Sourcing Specialist

Sourcing & Procurement Specialist

Our Client | Earth City, MO | Onsite

About Our Client

Our client is an FDA-registered manufacturer of medical gas delivery devices and related components serving hospitals and healthcare facilities worldwide. Located in Earth City, Missouri, the company operates under a quality management system aligned with FDA and ISO standards, including 21 CFR Part 820 (QMSR) and ISO 13485:2016. They are a growing organization focused on quality, innovation, and operational excellence in a fast-paced manufacturing environment.

Position Summary

Our client is seeking an experienced Sourcing & Procurement Specialist to lead the end-to-end sourcing lifecycle for critical medical device components. This role is responsible for identifying, qualifying, and managing suppliers of injection-molded, CNC-machined, electromechanical, and other manufactured components used in FDA-regulated products.

The ideal candidate will have a strong background in supplier sourcing, procurement, supplier qualification, engineering change management, and supplier performance improvement within a regulated manufacturing environment. This position works closely with Engineering, Quality, Planning, Production, and Operations teams to ensure sourced components meet quality, cost, and delivery objectives.

What You'll Do

Strategic Sourcing & Supplier Development

• Lead sourcing activities for mechanical, electrical, and manufactured components.
• Identify, evaluate, and qualify new domestic and international suppliers.
• Conduct supplier market research and benchmarking.
• Negotiate pricing, lead times, payment terms, and supply agreements.
• Develop sourcing strategies that balance quality, cost, and supply continuity.
• Monitor supply market trends, material costs, and sourcing risks.

RFQ & Supplier Selection Management

• Create and manage Requests for Quotation (RFQs) utilizing technical drawings, specifications, forecasts, and quality requirements.
• Analyze supplier proposals and total cost of ownership, including tooling, lead times, MOQs, and commercial terms.
• Present sourcing recommendations and supplier comparisons to leadership teams.
• Maintain sourcing records and supplier selection documentation.

Engineering & Quality Partnership

• Collaborate with Engineering and Quality teams to confirm component specifications and technical requirements.
• Review engineering drawings, tolerances, and manufacturing requirements.
• Serve as the procurement liaison for supplier technical inquiries.
• Support Design for Manufacturability (DFM) initiatives and supplier-driven process improvements.
• Assist with outsourcing initiatives and technical transfer of components to external suppliers.

Engineering Change Order (ECO) Management

• Lead procurement activities related to Engineering Change Orders (ECOs).
• Evaluate sourcing impacts including cost, lead time, inventory exposure, and supplier qualifications.
• Coordinate implementation of approved changes with suppliers and internal stakeholders.
• Ensure procurement records and sourcing documentation remain current.

Supplier Quality & Compliance

• Manage supplier qualification activities including:
  • First Article Inspections (FAI)
  • Supplier audits
  • Material certification reviews
  • Quality questionnaires
  • Approved Supplier List (ASL) qualification
• Ensure supplier compliance with FDA QMSR/21 CFR Part 820, ISO 13485, and internal quality requirements.
• Partner with Quality Assurance to maintain supplier files and documentation.
• Support supplier change control and notification processes.

Supplier Performance Management

• Track supplier performance metrics, including:
  • On-time delivery
  • PPM/reject rates
  • NCR/CAPA activity
  • Responsiveness
• Conduct supplier performance reviews and corrective action follow-up.
• Drive supplier improvement initiatives and risk mitigation plans.
• Maintain sourcing project trackers and procurement reporting tools.

ERP & Procurement Operations

• Maintain accurate supplier, purchasing, and item master data within the ERP system.
• Generate and manage purchase orders through receipt and reconciliation.
• Utilize ERP reporting to identify cost trends, sourcing opportunities, and supply risks.
• Support inventory planning and procurement forecasting activities.

Cost Reduction & Supply Continuity

• Lead supplier negotiations and strategic sourcing initiatives to reduce total cost.
• Identify and mitigate sole-source supplier risks.
• Support New Product Introduction (NPI) initiatives and product transfers.
• Collaborate with Planning and Production teams on inventory levels and supply requirements.

Qualifications

Required Qualifications

• Significant experience sourcing manufactured components within the medical device industry or another highly regulated manufacturing environment.
• Proven experience working with Engineering and Quality teams on technical sourcing initiatives.
• Experience managing Engineering Change Orders (ECOs).
• Hands-on sourcing experience with injection molding, CNC machining, sheet metal fabrication, electromechanical assemblies, or similar manufactured components.
• Strong understanding of supplier qualification processes, including FAI, PPAP, supplier audits, and material certifications.
• Working knowledge of FDA-regulated manufacturing and quality requirements.
• Experience utilizing ERP systems in procurement and purchasing environments.
• Strong supplier negotiation and relationship management skills.
• Advanced analytical, problem-solving, and organizational abilities.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Excel.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.

Preferred Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain Management, Business, Engineering, or a related field.
• Professional certifications such as CPSM, CPIM, CIPS, or Six Sigma.
• Experience mentoring buyers or junior procurement personnel.
• International sourcing experience, particularly in Asia or Latin America.
• Knowledge of customs regulations, import/export compliance, and Incoterms.
• Experience supporting New Product Introduction (NPI) programs.
• Supplier development experience with emerging or growth-stage manufacturing partners.

Key Competencies

• Strategic Sourcing
• Supplier Relationship Management
• Negotiation & Cost Analysis
• Engineering Collaboration
• Quality & Regulatory Compliance
• Risk Management
• Analytical Decision Making
• Attention to Detail
• Cross-Functional Communication
• Project Management
• Continuous Improvement

Work Environment

• Primarily onsite in Earth City, Missouri.
• Frequent interaction with manufacturing operations, engineering laboratories, and warehouse environments.
• Occasional domestic and international travel (approximately 10-20%) for supplier audits, supplier visits, and industry events.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to sit, stand, and walk throughout the workday.
• Ability to occasionally lift up to 25 pounds.
• Ability to review technical documentation and communicate effectively in person, remotely, and by phone.

Medical, dental, and vision insurance are available to qualified candidates who meet eligibility requirements.