Strategic Sourcing Manager

Description

At Northern Tool + Equipment we get up every day to serve the tradespeople who keep our country running strong and the weekend warriors who want to work like them. It's our mission to make sure they have the right tools for the job, and an easy, hassle-free experience at our store so they can get in, get out and get on with the job at hand. Your top priority as a Strategic Sourcing Manager is to play a critical role in ensuring a resilient, cost-effective, and high-quality supply base for NTE's manufacturing facility in Faribault, Minnesota. This role goes beyond transactional purchasing-focusing instead on long-term supplier strategy, risk mitigation, and cross-functional collaboration to support both current production and new product development.

You will be responsible for sourcing key components, developing supplier partnerships, negotiating long-term agreements, and ensuring that materials and parts meet engineering specifications and production requirements. This position is central to maintaining uninterrupted operations, improving gross margins, and strengthening the company's competitive advantage.

Your positive, professional, roll-up-your-sleeves-to-help attitude contributes to our winning culture and makes sure we leave a lasting impression.

This role will require 2-3 days/week onsite at our Faribault, MN manufacturing facility.

Key Responsibilities:

Supplier Strategy & Selection

1. Identify, evaluate, and qualify domestic and global suppliers for critical components, including electronics, raw metals, and custom-engineered parts.
2. Develop and maintain a supplier portfolio that supports cost, quality, and capacity objectives.
3. Lead supplier onboarding, audits, and performance evaluations.

Cost Management & Value Optimization

1. Use Total Cost of Ownership (TCO) models, should-cost analysis, and market intelligence to drive cost reductions without compromising quality.
2. Partner with Finance and Operations to support gross margin improvement initiatives.
3. Identify opportunities for cost savings through consolidation, alternative materials, or design changes.

Risk Mitigation & Supply Continuity

1. Monitor geopolitical, logistical, and capacity-related risks across the supply chain.
2. Develop contingency plans and dual-sourcing strategies to prevent production disruptions.
3. Assess sub-tier supplier dependencies and proactively address vulnerabilities.

Cross-Functional Collaboration

1. Work closely with Engineering during New Product Development (NPD) to ensure components are manufacturable, cost-effective, and available in the global marketplace.
2. Collaborate with Quality, Operations, and Planning to align supplier capabilities with production needs.
3. Provide sourcing input during design reviews and early-stage product planning.

Contract Negotiation & Supplier Management

1. Lead negotiations for Master Supply Agreements (MSAs), long-term pricing, and service-level commitments.
2. Establish clear expectations for quality, delivery, and cost performance.
3. Manage ongoing supplier relationships to ensure alignment with business goals.

What you will bring to the table:

Education & Certifications

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Business, Supply Chain, or a related field.
• Professional certifications such as CPSM or CSCP preferred.

Experience

• 5+ years of experience in procurement, strategic sourcing, or global sourcing within a manufacturing environment.
• Proven success managing suppliers for engineered components or technical materials.

Technical & Analytical Skills

• Ability to interpret engineering drawings, specifications, and bill of materials.
• Strong analytical skills with experience in cost modeling and market analysis.
• Familiarity with ERP/MRP systems and sourcing tools.

Soft Skills

• Strong negotiation and communication abilities.
• Ability to collaborate effectively across engineering, operations, and leadership teams.
• Strategic thinker with a proactive approach to problem-solving and risk management.

About Us

Northern Tool + Equipment is a family business with roots stretching back three generations to Minnesota's Iron Range, where our blue-collar work ethic and commitment to serving the people who do the tough jobs was born. Our mission is to be the best in the world at serving the professional tradespeople and those who want to work like them. With over 130 retail stores across 24 states, top national brands and global manufacturing operations designed to create our own specialized tools and equipment, we are busting our knuckles to deliver the products, prices and advice our customers need to succeed. We're looking for people who share our blue-collar work ethic. If you're the kind of person who likes to put your nose to the grindstone to help your customers and company succeed, we'd love to talk to you about becoming a member of our team.

Northern Tool + Equipment is proud to be recognized by Forbes as a Top Midsize Employer in 2023. We are committed to creating a workplace where your contributions are valued, and your professional growth is encouraged. When you join our team, you'll enjoy a comprehensive and competitive compensation package that includes:

• Competitive Pay: Earn $125,000 to $160,000 annually, with your exact compensation personalized based on your skills, experience, and location. We believe in rewarding top talent with pay that reflects your value.
• Variable Pay: Variable pay is a component of compensation that can fluctuate based on performance, results, or specific metrics, rather than being a fixed amount like a salary. Annual bonus tied to company performance are paid annually. Incentive plans tied to an achievement-based outcome are generally paid monthly to quarterly.
  • The NTE AIP plan pay ranges from 5% to 100% of base salary. Eligibility is based on grade and roles that manage performance. Eligibility and payouts are outlined in the NTE AIP policy.
• Flexible Work Schedule: Achieve the work-life balance you deserve with our full-time, 8-hour shifts, Monday - Friday, complemented by a hybrid work schedule that allows you to work both remotely and in the office.
• Comprehensive Benefits Package: Your health and well-being are our priority. We offer a variety of health plans, so you can choose what best fits your needs. Employees working 30+ hours per week enjoy a robust benefits package, including medical, dental, vision, and a 401(k) plan with an enhanced company match to support your financial future.
• Generous Employee Discount: Love our products? So do we! Enjoy a significant discount on the quality tools and equipment we offer, helping you save on the items you love to use.
• Get Paid on Your Terms: With our Daily Pay option, you don't have to wait for payday-access your earnings whenever you need them for added financial flexibility.
• Paid Holidays: Take time to relax and recharge with 7 paid federal holidays, because we know how important it is to have time for yourself and your loved ones.
• Incentives: Be rewarded for eligible incentive programs.

When you join Northern Tool + Equipment, you're not just starting a job-you're joining a community that supports your success. Come be a part of a team where your skills, dedication, and passion are recognized and celebrated. Your future starts here!