Sourcing Specialist

Ashton North is partnering with a growing manufacturing organization in the Cleveland area to identify a Sourcing and Compliance Specialist who will play a key role in strengthening the company's supplier network, sourcing processes, and supplier compliance programs. Reporting to the Sourcing Manager, this position combines supplier sourcing, supplier relationship management, compliance oversight, and procurement support. While compliance is currently an important component of the role, the long-term vision is for this position to evolve into a sourcing focused role as new processes and supplier governance programs mature. This is an excellent opportunity for someone who enjoys building supplier relationships, improving processes, and making a meaningful impact within a growing manufacturing organization. The Opportunity The company continues to expand its manufacturing operations while investing in stronger sourcing processes and supplier governance. This role offers the opportunity to help shape the future of the sourcing organization. Rather than stepping into a highly structured environment, you'll help strengthen supplier processes, improve sourcing practices, and contribute ideas that enhance the overall performance of the supply chain. The successful candidate will work closely with sourcing leadership, engineering, quality, operations, production, and suppliers to ensure materials and services are sourced from qualified suppliers while supporting operational and regulatory requirements. If you enjoy creating structure, solving problems, and taking ownership of your work, this role offers the opportunity to make a significant impact. Key Responsibilities Supplier Sourcing and Supplier Management Identify, evaluate, and qualify suppliers that support manufacturing operations. Support RFQ activities, supplier evaluations, supplier capability assessments, and supplier selection. Develop and maintain productive supplier relationships while serving as the primary point of contact for assigned suppliers. Monitor supplier performance related to quality, delivery, cost, and service. Work with suppliers to resolve performance issues and support continuous improvement initiatives. Support sourcing activities related to new product introductions, engineering changes, and manufacturing requirements. Assist sourcing leadership with supplier negotiations and sourcing initiatives. Supplier Compliance and Governance Coordinate supplier onboarding and new supplier approval activities. Maintain supplier documentation, certifications, and approved supplier records. Support supplier compliance with internal quality requirements and government contract requirements. Maintain documentation supporting supplier audits and regulatory compliance. Assist with government related sourcing compliance including FAR, DFARS, supplier certifications, Small Business reporting, and related documentation. Support internal and external sourcing audits. Procurement and Data Management Maintain supplier master data within the ERP system. Generate and analyze supplier performance reports. Identify trends, opportunities, and areas for supplier performance improvement through data analysis. Maintain supplier scorecards and performance metrics. Support indirect purchasing activities including selected MRO and non-inventory purchases. Maintain sourcing documentation and procurement records. Cross Functional Collaboration Partner closely with Engineering, Operations, Production, Quality, Finance, and Manufacturing teams to support sourcing initiatives. Communicate supplier performance updates and sourcing information across functional teams. Support projects that improve supplier performance, sourcing efficiency, and overall supply chain reliability. Take ownership of assigned responsibilities while identifying opportunities to improve sourcing processes and supplier performance. Help develop stronger sourcing procedures, supplier governance practices, and departmental best practices. Recommend process improvements that strengthen supplier relationships and improve operational efficiency. Contribute ideas that support the continued growth and maturity of the sourcing organization. Qualifications Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain, Business, Engineering, or a related discipline preferred. Three or more years of sourcing, procurement, purchasing, or supplier management experience within a manufacturing environment. Five or more years of relevant experience is preferred and may be considered in lieu of a degree. Strong understanding of supplier compliance documentation and supplier governance. Experience working within ERP systems and Microsoft Excel. Advanced Excel skills including Pivot Tables, VLOOKUPs, XLOOKUPs, reporting, and data analysis are strongly preferred. Experience within aerospace, defense, government contracting, or other regulated manufacturing environments is highly desirable. Government sourcing or government procurement experience is considered a strong advantage. Excellent communication, organizational, and relationship building skills. #J-18808-Ljbffr