Lead Sourcing Specialist

Description

Company Overview

Springs Window Fashions is a leader in the custom window treatment industry since 1939. Headquartered in Middleton WI, we have over 8,000 associates with locations in North America, Europe, and Asia. Our custom window treatments are available under the Bali, Graber, SunSetter and Mecho brands in nearly every major retailer, in thousands of designer showrooms, and showcased in large commercial buildings.

Our company has made significant investments to become a leader in product innovation. As North America's premier window covering company, we're committed to creating a "Best Experience" for our consumers, channel partners, and associates. We are bringing new innovations to the market at an accelerating pace and have a variety of offerings to consumers who want to improve their home décor.

Job Summary

Purchase commodities for direct material in support of Springs Window Fashions operations, at the most competitive cost, best possible quality and most-timely delivery. The Lead Sourcing Specialist will support the execution of sourcing initiatives for an annual spend of approximately $50M or greater. Locate, establish, and maintain relationships of the highest degree of integrity with all suppliers. Secure on-time delivery of all products. Negotiate and reconfirm terms & conditions; including warranty, price, discount, warehousing, and delivery. Drive the best global supply of commodities; including identifying opportunities, utilizing cross-functional resources to implement projects through six sigma rigor, and speed in execution. Use e-commerce tools to execute auctions and expedite project implementation. Participate in team activities on a strategic level in finding global opportunities, qualifying new sources, creating strategic supplier relationships, and improving sourcing processes

Job Responsibilities

• Assist with and/or on some levels lead the development of commercial agreements or spot purchases required to support business partners and manufacturing sites.

• Assist with and on some levels lead the development of strategic sourcing strategies and plans.

• Ensure that negotiated agreements are implemented, and terms and conditions are being met.

• Aggressively pursue and create competitive purchase environment by constantly seeking alternate supply scenarios.

• Define and develop appropriate cross-functional relationships with the Business's Supply Chain, and other functions.

• Establish and maintain business relationships with the appropriate management of key suppliers.

• Develop Low Cost Country sourcing opportunities.

• Resolve process or supplier related issues as escalated from the Businesses where the tactical teams need support.

• Maintain knowledge of suppliers and relevant market developments such as Mergers & Acquisitions, financial status, and changes in key personnel.

• Responsible for the execution of commodity strategy projects and initiatives as assigned.

• Accountability to provide analytical support in commercial negotiations and supplier selections within assigned commodities.

• Lead and support cross-business synergy efforts for assigned projects.

• Develops a pipeline of cost savings projects for sustainable year over year productivity, or cost down.

Critical Success Factors

• Participate and coordinate sourcing activities in design changes (ECN) and New Product Development (NPD)

• Work with Engineering, Quality and testing to prioritize sourcing activities

• Recruit, maintain and manage world-class suppliers with focus on total cost of ownership improvements while maintaining the highest code of ethics and conduct

• Proactively and routinely drives spend analysis activities identifying strategic sourcing opportunities within assigned commodities and throughout the supply chain environment where applicable

• Reviews contracts, bids, proposals, and vendor agreements for legal correctness, terms/conditions, and acceptability of items to specifications

• Analyzes market and delivery conditions to determine present and future industry trends in pricing and availability that will impact the business

• Effective technical and analytical skills

• Initiative to challenge inefficiencies, process deviations, and strategy deviations.

• Utilization of data analysis skills to effectively identify value opportunities.

• Challenge status quo through managed approach and sophistication.

• Initiative to seek professional development, continuous learning

Requirements

Education and Experience

• Bachelor's degree, preferably in a technical competency, minimum in a business/industrial related field. MBA preferred.
• 3+ years sourcing/procurement related experience

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Ability to work in a fast-paced environment and manage multiple tasks simultaneously.

• Experience interacting with cross functional team including engineering, quality, materials, logistics, sales & marketing.

• Demonstrated supplier management skills and negotiation experience.

• Project management experience

• Strong analytical and quantitative abilities. Proficient in Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint & Microsoft Project. Six sigma certification preferred

• Willingness to travel

• C.P.M. or C.P.I.M. certification a plus

• Demonstrated leadership

• Ability to influence and work on a team

• Experience in manufacturing and material buying activities

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills; strong presentation skills

• Demonstrated problem resolution and crisis management

• Self-motivated with business perspective

• Accomplishments which reflect teamwork, integrity, accountability and speed

Behavioral Competencies

• Ensures Accountability

• Holding self and others accountable to meet commitments

• Drive Engagement

• Creating a climate where people are motivated to do their best to help the organization achieve its objectives

• Instill Trust

• Gaining the confidence and trust of others through honesty, integrity, and authenticity

• Drive Results

• Consistently achieving results, even under tough circumstances

• Consumer/Customer Focus

• Building strong customer relationships and delivering on customer-centric solutions

• Critical Thinking

• Making Sense of complex, high quantity, and sometimes contradictory information to effectively solve problems

• Being Resilient

• Rebounding from setbacks and adversity when facing difficult situations

• Optimize Work Processes

• Knowing the most effective and efficient processes to get things done, with a focus on continuous improvement