Strategic Sourcing Manager

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Corning is one of the world’s leading innovators in glass, ceramic, and materials science. From the depths of the ocean to the farthest reaches of space, our technologies push the boundaries of what’s possible.  ​  

How do we do this? With our people. They break through limitations and expectations – not once in a career, but every day. They help move our company, and the world, forward. ​  

​At Corning, there are endless possibilities for making an impact. You can help connect the unconnected, drive the future of automobiles, transform at-home entertainment, and ensure the delivery of lifesaving medicines. And so much more.​   

​Come break through with us.  

Our Optical Communications segment has recently evolved from being a manufacturer of optical fiber and cable, hardware and equipment to being a comprehensive provider of industry-leading optical solutions across the broader communications industry.This segment is classified into two main product groupings – carrier network and enterprise network. The carrier network product group consists primarily of products and solutions for optical-based communications infrastructure for services such as video, data and voice communications. The enterprise network product group consists primarily of optical-based communication networks sold to businesses, governments and individuals for their own use.

Role Purpose

The Strategic Sourcing Lead is responsible for leading complex sourcing initiatives that support new program launches and the expansion of existing programs. This role plays a critical part within the Strategy and Transformation team, translating business and program requirements into actionable sourcing strategies that ensures services supplier readiness, commercial competitiveness, and scalability. The role is primarily services-focused, with an emphasis on sourcing and contracting for engineering, construction, and installation partners, and includes managing leasing arrangements for space and equipment in partnership with the Real Estate and Shared Services group. The role includes identifying and qualifying new vendors, expanding incumbent supplier capacities, and negotiating pricing, contract terms, and service level agreements (SLAs) in conjunction with our legal team.

The role will operate with significant autonomy, partnering cross-functionally with Engineering, Operations, Program Management, Finance, Legal, Vendor Management, and Supply Chain to deliver measurable financial, operational, and risk-management outcomes.

Key Responsibilities

Strategic Sourcing & Supplier Strategy:

• Develop and execute category and sourcing strategies aligned to new programs and growth initiatives.
• Identify, evaluate, and onboard new suppliers; assess opportunities to expand or rationalize existing vendors.
• Conduct market intelligence and supplier capability assessments to inform sourcing decisions.

Competitive Sourcing & Supplier Selection:

• Lead end-to-end RFIs, RFPs, and RFQs including scope definition, evaluation methodology, and award recommendations.
• Build fact-based business cases incorporating cost models, risk assessments, and value drivers.

Negotiation & Contracting:

• Lead negotiations for pricing, commercial terms, rate structures, escalation clauses, and payment terms.
• Negotiate and support execution of MSAs, SOWs, and SLAs in partnership with Legal.
• Ensure contracts enable scalability, performance accountability, and risk mitigation.

Stakeholder Partnership & Transformation Enablement:

• Act as a trusted sourcing advisor to program, engineering, and operations leaders.
• Translate evolving program requirements into sourcing roadmaps that support transformation objectives.
• Influence decisions through data-driven insights without direct authority.

Required Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain management, Business, Finance, or a related field
• Minimum 5 years of progressive experience in strategic sourcing or procurement, with a strong emphasis on negotiations and supplier management
• Demonstrated experience leading complex sourcing initiatives and contract negotiations as an individual contributor
• Strong understanding of procurement processes including RFx, contract development, and supplier performance management
• Proven ability to partner cross-functionally and influence senior stakeholders
• Travel to Charlotte once a month 

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience sourcing products and services and negotiating SLAs and MSAs
• APICS / ASCM certifications or equivalent procurement and supply chain credentials
• SAP experience

This position does not support immigration sponsorship.

The range for this position is $96,534.00 - $132,734.00 assuming full time status. Starting pay for the successful applicant is dependent on a variety of job-related factors, including but not limited to geographic location, market demands, experience, training, and education. 

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A job that shapes a life.  

Corning offers you the total package.  

Your well-being is our priority. Our compensation and benefits package supports your health and wellness, financial aspirations, and career from day one.

• Company-wide bonuses and long-term incentives align with key business results and ensure you are rewarded when the company performs well. When Corning wins, we all win.
• As part of our commitment to your financial well-being, we provide a 100% company-paid pension benefit with fixed contributions that grow throughout your career. Combined with matching contributions to your 401(k) savings plan, Corning’s total contributions to your retirement accounts can reach between 7% and 12% of your pay, depending on your age and years of service.
• Our health and well-being benefits include medical, dental, vision, paid parental leave, family building support, fitness, company-paid life insurance, disability, disease management programs, paid time off, and an Employee Assistance Program (EAP) to support you and your family.  
• Getting paid for our work is important, but feeling appreciated and recognized for those contributions motivates us much more. That’s why Corning offers a recognition program to celebrate successes and reward colleagues who make exceptional contributions. 

We prohibit discrimination on the basis of race, color, gender, age, religion, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, disability, veteran status or any other legally protected status.

Corning is committed to providing equal employment opportunities and considers requests for reasonable accommodations in accordance with applicable laws. Individuals with disabilities or sincerely held religious beliefs may request reasonable accommodations to participate in the application or interview process, perform essential job functions, or access other benefits and privileges of employment. To submit a request for reasonable accommodation related to disability or religion, please contact us at View email address on corningjobs.corning.com .