Strategic Sourcing Manager: New Products & Indirect

We're Hiring:

Manager, New Product Sourcing and Indirect Procurement
Location : Torrance, CA
Company : Pelican Products, Inc.
Who We Are
At Pelican, we engineer products that stand up to the world's toughest conditions—because the people who rely on us do too. For nearly 50 years, we've been a trusted partner for military personnel, first responders, outdoor adventurers, and innovators who push the limits.
With a global presence that includes 11 offices, 4 manufacturing facilities, and 4 custom case centers, we create high-performance protective solutions that ensure our customers can focus on what matters most. Whether it's transporting critical medical supplies, securing mission-essential equipment, or keeping expedition gear safe, Pelican products are Built to Protect to Equip for the Mission.
At Pelican, your work has a real-world impact. You'll be part of a team driven by innovation, craftsmanship, and the shared belief that when the mission is critical, failure isn't an option. If you're ready to build something that makes a difference, be part of a team that protects what matters most.
What You'll Do :
As the Manager, New Product Sourcing & Indirect Procurement, you'll lead sourcing strategies that support both Pelican's new product initiatives and indirect procurement needs. You'll drive cost savings, develop strategic supplier partnerships, support new products from concept through commercialization, and lead a team of procurement professionals.
Develop and execute sourcing strategies across indirect spend categories, including professional services, IT, Marketing, facilities, MRO, logistics, and other corporate and operational services.
Identify and deliver measurable cost savings and cost avoidance through competitive sourcing, negotiations, supplier consolidation, contract management, spend analysis, and improved purchasing practices.
Lead sourcing for new products, product categories, and line extensions from initial concept through commercialization and production.
Lead, coach, and develop Buyers and procurement team members while establishing clear expectations around sourcing performance, savings, supplier management, responsiveness, and internal customer service.
Establish and maintain procurement governance, including sourcing procedures, approval workflows, supplier selection documentation, contract controls, and purchasing policy compliance.
Develop and monitor procurement KPIs, including cost savings, cost avoidance, supplier performance, sourcing activity, compliance, and new product sourcing milestones.
Partner with Product Development, Engineering, Quality, Operations, Logistics, Finance, and other teams to establish sourcing requirements, cost targets, timelines, and supplier strategies.
Identify, evaluate, qualify, and develop domestic and international suppliers and manufacturing partners based on cost, quality, capability, capacity, lead time, service, and supply chain risk.
Lead RFQs, RFPs, supplier selection, cost analysis, and commercial negotiations covering pricing, payment terms, tooling, minimum order quantities, lead times, contracts, and other sourcing requirements.
Support product costing, prototypes, tooling, testing, supplier readiness, and production ramp-up to ensure successful transitions from development into commercialization.
Develop strategic supplier relationships and alternate sources to strengthen competitiveness, supply continuity, performance, and risk mitigation.
Monitor supplier performance and partner cross-functionally to resolve quality, delivery, cost, capacity, and other supplier issues.
Partner with Finance and business leaders to analyze spend, track procurement savings, measure sourcing results, and identify additional value opportunities.
Drive continuous improvement across procurement processes, systems, reporting, controls, sourcing methodologies, and supplier management practices.
Serve as a strategic sourcing partner to internal stakeholders, balancing cost, quality, service, speed to market, innovation, and supply chain risk.
What We're Looking For :
Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain Management, Business, Finance, Operations, Engineering, or a related field preferred.
7+ years of progressive experience in procurement, strategic sourcing, purchasing, or supply chain.
Experience leading, coaching, or developing Buyers or other procurement professionals.
Demonstrated experience managing indirect spend and delivering measurable cost savings.
Experience supporting new product sourcing from concept through commercialization.
Experience sourcing, evaluating, and developing domestic and international suppliers and manufacturing partners, including suppliers in China or other Asian markets.
Strong knowledge of RFQs/RFPs, supplier negotiations, cost analysis, supplier qualification, commercial agreements, and contract manufacturing.
Strong project management skills with the ability to manage multiple sourcing and NPI initiatives simultaneously.
Strong analytical, financial, negotiation, communication, and relationship-building skills.
Ability to influence and collaborate with stakeholders across multiple functions and organizational levels.
Proficiency with ERP and procurement systems.
Preferred Qualifications:
SAP experience preferred.
CPSM, C.P.M., CSCP, or another relevant procurement or supply chain certification.
Experience within consumer products, durable goods, plastics, outdoor products, or product-focused manufacturing.
Experience working with contract manufacturers and OEM/ODM suppliers.
Experience with tooling, molds, prototypes, product costing, landed-cost analysis, and production ramp-up.
Experience implementing or improving procurement processes, sourcing systems, and supplier management practices.
Additional Information:
This position is based in Torrance, California.
Travel:

Domestic and international travel is required as needed to supportsupplier development, sourcing activities, and new product launches.
This position requires strong leadership, sound judgment, and ethical decision-making.
Responsible for developing team members through coaching, performance management, and professional development.
Supports Pelican's commitment to Quality, Safety, and continuous improvement.
Occasionally requires standing, walking, sitting, and use of hands and fingers while working within office and facility environments.
May occasionally require climbing, balancing, stooping, kneeling, or crouching.
Ability to lift and move up to 20 pounds regularly and up to 40 pounds occasionally.
What's In It For You

Join a company that truly values its employees! We offer a relaxed and casual work environment, a strong commitment to giving back to communities, and a focus on employee satisfaction. With regular opportunities to share feedback with leadership and structured performance evaluations, we ensure that your voice is heard and your growth is supported.
Competitive paid time off plans / Holiday pay / extra vacation purchase opportunities
Relocation assistance available for qualified candidates
401(k) with immediate company match
Comprehensive Medical, Dental, and Vision coverage
Health Savings Account Contribution
Wellness Discount Program
Global Mental Wellness Program
Quarterly Employee Celebration Days
Peer-to-Peer Recognition Program
Service Recognition Program
Employee Referral Program
Employee discounts on Pelican products and gear
Career growth opportunities across Engineering, Operations, and Product Development
Work on products trusted by military personnel, first responders, industrial professionals, and explorers around the world
Collaborate with experienced engineers and manufacturing teams while influencing products from concept through production
Established global brand offering premium products you'll be proud to support
And more...

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