Technical Sourcing Lead

About the role

The Technical Sourcing function is responsible for managing the third-party supplier (3PS) product and materials portfolio in close alignment with the overall product line strategy defined by the PLD organization.

Responsibilities

• Drive and ensure global alignment of the 3PS portfolio and related technical topics, interfacing closely with PLDs, Segment teams, and the broader purchasing organization.
• Lead and manage the 3PS* product and material portfolio including its development and rationalization, in line with R&D, PLD, and Segments strategy.
• Co-design the Make and Buy (M&B) strategy with the PLDs through benchmarks, technical capability evaluation at 3PS, and ensure the strategy is embedded in the sourcing decision making.
• Drive a consistent roll out of 3PS portfolio strategy, in alignment with PLDs and the regional Category Purchasing teams.
• Support in-/outsourcing assessments considering all technical aspects like materials, tooling, and manufacturability.
• Conduct technical benchmarks; lead supplier comparisons and evaluations based on specifications, material properties, and capabilities.
• Identify and develop new sourcing options to close portfolio or capability gaps; lead innovation scouting with PLDs, R&D, and suppliers.
• Shape and complete the “Buy” portfolio in alignment with PLDs and in partnership with the Category Purchasing organization.
• Lead or coordinate projects involving global Purchasing with significant technical content (e.g., PFAS initiatives, material rationalization, new material launch at 3PS , technical benchmark etc...) and ensure cross‑functional validation and readiness.
• Provide technical support and troubleshooting for supplier issues and drive 3PS development programs.
• Act as main interface for PLDs and Segments in regards of technical sourcing topic involving 3PS portfolio.
• Interface with R&D and supplier engineering on specifications and manufacturability topics; provide clear technical directions to Category Purchasing.
• Support Sales with technical inquiries involving 3PS; participate in customer and supplier audits as required.
• In alignment with PLD, drive internal promotion and communication of 3PS portfolio capabilities to ensure cross‑functional awareness.
• Support resolution of technical quality issues at 3PS with the quality team, coordinate corrective actions with suppliers and ensure lesson learned.
• Maintain a regular cadence of portfolio & capability assessments to identify improvement opportunities and validate outcomes of supplier development efforts.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s/master’s degree in engineering, Materials Science, or Business with strong technical exposure
• Demonstrated experience in technical sourcing, supplier development, and leading cross‑functional projects in an industrial/manufacturing environment.
• Strong proficiency in portfolio analytics, benchmarking, and Make‑or‑Buy frameworks; ability to translate technical requirements into sourcing decisions, including the capability to shape and evolve portfolio strategy based on technical, commercial, and market insights.
• Experience in leading teams or cross-regional stakeholders; ability to guide and develop talent
• Excellent stakeholder‑management capabilities; able