Strategic Sourcing Specialist – International Sourcing (Asia Focus)

Confidential Opportunity | Strategic Sourcing & Procurement 

A global manufacturer serving the retail and distribution market is hiring a Strategic Sourcing Specialist to lead international sourcing with a primary focus on Asia. This is a high-impact role supporting a multi-site organization with a growing, tech-enabled product and service portfolio. You will develop category strategy, build and optimize a high-performing supplier base, and drive measurable cost and risk improvements.

What you will do:

• Develop and execute category strategies based on total cost, supplier capability, and manufacturing realities

• Lead supplier identification, qualification, and development with an emphasis on Asia-based sources and localization opportunities

• Perform detailed analysis of:

  • commodities and market conditions (including inflation, ocean/air freight, and supply constraints)

  • supplier manufacturing capabilities and process expertise

  • cost drivers tied to manufacturing processes and design requirements

  • historical business trends (demand, pricing, commodity movements, product changes)

• Negotiate pricing, logistics, and commercial terms with international suppliers

• Draft, review, and manage contracts for accuracy, pricing, and acceptable terms

• Segment suppliers and regularly update sourcing plans by supplier status (strategic, growth, challenger, phase-out, immediate action)

• Partner with R&D and plant teams as the direct interface between suppliers and internal stakeholders

• Identify and mitigate supply chain risks (quality, capacity, lead time, geopolitical/shipping exposure, compliance, etc.)

• Support annual material/tooling budget forecasting and reporting

• Drive supplier-based cost reduction initiatives with documented savings

What they are looking for:

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering (or equivalent technical discipline)

• Strong analytical mindset and ability to translate data into sourcing actions

• Advanced Excel skills (you are the person people bring the messy spreadsheet to)

• ERP experience required; SAP preferred

• Working knowledge of procurement math (weighted averages, ratios, proportions, percent impacts)

• Strong negotiation skills, contract comfort, and supplier relationship management capability

• Ability to travel internationally and domestically as required

Why this role:

• Strategic ownership of a major international sourcing lane

• High exposure to cross-functional leaders across manufacturing, engineering, and product teams

• Opportunity to build a stronger, more localized, lower-risk supply base while driving cost reduction

About the Company:
You will be joining a scaled, global manufacturer and solutions provider serving the retail and distribution ecosystem. The business operates across multiple facilities internationally and combines high-volume manufacturing with a growing portfolio of engineered products, services, and technology-enabled solutions. The culture is hands-on and performance-driven, with real investment in process improvement, supply base development, and modernizing how products and services are delivered. If you like roles where your work shows up in the real world (fast), and you want to help build a smarter, more resilient supply chain in a company that is evolving, this is a place where you can make a visible impact.