Sourcing Specialist

Sourcing Specialist

The Sourcing Specialist supports major capital expenditure (CAPEX) projects by developing sourcing strategies, managing supplier relationships, and leading end-to-end procurement activities for manufacturing and facility investments. This role focuses on RFQ and RFP management, cost optimization, and cross-functional collaboration to ensure sourcing decisions align with project, engineering, and operational requirements across global operations.

Responsibilities

• Manage sourcing and procurement activities for CAPEX projects and related initiatives across global operations.
• Lead RFQ (Request for Quotation) and RFP (Request for Proposal) processes with suppliers and contractors, from requirements definition through award.
• Analyze supplier proposals, pricing structures, and total project costs to support data-driven decision-making.
• Support contract negotiations and commercial discussions to secure favorable terms and mitigate risk.
• Collaborate closely with engineering, operations, finance, and project stakeholders to align sourcing decisions with technical and business requirements.
• Track project milestones, supplier deliverables, and procurement timelines to ensure on-time execution.
• Assist with supplier selection, bid evaluations, and internal approval processes.
• Develop and maintain strong, long-term relationships with key suppliers and contractors.
• Identify opportunities for cost savings, value creation, and process improvements within the sourcing and procurement function.
• Utilize ERP and related systems to manage purchasing activities, data accuracy, and reporting.
• Communicate regularly with vendors to clarify requirements, timelines, and commercial expectations.
• Contribute to the development of sourcing strategies, category management practices, and procurement best practices as part of a growing team.

Essential Skills

• Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain, Business, Engineering, Procurement, or a related field (engineering degree strongly preferred).
• 13 years of experience in procurement, sourcing, supply chain, purchasing, or indirect procurement.
• Experience managing RFQs, vendor communications, or sourcing projects.
• Strong negotiation skills with the ability to support commercial discussions and contract-related activities.
• Strong analytical skills, including the ability to evaluate supplier proposals, pricing, and total project costs.
• Experience working within an ERP system to support procurement and sourcing activities.
• Ability to manage multiple projects, priorities, and stakeholders simultaneously in a fast-paced environment.
• Self-starter mindset with the ability to quickly learn, work independently, and take ownership of tasks.
• Strategic sourcing experience and an understanding of structured sourcing processes.
• Solid communication and collaboration skills to work effectively with cross-functional teams.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• 35 years of procurement, purchasing, or indirect procurement experience is advantageous for more complex sourcing activities.
• Experience supporting CAPEX, capital equipment, facilities, construction, engineering, manufacturing, or large-scale project sourcing.
• Exposure to manufacturing, industrial, chemical, engineering, or operational environments.
• Experience managing RFQs, supplier evaluations, negotiations, and total cost analysis for projects.
• Understanding of cost drivers, pricing structures, and basic total cost of ownership (TCO) concepts.
• Familiarity with ERP, S&OP, procurement, sourcing, or payment systems beyond basic user experience.
• Additional language capability, such as Spanish, is a plus for working with global suppliers and stakeholders.
• Interest in developing expertise in sourcing strategy, category management, and procurement best practices.
• Motivation to grow within procurement and expand project sourcing experience as part of a newly developing team with strong long-term career potential.

Work Environment

The role operates in a hybrid work environment, allowing you to select two days per week to work from home while spending the remaining days on-site. Typical hours are approximately 7:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., with occasional early evening meetings (for example, around 6:00 p.m. or 8:00 p.m.) to support collaboration across global operations. You will work closely with cross-functional teams in a professional office and manufacturing-related setting, using ERP and other procurement systems to manage sourcing activities. The organization invests heavily in employee development, offering formal training in sourcing strategy, category management, and procurement best practices, and provides a collaborative, growth-oriented culture where a new procurement team is being built from the ground up.

Job Type & Location

This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Saint Paul, MN.

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $45.67 - $51.44/hr.

Individual compensation offered for this position within this range will depend on many factors, including qualifications, skills, relevant experience, job knowledge, geographic location, internal equity, and other pertinent job-related factors.

Eligibility requirements apply to some benefits and may depend on your job classification and length of employment. Benefits are subject to change and may be subject to specific elections, plan, or program terms. If eligible, the benefits available for this temporary role may include the following: Medical, dental & vision Critical Illness, Accident, and Hospital 401(k) Retirement Plan Pre-tax and Roth post-tax contributions available Life Insurance (Voluntary Life & AD&D for the employee and dependents) Short and long-term disability Health Spending Account (HSA) Transportation benefits Employee Assistance Program Time Off/Leave (PTO, Vacation or Sick Leave)

Workplace Type

This is a hybrid position in Saint Paul, MN.

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on Oct 9, 2026.