Strategic Sourcing Lead at VE Solutions – Maple Heights, Ohio

The Strategic Sourcing Specialist is responsible for developing and executing sourcing strategies that optimize cost, quality, service, and supply continuity. This role works cross-functionally with purchasing, engineering, operations, finance, and suppliers to identify opportunities, negotiate agreements, and build long-term supplier relationships that support business objectives.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead cross-functional groups to develop and implement strategic sourcing strategies for assigned categories of spend.
• Identify, evaluate, and onboard suppliers through competitive sourcing processes (RFQ, RFP, RFI).
• Lead new supplier negotiations including pricing, terms, service levels, and contractual agreements.
• Analyze spend data and market trends to identify cost savings and value-creation opportunities.
• Work with the purchasing team to understand supplier performance through scorecards, reviews, and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Partner with internal stakeholders (purchasing, operations, engineering, finance, quality, etc.) to understand requirements and align sourcing strategies.
• Mitigate supply chain risk by developing alternate sources and contingency plans.
• Drive cost reduction initiatives such as supplier consolidation, should-cost analysis, and value engineering.
• Ensure sourcing activities comply with company policies and regulatory requirements.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain Management, Business, Engineering, or a related field.
• 3–7+ years of experience in strategic sourcing, procurement, or supply chain management.
• Strong negotiation and supplier relationship management skills.
• Experience with sourcing tools and ERP systems (SAP, Oracle, NetSuite, etc.).
• Advanced analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Excellent communication and cross-functional collaboration abilities.
• Willing and able to perform supplier visits both domestic and international.
• Experience managing large spend categories or global suppliers.
• Knowledge of cost modeling and total cost of ownership (TCO) analysis.

Key Competencies

• Strategic thinking
• Negotiation and influence
• Data analysis and financial acumen
• Supplier relationship management
• Project management
• Risk management

Typical Performance Metrics

• Cost savings and cost avoidance
• Contract compliance
• Supply continuity and risk reduction
• Cycle time for sourcing events