Strategic Sourcing Specialist

Job Purpose

The Sourcing Specialist is responsible for supporting all AEC commodity sourcing activities. The support will include supplier analysis, cultivating strategic supplier relationships, global sourcing of direct materials along with contract negotiation driving cost savings, overall customer/supplier satisfaction, and contribute to successful project execution while meeting individual/ organizational goals.

Job Responsibilities

In performing their respective tasks and duties, all employees are expected to adhere to Albany’s current values: Albany Wins Together, Count on Each Other, Own Your Actions, Care About Each Other, and Share Your Enthusiasm. Safety must always come first; we never compromise on safety for the sake of achieving another objective. Employees are also responsible for the health and safety of themselves and each other. 

• Development of strategic sourcing strategies as it relates to specific supplier commodities.
• Manage sourcing activities from RFQ through project execution.
• Negotiate Supply Agreements/Contracts: Lead complex negotiations for supply agreements and contracts, ensuring favorable terms that align with organizational objectives.
• Develop Strategic Sourcing Initiatives: Formulate and implement advanced sourcing strategies with in various commodities to optimize cost efficiency and supply reliability.
• Oversee Price and Cost Analysis: Direct comprehensive price and cost analysis for commercial and government contracts, ensuring compliance and competitiveness while balancing best value.
• Negotiate Long term contract pricing and terms and conditions.
• Identify new sources of supply and/or opportunities that meet the performance and delivery standards
• Address Complex Challenges: Utilize extensive experience to solve intricate problems, successfully negotiating the best prices and terms in critical situations
• Develop, manage, and implement performance measures and audit processes for new and current suppliers. Conduct Quarterly Business Reviews with strategic suppliers and actively participate in quality audits at these strategic suppliers.
• Manage Supplier Performance and Relationships: Establish and nurture strategic supplier relationships, focusing on performance management to ensure alignment with organizational goals.
• Monitor Technological Advancements: Track and assess the development of new technologies relevant to procurement, ensuring the organization remains competitive and innovative.
• Communicate Effectively Across Levels: Utilize exceptional verbal and written communication skills to ensure timely and effective interaction with AEC and supplier personnel at all levels.
• Champion Continuous Improvement: Drive continuous improvement initiatives aimed at reducing costs and enhancing supply chain efficiencies across operations.
• Report Savings Achievements: Provide detailed reports on savings achievements through monthly statistics and quarterly summaries, communicating successes to stakeholders
• Bridge R+T with the PDC for supply chain activities to ensure smooth transitions between the two. (MRL/TRL)
• Nothing in this document restricts management's right to assign or reassign duties and responsibilities to this job at any time.

Supervisory responsibility: No

Qualifications/Characteristics

• Educational Qualifications: Minimum of a Bachelor’s degree in Science or Arts; MBA is preferred.
• 5-8 years of increasing responsibility in purchasing, and strategic sourcing
• International experience supplying manufacturing facilities and/or managing suppliers based in Americas, and Europe is preferred.
• Proven ability to drive change and create rapid, measurable improvements in critical measures of Supply Chain Management performance.
• Knowledge of SAP would be a significant competitive advantage to drive process and efficiencies within the procurement processes.
• Very good verbal and written communications skills with people at all levels of the organization and external contacts
• Strong track record of continuously driving operational improvements to support the business strategy.
• Able to manage sourcing activities in a centralized environment with colleagues in multiple locations.
• Strategic thinking, facilitation & influencing skills. Ability to lead, persuade and convince – cross cultural and cross functional
• Must adapt well in a rapidly changing environment
• Extensive Experience: 5-8 years of experience within government contracting purchasing, demonstrating advanced expertise in procurement strategies.
• Complex Proposal Development: Demonstrated track record in developing and executing sophisticated material proposals that align with organizational goals.
• Strategic Relationship Management: Ability to think strategically and cultivate long-term relationships with suppliers, ensuring alignment with business objectives. Urgency with Strategic Intent: Capable of acting with urgency and purpose while maintaining a strong focus on long-term strategic goals.
• Risk and Opportunity Management: Proficient in developing and executing risk and opportunity plans to achieve program objectives effectively.
• Collaborative Work with Cross-Functional Teams: Collaborate closely with Engineering, Quality, and Operations to establish release strategies based on Material Requirements Planning (MRP) and overall platform requirements.
• ERP System Expertise: Extensive transactional experience with SAP ERP Production System, leveraging its capabilities to optimize purchasing processes.
• Financial Management Proficiency: Strong financial management skills, including expertise in Material Estimated at Completion (EAC) and material forecasting.
• Ethical Leadership: Uphold high ethical standards while fostering a culture of interpersonal growth and collaboration within the team.
• Communication and Presentation Skills: Demonstrate exceptional written and verbal communication skills, along with strong presentation abilities to convey complex information effectively.
• Supplier Management Experience: Extensive experience in supplier management, including the development and negotiation of Statements of Work (SOW).
• Knowledge of Acquisition Regulations: Solid understanding of U.S. government acquisition laws and regulations (FAR, DFAR, ITAR, EAR, etc.), ensuring compliance in all purchasing activities.

Working Conditions

Office environment, duties performed indoors, moderate to quiet noise and comfortable temperatures. Not substantially exposed to adverse environmental conditions levels. Ability to work 24/7 schedule and be available as business situations require. Some may be able to do part of their work remotely. Travel may be required

Physical requirements

Occasionally positions self to move an office item >10 lbs.

Frequently move about the production floor and office area to attend meetings or trainings

Must be able to remain in a stationary position up to 75% of the time

Frequently operates a computer, enters data into systems, verifies information, etc…