Strategic Sourcing Specialist

IDEX Corporation; Southwestern Ontario; On-site; CAD 80,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

IDEX Corporation in Waterloo, Ontario is seeking a Strategic Sourcing Specialist to lead category strategies, supplier development, and cost-reduction initiatives across manufacturing. You will partner with Quality, Engineering, and Operations to ensure supply continuity and optimal value throughout the product lifecycle.

This role emphasizes cross-functional collaboration, supplier negotiations, and continuous improvement, with travel up to 30% and a focus on delivering measurable savings.

Qualifications

• Post-secondary degree in supply chain or related discipline.
• Certifications such as CSCMP, CPIM, CSCP, CPSM, CCLP are strong assets.
• Minimum 7 years of progressive sourcing/procurement experience in manufacturing.
• Proven experience leading sourcing initiatives and cost-reduction projects.

Responsibilities

• Develop and maintain category and commodity sourcing strategies.
• Identify, evaluate, negotiate with, and qualify suppliers.
• Lead RFQ/RFP processes and contract negotiations.
• Develop strategic supply agreements and risk mitigation.
• Build strong supplier relationships to drive performance and cost savings.
• Collaborate with Supplier Quality, Engineering, Operations and cross-functional teams.
• Support supplier transitions after product launches.
• Monitor industry trends and drive annual cost reduction initiatives.
• Provide mentoring to purchasing team members.

Skills

Negotiation

Influencing

Commercial management

Analytical thinking

Strategic thinking

Problem solving

Communication

Cross-functional collaboration

Education

Post-secondary degree in SCM or related

Certifications: CSCMP/CPIM/CSCP/CPSM/CCLP

Tools

SAP

Oracle

Visual Manufacturing

Excel

PowerPoint

Word

Job description

If you’re looking for a special place to build or grow your career, you’ve found it. Whether you’re an experienced professional, a recent college graduate or somewhere in between, IDEX is a place where you can apply your existing skills and learn new ones in an environment where you can make an impact.

With interesting opportunities in engineering, marketing, sales, supply chain, operations, HR, finance, and more across more than 40 diverse businesses ( https://www.idexcorp.com/our-businesses/business-segments/ ) around the globe, chances are, we have something special for you.

Overall purpose of role

The Strategic Sourcing Specialist is responsible for developing and executing both short- and long-term sourcing strategies that support organizational objectives related to cost competitiveness, supplier performance, supply continuity, on-time delivery, and supplier consolidation. This role leads strategic sourcing initiatives, manages supplier relationships, and drives continuous improvement across the supply chain while supporting new product development and operational requirements.

The incumbent will independently lead sourcing projects, establish project plans, track progress against objectives, and provide regular updates to stakeholders on performance, risks, and outcomes.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop, implement, and maintain category and commodity sourcing strategies that deliver cost savings, supply continuity, quality improvements, risk management, and supplier rationalization objectives.
• Identify, evaluate, negotiate with, and qualify best-in-class suppliers capable of supporting current and future business requirements.
• Lead supplier selection, sourcing events, RFQ/RFP processes, and contract negotiations to achieve optimal commercial and operational outcomes.
• Develop, negotiate, and maintain strategic supply agreements with key suppliers, ensuring alignment with business objectives and risk mitigation requirements.
• Build and maintain strong, collaborative relationships with suppliers to drive performance, innovation, responsiveness, and long-­term value.
• Partner with Supplier Quality, Engineering, Operations, and other cross-­functional teams to support supplier development, production approvals, and ongoing supplier performance management.
• Support supplier transition and development activities following product launches to ensure suppliers consistently meet performance expectations related to quality, delivery, and cost.
• Collaborate with Engineering and Quality teams on product testing, validation plans, qualification activities, and production approval processes.
• Support new product development initiatives by sourcing components, identifying capable suppliers, and ensuring timely procurement involvement throughout the product lifecycle.
• Develop a thorough understanding of supplier capabilities, manufacturing processes, market dynamics, and emerging technologies relevant to assigned commodities.
• Monitor industry trends, market conditions, and supply chain risks to proactively identify opportunities and develop mitigation strategies.
• Drive annual cost reduction and value engineering initiatives to achieve budgeted savings targets.
• Analyze spend data, market intelligence, and supplier performance metrics to identify opportunities for optimization and continuous improvement.
• Provide guidance and mentorship to purchasing team members while promoting best practices in sourcing and supplier management.
• Work closely with Supplier Quality and Operations teams to ensure suppliers consistently meet quality, delivery, and compliance requirements.
• Lead strategic sourcing projects and communicate progress, risks, savings, and results to leadership through regular reporting.

