preferably in Cables & Harnesses and in complex organizations.
• Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain Management, Engineering, Business Management, or related field from a regionally accredited university.
• 3+ years of experience in Sourcing/Purchasing, Materials Management, and/or Production Planning.
• APICS certificate preferred.
• Proficient in SAP and Excel with a high level of skill and capability.
• Excellent interpersonal, communication, and presentation skills.
• Strong mathematical skills and ability to organize, plan, forecast, and budget accurately.

Preferred Certifications

• CPSM (Certified Professional in Supply Management)
• CPM (Certified Purchasing Manager)
• APICS CSCP
• Six Sigma Green Belt or Black Belt
• Lean Manufacturing Certification

Skills

• Demonstrated excellent interpersonal skills, strong work ethic, and a positive attitude.
• Ability to communicate and collaborate across departments to achieve revenue, profitability, and market share objectives.
• Excellent organizational skills with the ability to prioritize and manage multiple projects.
• Self-starter with the ability to work independently and use time efficiently.
• Upholds organizational values, adheres to company policies and procedures, and maintains a professional appearance.
• Ability to read, analyze, and interpret business periodicals, professional journals, technical procedures, or governmental regulations.
• Ability to write reports, business correspondence, and procedure manuals.
• Ability to effectively present information and respond to questions from managers, clients, customers, and the public.
• Proficiency in mathematical operations including addition, subtraction, multiplication, division, rates, ratios, percentages, and interpreting bar graphs.
• Ability to solve practical problems and deal with concrete variables in situations with limited standardization.
• Ability to interpret instructions furnished in written, oral, diagram, or schedule form.
• Knowledge of internet-based software, SAP, and Microsoft Office applications.

Work Location & Schedule

This position is located in New Jersey and reports to the Florham Park, NJ office. Incumbents are required to work a hybrid schedule (3 days per week in the office—Tuesdays mandatory plus 2 additional days).

Physical Demands

The physical demands described are representative of those that must be met to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform these functions.

• Regularly required to sit; use hands to finger, handle, or feel; and talk or hear.
• Frequently required to walk.
• Occasionally required to stand and reach with hands and arms.
• Specific vision abilities required include close vision, distance vision, and color vision.

Work Environment

The work environment characteristics described are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform these functions.

• May be exposed to moving mechanical parts.
• The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.

Pay

The base salary range for this role is $120,000 - $130,000 plus participation in LAPP's bonus plan.

Benefits

• Comprehensive benefits package including Medical, Vision, and Dental.
• Paid Time Off and Paid Holidays.
• 401(k) retirement plan.
• HSA/FSA options.
• Life Insurance.