Senior Supply Chain Specialist

Senior Supply Chain SpecialistSummary: The Senior Supply Chain Specialist is a strategic supply chain leader responsible for end-to-end ownership of assigned commodities, driving measurable financial and operational value across cost, inventory, supplier performance, and service. This role leads commodity strategy, supplier partnerships, and cross-functional decision-making to optimize total cost, ensure supply continuity, and enhance the company's competitive advantage. $92,300 - $123,100 annually, DOE.Purpose: Own end-to-end performance and strategy of assigned commodities by leading sourcing, inventory, supplier, and market-driven decisions to deliver measurable value across cost leadership, inventory optimization, supplier performance, and service excellence. This role is accountable from source ? pay ? performance outcomes, with full ownership of commodity performance and strategic direction.Essential Duties and Responsibilities include the following. Other duties may be assigned.Commodity OwnershipOwns all SKUs, suppliers, spend, and performance outcomes within assigned commoditiesDefines and executes commodity strategies aligned with company objectivesLeads decisions related to product mix, supplier strategy, and supply continuityActs as the single point of accountability for commodity performancePerformance Expectations:Demonstrates enterprise-level ownership of resultsDrives long-term value creation across cost, service, and supply continuityInfluences decisions beyond functional boundariesStrategic Sourcing & Cost ManagementDevelops and executes comprehensive sourcing strategiesLeads complex supplier negotiations (pricing, terms, freight, rebates)Drives cost reduction, value engineering, and total cost optimizationApplies deep understanding of supplier cost drivers and market dynamicsPerformance Expectations:Delivers cost performance exceeding BLS/PPI benchmarksLeads advanced sourcing and value creation initiativesEstablishes long-term cost leadership strategiesInventory & Supply Chain ManagementOwns inventory performance and working capital outcomesDefines stocking strategies aligned with demand and financial objectivesEnsures supply continuity through risk mitigation and planningPartners with planning functions while retaining outcome accountabilityPerformance Expectations:Optimizes inventory turns and working capitalBalances cost, service, and risk at a strategic levelDrives measurable improvements in inventory performanceSupplier Performance ManagementLeads supplier performance management strategy and reviewsEstablishes and manages supplier KPIs (OTIF, lead time, quality)Builds and maintains strategic supplier partnershipsPositions the company as a preferred customerPerformance Expectations:Drives continuous improvement in supplier performanceBuilds long-term, value-based supplier relationshipsEnsures high performance across service, quality, and deliveryMarket & Economic IntelligenceMaintains expert-level understanding of commodity markets and supply/demand dynamicsApplies BLS/PPI insights and cost drivers to strategic decisionsMonitors and anticipates market trends, risks, and opportunitiesPerformance Expectations:Translates market intelligence into actionable strategiesPositions the company ahead of market trendsProactively mitigates risks and capitalizes on opportunitiesCross-Functional LeadershipPartners with Sales, Operations, Finance, and Data teams to align strategiesInfluences pricing, product mix, and customer value decisionsLeads supply-side input into Sales, Inventory, and Operations Planning (SIOP)Performance Expectations:Drives enterprise-level alignment and decision-makingInfluences outcomes across the organizationAligns supply chain strategy with overall business objectivesContinuous Improvement / Force MultiplierLeads high-impact value creation initiatives across cost, service, and efficiencyDrives adoption of best practices, tools, and supply chain processesMentors and develops Buyer I and Buyer II team membersPerformance Expectations:Acts as a force multiplier across the organizationDrives transformation toward a proactive and strategic supply chainElevates team capability and overall performanceKey Performance Focus AreasPerformance in this role is measured through contribution to the following areas:Cost management and purchasing decisions aligned with company objectivesInventory performance including availability, inventory turns, and reduction of excessSupplier performance including delivery, responsiveness, and issue resolutionService and product availability to support branch and customer needsData and system integrity, including accuracy of item and planning dataProcess execution with consistency, discipline, and adherence to standardsWhat Success Looks LikeSignificant, measurable financial impact (cost, working capital)Consistent delivery of KPI targetsStrategic influence across the organizationElevated performance of team and suppliersRecognized leader and change agentQualifications: To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.Education and/or Experience:Bachelor's required (Business, Supply Chain, Finance or related field). Demonstrated success in strategic sourcing, supplier negotiations, and value creation. Minimum of 7-10+ years of experience in supply chain, sourcing, or category management or equivalent combination of education and experience. Strong leadership, analytical and decision-making capabilities.Experience using an automated purchasing, ERP or inventory management systems to effectively collaborate with senior leadership, vendors, and cross-functional teamsStrong communication, negotiation, and influencing skills with the ability to effectively collaborate with senior leadership, vendors, and cross-functional teamsDemonstrated ability to lead strategic sourcing initiatives, supplier negotiations, and value creation effortsAdvanced analytical skills with the ability to interpret complex data, market trends, and financial impacts to drive decision-makingAdvanced computer skills, including Microsoft Office with strong proficiency in Excel (e.g., pivot tables, data modeling, analysis)Strong understanding of Material Requirements Planning (MRP) and inventory planning concepts, including their impact on service levels and working capitalProven ability to prioritize and manage multiple strategic initiatives in a fast-paced environmentStrong problem-solving and decision-making skills with the ability to anticipate risks and develop proactive solutionsDemonstrated ability to influence cross-functional decisions and align stakeholders to achieve business objectivesAbility to balance cost, service, and working capital considerations to optimize overall performanceDemonstrated leadership capability, including mentoring, coaching, and developing team membersAbility to work effectively in a fast-paced, results-oriented environmentAbility to pass background check and drug screenLanguage Skills: Ability to read, analyze, and interpret general business periodicals, professional journals, technical procedures, or governmental regulations. Ability to write reports and business correspondence. Ability to effectively present information and respond to questions from groups of managers, clients, customers, and vendors.Mathematical Skills: Ability to apply concepts such as fractions, percentages, ratios, and proportions to practical situations.Reasoning Ability: Ability to define problems, collect data, establish facts, and draw valid conclusions. Ability to interpret an extensive variety of technical instructions in mathematical or diagram form and deal with several abstract and concrete variables. Ability to interpret a variety of instructions furnished in written, oral or schedule form.Computer Skills: Excellent computer skills including Microsoft Office and business operating software purchasing systems.Attendance Demands: The attendance demands described here are representative