Strategic Sourcing Specialist

Global Strategic Sourcing Manager | Rockford, IL

Help Shape the Future of a Global Supply Chain

Are you a strategic sourcing leader who thrives on building strong supplier partnerships, driving cost improvements, and creating supply chain strategies that fuel business growth?

At Hydraulic Technologies (HT), we're looking for a Global Strategic Sourcing Manager to lead sourcing initiatives that directly impact our operations around the world. This is a high-visibility leadership role where you'll collaborate across Engineering, Operations, Quality, and Supply Chain teams to develop a world-class supplier network, drive continuous improvement, and support the next phase of our global growth.

If you're energized by solving complex challenges, influencing business decisions, and delivering measurable results, we'd love to connect with you.

About Us

Hydraulic Technologies (HT) is a global leader in high-force hydraulic tools and solutions, serving customers across a wide range of industrial markets. With approximately 300 employees and more than 11 locations worldwide, we combine the agility of a growing organization with the strength of a global footprint.

Headquartered in Rockford, Illinois, our team designs, manufactures, and delivers innovative products that help customers safely and efficiently perform critical work around the globe. For decades, our reputation has been built on engineering excellence, quality, reliability, and a commitment to solving real-world challenges.

As our business continues to grow, we're investing in our people, our operations, and our supply chain capabilities. That's where you come in.

Why Join HT?

At HT, you'll find more than just your next job. You'll find an opportunity to make a meaningful impact.

In this role, you'll:

• Lead strategic sourcing initiatives across a global supplier network
• Influence key decisions that drive operational and business performance
• Partner directly with senior leaders across multiple functions
• Drive localization, supplier development, and cost reduction initiatives
• Support exciting new product launches and growth opportunities
• Build long-term supplier partnerships that strengthen our competitive advantage
• Join a collaborative, hands-on culture where your ideas are valued and results are recognized
• Be part of a company that is growing, investing, and creating opportunities for career advancement

This is an opportunity for a strategic thinker and strong relationship builder to shape the future of our supply chain while helping drive HT's continued success.

Position Summary

The Global Strategic Sourcing Manager is responsible for establishing and leading sourcing, supplier development, supplier quality, cost reduction, and project management activities supporting Hydraulic Technologies' global supply base.

This position will develop a competitive, reliable, and scalable supplier network while ensuring alignment with quality, delivery, and cost objectives. The role partners closely with Engineering, Operations, Quality, and Supply Chain teams to optimize supplier performance, support new product introductions, and execute strategic sourcing initiatives.

Key Responsibilities

Strategic Sourcing & Supplier Development

• Develop and execute sourcing strategies that support business objectives and growth initiatives.
• Identify, evaluate, qualify, and develop suppliers across key commodity categories.
• Lead supplier negotiations, RFQs, contract management, and cost benchmarking activities.
• Establish supplier performance metrics and scorecards focused on quality, delivery, cost, and responsiveness.
• Build strong supplier relationships that support long-term business success.
• Develop dual-source and risk-mitigation strategies for critical commodities.
• Deliver annual cost savings through strategic sourcing and supplier negotiations.
• Lead localization initiatives that reduce lead times, lower costs, and improve supply chain resilience.
• Collaborate with Engineering on value analysis/value engineering opportunities.
• Utilize should-cost methodologies and market intelligence to identify savings opportunities.

Supplier Quality Management

• Drive supplier quality initiatives including APQP, PPAP, FMEA, and corrective actions.
• Conduct supplier audits and quality system assessments.
• Lead supplier performance improvement plans and root cause investigations.
• Establish continuous improvement roadmaps with key suppliers.

Project Management

• Lead cross-functional sourcing, localization, and supplier development projects.
• Ensure supplier readiness for new product introductions and production launches.
• Track project milestones, risks, and performance metrics.
• Communicate project status and results to stakeholders and leadership teams.

Operations Support

• Partner with Operations and Planning teams to address supplier-related challenges.
• Support material availability and risk mitigation efforts.
• Participate in S&OP and operational planning activities to ensure supply alignment.

Qualifications

Required

• Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain, Engineering, Business, Operations, or related field.
• 10+ years of experience in sourcing, procurement, supplier quality, or supply chain leadership roles.
• Experience within a manufacturing environment.
• Strong supplier negotiation and relationship management skills.
• Experience leading supplier development and cost reduction initiatives.
• Knowledge of APQP, PPAP, supplier audits, and quality systems.
• Proven project management and cross-functional leadership capabilities.

Preferred

• Experience in hydraulic, industrial, automotive, aerospace, rail, or engineered product manufacturing.
• SAP experience.
• Power BI experience.
• Knowledge of Lean Manufacturing, Theory of Constraints (TOC), and S&OP processes.
• MBA or advanced degree in Supply Chain, Operations, Engineering, or Business.

What Success Looks Like

• Improved supplier quality, delivery, and performance metrics.
• Achievement of annual cost savings and sourcing objectives.
• Successful execution of localization and supplier development programs.
• Strong supplier partnerships that support growth and operational excellence.
• On‑time support of new product introductions and strategic projects.
• Increased supply chain resiliency and reduced business risk.

Our Values

At HT, we are committed to quality, accountability, collaboration, continuous improvement, innovation, and customer focus. We believe our people are our greatest asset and are dedicated to creating an environment where employees can grow, contribute, and make a lasting impact.