Sourcing and Procurement Specialist in Earth City, Missouri at Allied Medical LLC

Company Overview

Allied Medical LLC, a subsidiary of Flexicare, is an FDA-registered manufacturer of medical gas delivery devices and related components located in Earth City, Missouri. Our products serve hospitals and healthcare facilities worldwide. We operate under a quality management system aligned with 21 CFR Part 820 (QMSR) and ISO 13485:2016. We are a growing organization seeking team members who thrive in a hands-on, fast-paced manufacturing environment.

Position Summary

Note: In addition to these functions, employees are required to carry out such other duties as may reasonably be required.

The Sourcing and Procurement Specialist is responsible for identifying, evaluating, and qualifying suppliers of manufactured components — primarily injection-molded, CNC-machined, and electromechanical parts — for use in FDA-regulated medical devices. This role owns the full sourcing lifecycle: market research and supplier discovery, RFQ management, supplier qualification (FAI, audits, Approved Supplier List approval), cost negotiation, and ongoing supplier performance management. The Specialist works cross-functionally with Engineering, Quality, Planning, and Production to ensure sourced components meet Allied Medical's quality, cost, and delivery requirements, and leads procurement's role in Engineering Change Orders (ECOs) through to conclusion.

Supervisory Responsibilities

None. Prior experience managing or mentoring Buyers is considered a desirable strength for this role (see Qualifications — Desirable).

Main Duties and Responsibilities

Duties/responsibilities listed in order of priority.

Component Sourcing and Supplier Identification

• Lead sourcing activities for mechanical, electrical, and other components across the medical device product range.

• Identify, evaluate, and qualify new suppliers — including direct manufacturers, sourcing agents, and contract manufacturing platforms — against cost, quality, capacity, and regulatory criteria.

• Negotiate pricing, lead times, and terms to support cost and supply continuity objectives.

• Monitor industry trends, material pricing, and supply chain risks that affect component sourcing strategy.

RFQ Management

• Prepare and issue Requests for Quotation (RFQs) with complete technical packages (drawings, material specs, volume forecasts, quality requirements).

• Evaluate supplier quotes for unit cost, tooling/NRE charges, lead time, MOQ, payment terms, and total cost of ownership.

• Maintain RFQ tracking records and present side-by-side supplier comparisons to leadership for source selection decisions.

Engineering and Quality Collaboration

• Work closely with Engineering and Quality to confirm component requirements, specifications, and drawings prior to sourcing.

• Review drawings and specifications to ensure sourced components meet form, fit, and function requirements.

• Act as the procurement point of contact for supplier-related technical queries.

• Partner with Engineering on DFM feedback, tolerance reviews, and technical transfer of parts from in-house production to outside vendors.

Engineering Change Order (ECO) Management

• Lead procurement's role in Engineering Change Orders (ECOs) from initiation through to conclusion.

• Assess supply impact of proposed changes (cost, lead time, existing stock, supplier requalification).

• Coordinate with suppliers to implement approved changes and update sourcing records accordingly.

Supplier Qualification and Compliance

• Manage the supplier qualification process, including First Article Inspection (FAI), material certification review, quality questionnaires, and desktop or on-site audits.

• Ensure all sourced components and their suppliers meet FDA 21 CFR Part 820, ISO 13485:2016, and Allied Medical's internal quality system requirements.

• Coordinate with Quality Assurance to add qualified suppliers to the Approved Supplier List (ASL) and maintain supplier files per QMS procedures.

• Ensure supplier change notification agreements are in place and manage any supplier-initiated changes (material, process, location) through Allied Medical's change control process.

Supplier Performance Management

• Track and report supplier performance metrics, including on-time delivery, reject rate (PPM), NCR/CAPA activity, and responsiveness.

• Conduct periodic supplier business reviews and drive corrective actions when performance falls below expectations.

• Maintain the Sourcing Project Tracker and related procurement tools to provide visibility into sourcing project status across all active parts.

ERP and Systems Ownership

• Maintain accurate purchasing, item master, and supplier data within the ERP system.

• Generate and manage purchase orders, tracking through to receipt.

• Use ERP reporting to identify sourcing risks, cost trends, and supply exceptions.

Cost and Supply Continuity

• Support cost reduction initiatives through strategic sourcing and supplier negotiation.

• Identify and mitigate single-source or supply-risk components.

• Support sourcing timelines for new product introduction (NPI) programs and product line transfers.

• Coordinate with Planning and Production on demand forecasts, safety stock levels, and order release schedules for outsourced components.

Team Support

• Provide guidance and support to Buyers, sharing sourcing best practices where applicable.

Qualifications

Essential

• Extensive experience sourcing components within the medical device industry, or another highly regulated manufacturing environment.

• Proven experience working cross-functionally with Engineering and Quality teams to confirm technical requirements and drawings.

• Experience managing Engineering Change Orders (ECOs) through to conclusion.

• Demonstrated experience sourcing manufactured components (injection molding, CNC machining, sheet metal fabrication, or similar).

• Working knowledge of supplier qualification processes, including FAI, PPAP, material certifications, and supplier auditing.

• Working knowledge of medical device regulatory and quality requirements as they relate to supplier and component control (e.g., ISO 13485, FDA QSR/QMSR).

• Experience working with ERP systems in a procurement or purchasing capacity.

• Strong negotiation skills with a track record of managing supplier cost, lead time, and performance outcomes.

• Strong attention to detail, with strong analytical and organizational skills.

• Effective written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to work cross-functionally across Engineering, Quality, Operations, and Finance.

• Proficiency in Microsoft Excel.

Desirable

• Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain Management, Business, Engineering, or a related field — or equivalent practical experience.

• Previous experience managing or mentoring Buyers or junior procurement staff.

• Relevant professional certification (e.g., CIPS, APICS/CPIM, CPSM, Six Sigma Green Belt).

• Experience sourcing internationally, particularly from Asia (China, India) or Latin America (Mexico, Costa Rica).

• Familiarity with customs, import/export compliance, and Incoterms for international procurement.

• Experience supporting sourcing for new product introduction (NPI) programs.

• Experience with supplier development — building capability at smaller or emerging vendors to meet quality and capacity requirements.

Key Competencies

• Analytical Thinking — Ability to evaluate total cost of ownership, not just unit price, and make data-driven sourcing decisions.

• Attention to Detail — Meticulous in reviewing engineering drawings, supplier documentation, and contractual terms.

• Relationship Building — Able to develop productive, long-term relationships with suppliers while holding them accountable to commitments.

• Sense of Urgency — Comfortable managing multiple sourcing projects in parallel with competing deadlines in a fast-paced manufacturing environment.

• Integrity — Upholds ethical sourcing practices and maintains transparency in all supplier interactions and negotiations.

Working Conditions

• Primarily on-site at Allied Medical's Earth City, MO facility.

• Regular interaction with the production floor, warehouse, and engineering lab.

• Occasional domestic and international travel (estimated 10–20%) for supplier visits, audits, and trade shows.

• Standard office environment with regular use of computer, phone, and ERP systems.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to sit for extended periods; occasional standing and walking on the production floor.

• Ability to lift up to 25 lbs occasionally (e.g., sample parts, shipping boxes).

• Vision and hearing adequate for reviewing technical documentation and conducting phone/video calls with suppliers.

Compensation and Benefits

Allied Medical offers a competitive compensation package commensurate with experience, including base salary, benefits (medical, dental, vision, 401k), paid time off, and opportunities for professional development. Salary range: [to be determined based on market data and internal equity].

Equal Employment Opportunity

Allied Medical LLC is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law.