Head of Manufacturing Strategy

Strategic Sourcing Manager
At SHAPE Technologies Group, we are devoted to delivering innovative waterjet technologies, robotic automation, and ultrahigh-pressure manufacturing process solutions that propel our customers to success.
With industry leading technologists, manufacturing experts, and skilled service professionals, SHAPE team members listen to our customers to anticipate their needs and deliver technical know-how that transforms our customers' visions into reality.
We are a team of technology enthusiasts who pride ourselves on constantly raising the industry bar. Our world is fast paced, and customer focused. With principles, performance and an authentic passion for results deeply rooted in our daily interactions. We are friendly, respectful, and motivated to deliver strong performance in everything we do.
The Strategic Sourcing Manager is responsible for leading the development and execution of the company's sourcing strategy, with a primary focus on identifying and onboarding new vendors, negotiating contracts and commercial terms, and building a scalable strategic sourcing and negotiation function. This role will establish best-in-class sourcing processes, systems, and governance to support organizational growth, cost optimization, risk mitigation, and operational excellence. The ideal candidate is a strategic thinker and hands-on builder who can create structure from the ground up while driving measurable value through supplier partnerships and disciplined commercial negotiation.
Identify, evaluate, and onboard new vendors aligned with company growth, quality, and cost objectives.
Conduct market analysis to assess supplier capabilities, cost structures, industry trends, and risk factors.
Establish supplier qualifications standards, due diligence processes, and performance benchmarks.
Contract Negotiation & Commercial Leadership

Lead contract negotiations, including pricing, service levels, payment terms, volume discounts, risk allocation, and performance guarantees.
Structure agreements to optimize total cost of ownership while mitigating operational and financial risk.
Partner with Legal and Finance to ensure contractual compliance and alignment with company policies.
Develop negotiation frameworks, playbooks, and best practices to standardize commercial engagements.
Define organizational structure, roles, responsibilities, and performance metrics for the sourcing function.
Implement governance frameworks for vendor selection, contract approvals, and performance reviews.
Serve as a key advisor to executive leadership on souring strategy, supplier risk, and cost optimization.
Implement or optimize procurement and contract management systems (e.g., Create reporting dashboards and KPIs to monitor spending, supplier performance, savings, and risk exposure.
Drive continuous improvement initiatives to increase efficiency, transparency, and compliance.
Partner with Operations, Finance, Legal, Product, and other stakeholders to align sourcing strategies with business objectives.
Provide data-driven recommendations to support budgeting, forecasting, and strategic planning.
Ensure sourcing decisions support quality standards, service requirements, and customer expectations.
Compliance & Risk Management

Ensure supplier compliance with contractual obligations, regulatory requirements, and company policies.
Identify and mitigate supply chain risks, including financial, operational, and geopolitical exposures.
Perform other duties as assigned by the leader to support evolving business needs.
Travel up to 40% of the time.
Strong negotiation and contract management expertise.
Excellent analytical and financial modeling skills.
Strong leadership and team-building capabilities.
High level of integrity, accountability, and sound business judgement.
Bachelor's degree in business, Supply Chain, Finance, or related field required, MBA or advanced degree preferred.

• Demonstrated experience negotiating complex commercial agreements.
• Proven track record of building or scaling sourcing/procurement functions preferred.

Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)

Supplier performance and quality metrics.
Contract cycle time and compliance rates.
Process efficiency improvements.
Risk mitigation and supplier diversification outcomes.
Travel will be required for supplier visits and negotiations.
Commitment to fostering a collaborative and high-performance culture.
Comprehensive benefits package, including medical, dental, vision, and life insurance

• Paid time off (PTO) and disability insurance
• Tuition reimbursement for approved educational programs
• Ongoing career development and training opportunities

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform these functions.
Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws.