Primary Responsibilities

Strategic Sourcing & Supplier Management

• Develop and execute sourcing strategies across assigned product categories to ensure cost competitiveness, supply continuity, and supplier performance.
• Lead negotiations with strategic suppliers to secure favorable pricing, payment terms, rebates, service-level agreements, and volume incentive programs.
• Manage supplier relationships and serve as the primary escalation point for strategic sourcing and supplier-related issues.
• Conduct supplier performance reviews using key metrics including cost, quality, delivery performance, service levels, and responsiveness.
• Identify opportunities for supplier consolidation, strategic partnerships, and long-term value creation.
• Evaluate and onboard new suppliers to support business growth, risk mitigation, and category expansion initiatives.

Category & Cost Management

• Analyze spend data, market trends, and industry conditions to identify cost-reduction and margin improvement opportunities.
• Develop and execute category management plans aligned with organizational objectives.
• Drive sourcing initiatives that improve overall profitability while maintaining product quality and customer service levels.
• Partner with Pricing, Product Management, and Sales leadership to support competitive pricing strategies.
• Continuously evaluate product offerings and sourcing alternatives to enhance the company’s market position.

Contract Negotiation & Administration

• Lead contract negotiations and manage supplier agreements to ensure commercial and operational objectives are met.
• Ensure compliance with contractual obligations and company purchasing policies.
• Maintain accurate contract documentation and monitor contract renewals, rebates, and supplier commitments.
• Collaborate with Legal and Finance teams on contract reviews and supplier risk assessments.

Cross-Functional Leadership

• Partner with Inventory Management to improve forecasting accuracy, inventory availability, and inventory turns.
• Support branch operations and sales teams in resolving sourcing challenges, product availability concerns, and pricing issues.
• Collaborate with Product Specialists and Operations leaders to evaluate new product opportunities and supplier solutions.
• Provide recommendations to senior leadership regarding sourcing strategies, supplier performance, and market conditions.
• Lead strategic sourcing projects and continuous improvement initiatives across the organization.

Supplier Risk & Compliance

• Monitor supply market conditions, geopolitical risks, and supplier performance factors that could impact business operations.
• Develop contingency plans and alternative sourcing strategies for critical products and suppliers.
• Ensure suppliers meet company standards regarding quality, safety, compliance, and ethical business practices.
• Support initiatives related to supplier diversity, sustainability, and risk management where applicable.

Additional Responsibilities

• Assist branch and regional leadership with strategic sourcing, supplier performance, and competitive pricing concerns.
• Participate in supplier visits, industry conferences, trade shows, and business meetings.
• Conduct supplier business reviews and market assessments.
• Develop and deliver sourcing-related training programs for employees and stakeholders.
• Support inventory optimization initiatives and excess inventory reduction programs.
• Implement and enforce company policies and sourcing procedures.
• Perform additional duties as assigned by management.
• Travel as required.

Required Technical Skills

• ERP Systems (AS400 experience preferred)
• Microsoft Office Suite (Excel, PowerPoint, Word, Outlook)
• Spend Analysis and Reporting Tools
• Supplier Relationship Management (SRM) Systems
• Contract Management Platforms
• Standard Office Equipment

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain Management, Business Administration, Operations Management, Finance, or a related field required.
• Professional certifications such as CPSM, CPM, CSCP, or equivalent preferred.
• Minimum 7-10 years of progressive sourcing, procurement, category management, or supply chain experience.
• Minimum 3-5 years of experience leading complex supplier negotiations and strategic sourcing initiatives.
• Experience managing high-spend categories and working with large supplier networks.
• Strong analytical, financial, negotiation, and contract management skills.
• Familiarity with industrial distribution, mining, manufacturing, or related industries preferred.
• Demonstrated ability to influence stakeholders and collaborate effectively with senior leadership teams.

Equal Opportunity Employer, including disability and protected veteran status.  If you are an individual with a disability and require an accommodation to complete the application process, please contact recruiting@sunsrce.com to request reasonable accommodation. Only requests for accommodation in the application process will be returned from this email address.  This employer uses E-Verify. Please click here for additional information. (For Illinois E-Verify information click here, aquí).  Sun-Source | Privacy Policy #ucassc