Sourcing Specialist

Roles and Responsibilities:

Place and follow-up on POs. Manage relationships with suppliers for PO execution. Manage problems and schedule changes. Expedite POs and support chasing shortages on parts, proactively communicating shortages and driving solutions for them. Update ERP. Support special projects with managing POs, process improvement, and supply continuity. Handles communication with colleagues and the business on order status, shortages, and supplier delivery performance.

Required Qualifications:

Bachelor's degree from an accredited university or college (or a high school diploma / GED with equivalent experience in Sourcing).

Desired Characteristics:

SAP experience (purchasing/MM) strongly preferred. Very comfortable communicating cross functionally. Proficient in Excel.

Strong oral and written communication skills. Strong interpersonal and leadership skills. Self starter. Ability to work independently. Strong problem solving skills.

Outside processing experience a plus.

Essential Requirements of the Role:

4+ years experience Sourcing/Procurement

Experience with direct materials in a manufacturing environment, including in expediting and shortage management.

Desirable Attributes:

Proactive Ownership

Anticipates supply risks before they become production issues.

Takes initiative to follow up, escalate, and drive resolution without constant direction.

Detail-Oriented and Organized

Maintains accurate PO, supplier, and ERP data.

Effectively tracks multiple orders, delivery commitments, and action items simultaneously.

Results-Driven Mindset

Focused on maintaining supply continuity and meeting business needs.

Persistent in driving suppliers and internal stakeholders toward solutions and deadlines.

Soft Skills:

Communication

Clearly communicates order status, shortages, and recovery plans.

Tailors messaging effectively for suppliers, leadership, and internal stakeholders.

Problem Solving

Quickly assesses root causes of shortages and delivery issues.

Develops practical solutions to minimize operational impact.

Relationship Building & Collaboration

Builds strong working relationships with suppliers and cross-functional teams.

Creates partnerships that help improve responsiveness, delivery performance, and issue resolution.

Tools or Software:

SAP and Microsoft Office Suite (especially Excel)

Languages:

Spanish Speaking a plus but not required

Expected Role Challenges

Managing Supplier Delays and Material Shortages

Identifying potential shortages before they impact production.

Expediting open POs and driving suppliers to meet commitments.

Developing contingency plans when suppliers miss delivery dates.

Balancing Multiple Priorities in a Fast-Paced Environment

Managing a high volume of purchase orders while supporting special projects.

Responding to schedule changes, urgent requests, and escalation issues.

Maintaining ERP accuracy while handling daily operational demands.

Influencing Cross-Functional Stakeholders Without Direct Authority

Coordinating with suppliers, manufacturing, planning, logistics, engineering, and sourcing teams.

Communicating supply risks and gaining alignment on mitigation plans.

Managing stakeholder expectations when shortages or delays occur.

Working Conditions

Office environment

Notes:

8 hour work day (open on hours but should be during regular business hours)