<p>The Strategic Sourcing and Procurement Assistant Manager is responsible for leading negotiations, managing MRO procurement, overseeing inventory strategies, and developing strong vendor relationships to ensure cost-effective, secure, and reliable supply. This role drives sourcing strategies that reduce total delivered cost, mitigate supply chain risks, and support business growth through collaboration with operations, engineering, and executive leadership. </p><p><br></p><p>Key Responsibilities include: </p><p><br></p><p>Strategic Sourcing and Procurement</p><ul><li>Identify, develop, and implement sourcing strategies to reduce Total Delivered Cost (TDC), mitigate market headwinds, and improve security of supply.</li><li>Create and implement best-in-class procurement vision, strategy, policies, processes, and procedures to enhance overall business performance.</li><li>Ensure purchasing strategies and processes deliver optimized costs while meeting operational requirements and business objectives.</li></ul><p>Negotiations and Vendor Management</p><ul><li>Lead contract negotiations with suppliers to achieve favorable pricing, terms, and service levels. Establish, develop, and manage strategic supplier relationships to drive long-term value, innovation, and performance improvement.</li><li>Set up and onboard new vendors in alignment with sourcing strategies, compliance requirements, and operational needs. MRO and Inventory Management Assist in overseeing MRO sourcing and inventory strategies to ensure uninterrupted operations while minimizing carrying costs and excess inventory.</li><li>Collaborate with operations and supply chain teams to align inventory levels with production, maintenance, and business demands. Identify opportunities for standardization, consolidation, and process improvement within MRO procurement.</li></ul><p>Cross-Functional Collaboration</p><ul><li>Maintain close working relationships with supply chain leaders, operations leadership, and engineering teams to support strategic growth objectives. Identify and implement cost-savings, productivity, and efficiency initiatives that improve gross margin performance.</li><li>Act as a strategic business partner, balancing cost, quality, risk, and service considerations.</li><li>Communicate critical supply chain developments, risks, and opportunities to Executive Management.</li><li>Provide data-driven insights and reporting on cost savings, supplier performance, and sourcing initiatives.</li></ul><p>Qualifications</p><ul><li>Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain Management, Business, Engineering, or a related field (Master’s degree or detail-oriented certifications preferred).</li><li>Proven experience in strategic sourcing, procurement, negotiations, and vendor management.</li><li>Strong knowledge of MRO procurement and inventory management best practices.</li><li>Demonstrated ability to lead cross-functional initiatives and influence at all organizational levels. Excellent analytical, communication, and negotiation skills.</li></ul><p><br></p><p>This role will offer a salary between 80K-90K with medical, dental, vision, paid time off. This role is located in Kankakee, IL and is an on-site role. </p><p><br></p><p>Our specialized recruiting professionals apply their expertise and utilize our proprietary AI software to find you great job and candidate matches faster.</p>