Strategic Sourcing Specialist
Mississauga, ON
Industrial Manufacturing
$80,000 – $100,000 base salary, plus bonus, comprehensive benefits, and a collaborative team culture
Our client, a well-established manufacturer serving industrial and commercial markets, is seeking a Strategic Sourcing Specialist to join its growing supply chain team. This newly created position reflects the organization's continued investment in procurement excellence, supplier performance, and operational efficiency. The successful candidate will develop and execute sourcing strategies that optimize costs, improve supplier performance, mitigate supply chain risk, and support overall business objectives. Working closely with operations, engineering, finance, and quality teams, this individual will play a key role in strengthening supplier partnerships and driving continuous improvement across the procurement function.
The Role
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Develop and implement strategic sourcing and category management strategies that support cost, quality, delivery, service, and innovation objectives.
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Lead competitive sourcing activities, including supplier identification, RFQs, RFPs, bid evaluations, supplier selection, and contract negotiations.
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Identify and deliver measurable cost savings, cost avoidance initiatives, and total cost of ownership improvements.
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Build, maintain, and evaluate supplier relationships through performance reviews, scorecards, and ongoing supplier development initiatives.
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Collaborate with engineering, operations, quality, finance, and production teams to align sourcing strategies with organizational goals.
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Conduct market research and spend analysis to identify sourcing opportunities, emerging trends, supply risks, and capacity constraints.
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Negotiate pricing, contracts, service agreements, payment terms, and commercial arrangements with suppliers.
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Support working capital optimization initiatives through inventory management programs, supplier-managed inventory solutions, and strategic purchasing practices.
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Develop and implement supplier risk mitigation strategies, including dual sourcing, supplier diversification, and continuity planning.
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Support sustainability, supplier diversity, and responsible sourcing initiatives where appropriate.
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Drive continuous improvement within procurement processes, systems, reporting, and supplier performance management practices.
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Participate in new product introductions, capital equipment projects, and cross-functional business initiatives requiring supplier involvement.
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Monitor supplier performance metrics and recommend corrective actions when required.
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Prepare sourcing recommendations, cost analyses, and business cases for management review.
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Support special projects and other supply chain initiatives as required.
The Ideal Candidate
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Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain Management, Business, Engineering, Operations, or a related field.
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5+ years of experience in strategic sourcing, procurement, purchasing, or supply chain management within a manufacturing environment.
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Demonstrated success managing supplier relationships and sourcing initiatives across direct materials, indirect procurement, capital equipment, or technical categories.
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Strong negotiation, contract management, and vendor performance management skills.
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Ability to interpret engineering drawings, technical specifications, and manufacturing requirements.
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Solid understanding of manufacturing processes and supply chain best practices.
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Experience using ERP/MRP systems and procurement tools to support sourcing and planning activities.
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Strong analytical skills, including spend analysis, cost modelling, total cost of ownership evaluations, and data-driven decision making.
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Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills with the ability to build credibility across multiple functions.
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Strong organizational, project management, and problem-solving capabilities.
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Ability to manage multiple priorities and deliver results in a fast-paced environment.
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Advanced proficiency with Microsoft Office, particularly Excel.
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Experience with Lean Manufacturing, Continuous Improvement, or operational excellence initiatives is considered an asset.
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Professional designations such as SCMP, CPSM, CSCP, or equivalent are considered assets.
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Experience supporting global suppliers and international sourcing initiatives is an asset.
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Willingness to travel occasionally to support supplier meetings, audits, and sourcing initiatives.
JobID#16817449
