Sourcing Specialist - Labels & Direct Procurement

Strategic Sourcing With Real Operational Impact

We are looking for a hands-on Sourcing Specialist to support label, retail, and industrial/capital equipment production in a hybrid role supporting our Joppa, MD office. This position combines strategic and operational label sourcing (70%) with direct sourcing of engineering and production components (30%). In this role, you will help ensure uninterrupted production supply while actively building and managing a strong local supplier base, driving cost efficiency, and contributing to long-term sourcing strategies.

Your tasks

• Define and implement sourcing strategies for label materials
• Identify, source, and onboard new label suppliers
• Manage supplier relationships, performance, and development
• Lead RFQs, price negotiations, and cost optimization initiatives
• Own budgeting and quarterly forecasting for label categories
• Analyze pricing and volume deviations and take corrective actions
• Develop and maintain KPI reporting (e.g., Material Price Development)
• Collaborate closely with plants to ensure supply continuity and performance
• Semi annual formal sourcing strategy updates (in collaboration with HQ)
• Monthly MPD reviews with individual plant managers (along with HQ and NA LC leadership)
• Lead supplier quality/delivery issue resolution
• Regular visits to all (3) NA sites for line level supplier performance feedback
• Source and onboard local suppliers for engineering and production components, including:
• Sheet metal (steel, aluminum)
• Plastics
• Wood (packaging/shipping)
• Electronics and assemblies
• Lead RFQs, supplier selection, and commercial negotiations
• Support new product introductions and engineering changes
• Evaluate and develop suppliers to improve cost, quality, and delivery
• Implement dual sourcing and risk mitigation strategies
• Work closely with production, engineering, and supplier development teams
• Monitor supplier performance and resolve quality, service, and delivery issues
• Drive cost reduction initiatives and supplier optimization projects
• Conduct regular plant and supplier visits to identify improvement opportunities

Your profile

• 3–7+ years of experience in sourcing, procurement, or supply chain
• Experience in manufacturing, ideally within industrial or capital equipment
• Ability to read technical drawings and Bills of Materials (BOMs)
• Strong negotiation and supplier management skills
• Analytical mindset with experience in KPI-driven environments
• Hands-on, proactive, and comfortable working close to production