Strategic Sourcing Lead in Fort Wayne, Indiana at Riverside Mfg LLC

Position Summary:

This hands-on position is responsible for leading and managing all procurement activities to support manufacturing operations. This is a working leadership role responsible for both strategic sourcing and day-to-day purchasing execution, including supplier communication, PO placement, and expediting. This role ensures the timely and cost-effective acquisition of materials, components, and services while driving supplier performance, process improvements, and team development. The ideal candidate is a results-driven leader with a strong background in manufacturing environments and a proven ability to execute and deliver outcomes.

Key Responsibilities:

• Lead and oversee daily purchasing operations, ensuring continuity of supply to meet production demands
• Develop and implement sourcing strategies to optimize cost, quality, and delivery performance
• Build, manage, and evaluate supplier relationships, including negotiation of pricing, terms, and contracts
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives across procurement processes, systems, and workflows
• Collaborate cross-functionally with operations, engineering, finance, and quoting teams
• Monitor key performance indicators (KPIs) and implement corrective actions as needed
• Identify and mitigate supply chain risks to ensure business continuity
• Proactively manage inventory levels in partnership with sales and operations to prevent excess and obsolete inventory, including lifecycle planning, demand alignment, and disposition strategies
• Lead, mentor, and develop the purchasing team, fostering a high-performance culture
• Ensure compliance with company policies, procedures, and applicable regulations

Qualifications:

• Minimum of 5+ years of purchasing or procurement experience in a manufacturing environment
• Prior leadership experience with direct supervision of team members
• Demonstrated success in personnel development and team building
• Proven ability to drive process improvements and implement efficiencies
• Strong negotiation, analytical, and problem-solving skills
• Ability to execute with urgency and “make things happen” in a fast-paced environment
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
• Proficiency in ERP/MRP systems and Microsoft Office applications
• Must be US Person

Preferred Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain Management, Business, or a related field
• Experience with lean manufacturing or continuous improvement methodologies
• Experience with IMDS (International Material Data System) compliance, reporting, and customer submission requirements preferred