Strategic Sourcing Specialist

Strategic Sourcing Specialist

The Strategic Sourcing Specialist is a strategic leader and subject matter expert responsible for developing and executing sourcing strategies across assigned categories. While this role has no direct reports, it provides leadership and influence to Tate's plant buyers through dotted-line collaboration.

The Specialist will own category strategy, drive cost and risk management initiatives, and ensure a reliable supply base to support Tate's growth. Success in this role requires strong cross-site influence, supplier relationship management, and consistent engagement with both internal stakeholders and external suppliers.

Category Ownership – Develop and execute sourcing strategies for assigned categories (e.g., Metals, Aluminum, MRO, Logistics, Energy, Outsourced Manufacturing).

Strategic Leadership – Act as a subject matter expert, guiding plant buyers and cross-functional teams without direct people management responsibilities.

Supplier Management – Identify, qualify, and manage suppliers. Lead negotiations and contracts while measuring and driving supplier performance improvements.

Market Analysis & Risk Mitigation – Monitor market conditions, cost drivers, and risks (tariffs, supply shortages, etc.) and propose strategies such as indexed pricing, dual sourcing, or hedging.

Cross-Site Collaboration – Partner with buyers, operations, engineering, finance, and quality teams across multiple facilities to align sourcing with business objectives.

Compliance & Sustainability – Ensure sourcing practices meet Tate and Kingspan standards, including the Code of Conduct, Compliance Policy, and Planet Passionate sustainability goals.

Travel & Engagement – Conduct supplier visits and plant engagement (up to 40% travel) to strengthen partnerships and align sourcing strategies with operational needs.

Bachelor's degree in supply chain management, Business, Engineering, or related field (required). Professional certifications such as CPSM, CIPS, APICS are preferred.

5–7+ years of procurement or strategic sourcing experience in manufacturing or industrial sectors.

Proven track record in supplier negotiations, cost modeling, and category strategy development.

Experience working across multiple sites with dotted-line influence, driving alignment without direct authority.

Skills: Strong analytical, communication, and relationship management skills, with the ability to deliver measurable results in cost, quality, and risk reduction.

Pay range: $90000 USD to $120000 USD. This role is eligible for a discretionary bonus.

Career Scope and Advancement: As we grow, new positions and career opportunities arise, offering accelerated paths for the right candidates, locally and globally.

World of Wellness Philosophy: We empower you to take charge of your health and well-being. You'll have access to a wide range of medical, dental, and vision benefits, along with personalized guidance from a "Health Advocate." We also offer other supplemental options, including 401k, legal, disability, and theft insurance, to ensure your financial wellness.

Corporate Social Responsibility: Through Planet Passionate we are determined to reduce our manufacturing carbon (CO2e) emissions to as close to zero as technically possible, together with halving carbon intensity in our primary supply chain. We are very involved in our community, and you will have ample opportunities to support us in creating a better world.

Skills Development: Given the dynamic pace of our business and a strong collaborative environment, your new role will be diverse and multifaceted – allowing you to be more versatile and develop a broader skill set.

Mentorship and development: At Tate, we don't believe in hierarchy, we work together as one team for one common goal. You will have access and exposure to our senior leaders and experts for learning in your role, and additionally mentorship for the future.

Culture: We have a great team culture, highly collaborative, supportive, and social. Together we innovate, collaborate, take ownership, and strive for excellence.

Tate Inc. is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to legally protected characteristics. We are committed to providing reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities. Employment is contingent upon the successful completion of post-offer requirements, including a background check and drug screening, in accordance with company policy and applicable laws.

Equal Opportunity Employer This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws. For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.