This list is not exhaustive and the job holder may be asked from time to time to undertake other duties so that the team or department can function efficiently. Such a request will be reasonable and will be within this role’s normal scope of authority.

Knowledge & Qualifications

• Post-secondary diploma or degree in Supply Chain Management, Materials Management, Business Administration, Engineering, or a related discipline.
• Professional certifications such as CSCMP, CPIM, CSCP, CPSM, CCLP, or equivalent are considered strong assets.
• Minimum 7 years of progressive experience in strategic sourcing, procurement, supply chain management, or supplier development within a manufacturing environment.
• Proven experience leading sourcing initiatives, supplier negotiations, and cost reduction projects.

Skills & Competencies

• Exceptional negotiation, influencing, and commercial management skills.
• Strong analytical, strategic thinking, and problem‑solving capabilities.
• Proficiency with ERP/MRP systems such as SAP, Oracle, Visual Manufacturing, or equivalent.
• Advanced Microsoft Office skills, particularly Excel, PowerPoint, and Word.
• Excellent communication, presentation, and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to effectively collaborate within cross‑functional teams and build strong stakeholder relationships.
• Strong project management and organizational skills, with the ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast‑paced environment.
• Demonstrated commitment to continuous improvement and operational excellence.
• High degree of initiative, accountability, and attention to detail.

Key Performance Indicators

• Achievement of annual cost savings and productivity targets.
• Supplier performance improvements in quality, delivery, responsiveness, and cost.
• Successful execution of sourcing and supplier consolidation initiatives.
• Reduction of supply chain risks and improved business continuity.
• Effective support of new product introduction and production launch activities.
• Development of a high‑performing and strategically aligned supply base.

Physical Demands

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to:

• Stand, Walk and/or Sit 50% of the time
• Use hands to handle, reach and feel: 90% of the time
• Talk and hear 100% of the time
• Regularly lift and/or move up to 25 pounds and occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 pounds

Work Environment

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly exposed to the following environmental conditions:

• Manufacturing environment

Location and any travel requirements

• Waterloo, Ontario
• Travel within North America and to India and China up to 30% of the time.

Are you ready to join a different kind of company where our people, our culture, and our commitments are centered around providing trusted solutions that improve lives around the world?

Total Rewards

The compensation range for this position is $79,700.00 - $119,500.00, depending on experience. This position may be eligible for performance based bonus plan.

Benefits Package

Our comprehensive Canadian benefit offerings include PTO and more. More detailed information can be provided upon request.

IDEX is an Equal Opportunity Employer

IDEX gives consideration for employment to qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, creed, genetic information, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, marital status, age, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, or any other consideration or protected category made unlawful by federal, state or local laws.

Attention Applicants

If you are an individual with a disability and require a reasonable accommodation to complete any part of the application process, please let us know. Likewise, if you are limited in the ability to access or use this online application process and need an alternative method for applying, we will determine an alternate way for you to apply. Please contact our Talent Acquisition Team at [e-mail] for assistance with an accommodation. These contact tools may be used only by individuals with a disability for accommodation requests. Do not inquire as to the status of an application.

This posting is for an existing vacancy.

Artificial intelligence is not used to screen, assess or select applicants.

Job Family

Finance

Business Unit

Quadro