SPECIALIST SOURCING

Summary:

The Sourcing Specialist is a key member of the Sourcing team, responsible for driving cost-effective sourcing strategies and supporting the organization’s supply chain objectives. This role works closely with Sourcing Category Managers, suppliers, and cross-functional departments to ensure accurate pricing for packaging and chemicals within SAP/ERP systems, while maintaining up-to-date supplier and material data.

Key responsibilities include coordinating with suppliers and internal teams to execute timely pricing changes, maintain ongoing price files for new items, and research/resolve pricing-related invoice discrepancies. The Specialist will also evaluate suppliers based on quality, price, and service, while preparing and maintaining reports and presentations to support decision-making across Sourcing and related functions.

Success in this position requires balancing competing priorities, strong communication skills, and close attention to detail. A working technical knowledge of the goods and services being purchased is critical, as is the ability to analyze spend records, monitor inventory levels, and stay informed about market and material changes. The role frequently collaborates with Sales, Marketing, Project Management, Packaging Development, R&D, Cost Accounting, and Plant Operations.

This position not only contributes to effective sourcing and supplier management but also provides a strong foundation for progressive opportunities within the Sourcing Department.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• Assist in identifying, qualifying, and managing suppliers to ensure quality, cost, and delivery objectives are met.
• Analyze supplier pricing, purchase price variances, and market trends to support cost savings opportunities.
• Support new product development by sourcing materials/components, obtaining supplier quotes, and contributing to cost analysis for project decisions.
• Assist in supplier negotiations, including contracts, pricing, and terms, to help secure competitive advantage and supply reliability.
• Conduct spend analysis, supplier performance reviews, and risk assessments to support sourcing strategy.
• Assist in the preparation of the annual procurement budget and help establish raw material and supplier cost standards.
• Update and maintain accurate supplier and material data within the ERP system.
• Ensure relevant documents (including compliance, certifications, and contracts) are shared internally and externally with suppliers, keeping all records up to date.
• Assist in resolving invoice discrepancies by coordinating with suppliers and internal departments.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams (Sales, Marketing, Project Management, Operations, Cost Accounting, and Customer Service) to provide sourcing insights and support business initiatives.
• Perform ad hoc analysis and report on supplier performance, cost trends, and sourcing opportunities as requested.
• Ownership and continuous improvement of the material pricing process within SAP
• Assist in negotiating favorable procurement contracts with selected vendors and suppliers.
• Keeping abreast of vendor and supplier-related activities in the industry.
• Continuously identify and implement process improvement opportunities across the supply chain to generate value for the organization.
• Other duties as assigned.

Supervisory Responsibilities:

N/A

Education Requirements:

B.S. degree with emphasis in Procurement, Supply Chain, Accounting, Finance, Economics or related.

Experience Requirements:

2 plus years’ experience in Procurement, Supply Chain, Accounting or Financial. SAP experience preferred, relevant experience in manufacturing accounting environment experience a plus.

Competencies:

• Good overall system skills required. Previous SAP experience preferred but not required.
• Excel: Superior excel skills required including working knowledge of pivot tables and advanced formulas for financial analyses. Previous experience with creating and manipulating large amounts of data.
• Proficient with an ERP environment.
• Strong analytical abilities and research skills.
• Must understand cost accounting (product costing)
• Self-starter and team oriented.
• Exceptional communication skills to convey quantitative results at all levels.
• Ability to work independently and adhere to fluctuating deadlines.
• Ability to communicate effectively and work well with various other departments within the company.
• Strong attention to detail and organizational skills with the ability to oversee multiple priorities/projects.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills. Ability to articulate effectively in responding to questions/challenges by other team members.

Certificates, Licenses, Registrations:

N/A

Travel:

Limited

Work Environment:

This job operates in a professional office environment. This role routinely involves standard office equipment such as computers, phones, photocopiers, filing cabinets and fax machines.

Physical Demands:

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to talk or hear. The employee frequently is required to stand; walk; use hands to finger, handle or feel; and reach with hands and arms