Southern States, LLC
Sourcing Specialist I
Purchasing - Hampton, GA - Full Time
Job Summary:
The primary functions of a Sourcing Specialist I are Cost Control, new Vendor development, and management of existing critical or high-volume vendors. As the Sourcing Specialist I support all buyers related to critical vendors (i.e., single source) or vendors where annual purchases exceed $500K and relay suggestions to the Sourcing Manager for approval. Works closely with buyers to negotiate cost savings and with the Sourcing Manager to initiate cost reduction ideas by developing alternative vendors, materials, or minor changes to part designs that may reduce cost. Works closely with vendors to improve their quality and on-time performance and maintains a vendor performance scorecard.
Essential Responsibilities:
The primary functions of a Sourcing Specialist I are Cost Control, new Vendor development, and management of existing critical or high-volume vendors. As the Sourcing Specialist I support all buyers related to critical vendors (i.e., single source) or vendors where annual purchases exceed $500K and relay suggestions to the Sourcing Manager for approval. Works closely with buyers to negotiate cost savings and with the Sourcing Manager to initiate cost reduction ideas by developing alternative vendors, materials, or minor changes to part designs that may reduce cost. Works closely with vendors to improve their quality and on-time performance and maintains a vendor performance scorecard.
Essential Responsibilities:
- Vendor management includes fortifying existing relationships, collaboration & innovation, risk assessment, cost reductions, and selection & onboarding of new vendors.
- Cost control includes RFPs as appropriate, and directly participating in negotiations as needed
- Cost control also includes actively engaging with Division management and the Sourcing Manager with cost reduction ideas.
- Assist the Sourcing Manager in developing new buyers and interns, training them in systems and best practices.
- Assist in developing forecasting models to determine future supply needs and skills needed in the department, as well as performance metrics.
- Other duties as assigned.
- This position requires a strategic mindset where anticipation of future needs and preparing for them is required
- Ability to evaluate changes in the supply chain environment and commodities and their impact on SS and initiating steps to minimize the impact on SS is essential to success.
- Develop strong relationships with critical vendors by meeting with them regularly including site visits.
- Strong leadership skills are required
- Teamwork and good relationships both inside and externally with vendors are required
- Assist the Sourcing Manager as needed to keep the department running smoothly.
- A Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university; or a combination of education and experience equivalent to a Bachelor’s degree.
- Experience: 5+ years’ prior buying, purchasing, or related experience.
- Proficiency with Microsoft Word, Excel, Outlook, and Access.
- Ability to read, analyze, and interpret general business documents.
- Ability to write reports, business correspondence, and procedure manuals.
- Proficient with Microsoft Word, Excel, Outlook, and Access.
- Understanding of applicable computer systems and function-specific software such as Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) software.
- Excellent customer service skills.
- Excellent oral and written communication skills, including the ability to effectively present information and respond to questions from both internal and external customers.
- Good work record, including attendance.
- Experience in heavy equipment manufacturing.
- Strong background in blueprint reading and interpretation.
- APICS or CPM certification
- Experience with Microsoft Business Central
