Sourcing Specialist

Position Description Title: Sourcing Specialist Department: Global Sourcing Immediate Supervisor: Sr. Global Sourcing Manager Status: Exempt Position Overview: Supports Global Sourcing activities and assists in category management for specified raw materials, including paper related spend and other raw materials as directed. Acts as a liaison across R&D, Plant Operations, Quality, and Procurement to facilitate material trials, supplier engagement, and sourcing initiatives. Provides category knowledge and market insights as needed, with emphasis on paper-based materials including various paper and release liners. Delivers data-driven analysis and reporting to inform decisions on cost, quality, availability, and innovation. Principle Accountabilities Support category strategies and sourcing initiatives for assigned raw materials, including paper-based materials such as release liners. Maintain working knowledge of paper markets and materials and support paper-related sourcing initiatives as needed. Serve as primary liaison across R&D, Plant Operations, Quality, and other stakeholders to plan, coordinate, and communicate material trials, qualifications, and changes. Coordinate trial material orders, track timelines and spend to support budget visibility. Lead and/or support RFI/RFQ/RFP processes for liners and other materials as directed; consolidate supplier inputs, technical documentation, and pricing data. Assess and integrate new or existing suppliers to support future requirements and innovation projects. Build and maintain supplier KPI metrics/scorecards; monitor and improve supplier performance against quality, delivery, service, and cost targets. Assist in resolution of supply and/or quality issues; coordinate corrective actions with suppliers and internal teams and mediate price/quality disputes as needed. Develop sourcing roadmaps and monitor timetables to ensure timely availability of materials to support plant operations and new product launch programs. Review supplier capacities and supply risks; recommend tooling and capital investments and/or dual sourcing to protect continuity and support growth. Perform demand/supply and market analysis to assess short- and long-term pricing trends, raw material availability, and industry capacity for liners and paper. Manage sourcing and trial data quality; cleanse and maintain data and deliver reporting/dashboards for decision-making. Essential Skills and Experience Bachelor’s degree or equivalent work experience in a related field. Experience in raw material sourcing, with a preference for paper and paper-based materials. Working knowledge of paper materials including varieties and release liners, markets, and specifications; ability to translate technical needs with R&D and Plant Operations. Minimum 3 years of experience in Purchasing or Supply Chain in a manufacturing environment. Experience finding, qualifying, assessing, and auditing international suppliers. Strong negotiation, planning, organizational, and communication skills. Strong analytical skills and proficiency in Excel and reporting/dashboard tools. Travel required (up to 20%); some international travel may be required. Advanced negotiating skills for supplier contract processes and cost reductions. Interaction with internal groups concerning technical matters. Formal Project Management training a plus. This role follows a hybrid schedule, requiring 2–3 days onsite at the Sarasota, FL headquarters. Benefits We offer competitive pay, extensive benefits that support you and your family, and exciting career development opportunities. IPG’s commitment to sustainability, continuous training, and a culture built around strong relationships provides a supportive workplace where you can thrive. #J-18808-Ljbffr