Director, Strategic Sourcing

Husqvarna Group; Charlotte (NC); On-site; USD 140,000 - 210,000; Full time

Job summary

Husqvarna Group seeks a Director of Strategic Sourcing to lead the finished goods procurement strategy and supplier development, driving total cost of ownership improvements across global markets. The role collaborates with product management, marketing, engineering and supply chain to optimize cost, quality and service while expanding supplier bases in high-growth regions.

The position requires a bachelor’s degree and 10+ years in manufacturing with 6+ years in strategic sourcing, plus strong

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Supply Chain, Business or related field is required.
• Minimum of 10 years in high-volume manufacturing with 6 years in strategic sourcing.
• Experience with lean manufacturing/Six Sigma methodologies preferred.
• Strong cross-cultural negotiation and leadership abilities.
• Experience negotiating large contracts and managing supplier relationships.

Responsibilities

• Develop strategic initiatives and KPIs aligned with business objectives.
• Lead finished goods sourcing strategy and supplier relationships for cost, quality, and delivery.
• Negotiate contracts with OEM suppliers and manage supplier performance and lifecycle.
• Analyze market trends and total cost of ownership to drive cost reduction opportunities.
• Support product development by aligning suppliers with engineering and marketing needs.
• Travel up to 30% for supplier engagements and audits.

Skills

Strategic sourcing

Supplier management

Contract negotiations

TCO analysis

Cross-functional leadership

Lean Six Sigma

Global stakeholder management

Financial acumen

Project management

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Supply Chain, or related field

Tools

MS Office

Job description

Overview

The Director of Strategic Sourcing will lead strategic initiatives related to the sourcing strategy for finished goods procurement. The role will lead the development and management of new suppliers and the supply chain to improve service, quality and total cost of ownership. Activities will include leading the evaluation and implementation of the supply base to support licensing to OEM transition within the product categories through the interaction with other internal business areas such as product management, marketing, engineering, and supply chain.

What You Need to Know

• Developing strategic initiatives and KPI’s that are aligned with overall business objectives; creating processes and procedures to ensure success.
• Develop and manage a finished goods sourcing strategy through identifying and developing key supplier relationships. Leverages suppliers’ engineering and manufacturing resource to super charge product development cycle with improved cost.
• Responsible for all commercial relationships with suppliers for finished goods and components from high growth regions, securing targeted levels of cost, quality, delivery, sustainability, etc. Engage in contract negotiations with OEM suppliers and develop the business relationships.
• Implement approved strategies for finished goods that actively search for performance improvement and cost reduction opportunities by understanding customer need, supply market trends, and innovation.
• Drive value by implementing strategic sourcing and entering into cost efficient agreements that fulfill supply requirements for finished goods and components from high growth regions. Conduct detailed demand, spend, cost and market analysis and a structured approach to tendering and negotiating with suppliers given the overall strategy.
• Drive supplier performance, contract effectiveness, collaboration and integration and deliver improved results with key suppliers for finished goods. Manage the total lifecycle of a supplier contract, including submission to legal, expiration alerts, etc.
• Assume overall responsibility for supplier performance and rating based on KPI.
• Conduct and follow up PPV activities, budgeting (forecast and actual), and annual price negotiations as well as any other initiatives for assigned commodities.
• Analyze information received from multiple sources, and develop and present a recommended strategy for each project assigned. Create project specific work teams and follow the implementation of strategic projects.
• Support quality audits and approval of new sources ensuring Husqvarna quality standards being consistently followed including tier II, III suppliers.
• Supporting Product Directors, works with external companies to identify innovative product ideas and further commercialize them.
• Cultivate network in the industry, develops business intelligence to support senior leadership in making strategic decisions. Monitors external and internal environment for development of new market segments, including developing business strategy for adjacent space growth.

What We Are Looking For

• Bachelor’s Degree (or foreign equivalent) in Engineering, Supply Chain, Logistics, Business or a related field; Advanced degree preferred.
• Minimum of 10 years of experience in high volume manufacturing, including 6 years of strategic sourcing; OPE industry experience preferred.
• Experience and/or certification with lean manufacturing/Six Sigma methodologies preferred.
• High energy Level, a self-motivated leader who builds strong team globally.
• Finished goods sourcing (consumer packaged goods) at the corporate level, including high growth regions and working with regulatory and safety requirements and standards for products sourced in low cost countries and sold abroad.
• Proven success with large contract negotiations and contract management.
• Product development leadership and building supplier quality process at a global level.
• Knowledge and/or experience with VA/VE principles preferred.
• Project management experience preferred.
• Exceptional cross cultural negotiation skills along with a demonstrated ability to understand, appreciate, and interact effectively with people from diverse backgrounds.
• Demonstrated ability to think strategically and execute global/regional initiatives at the department level.
• Demonstrated ability to construct highly creative sourcing solutions.
• Demonstrated global project management, risk management, and supply market analysis skills, as well as ability to analyze Total Cost of Ownership (TCO).
• Strong business acumen, including a sound understanding of financial drivers, commodity market conditions/swings, and the impact to the business.
• Excellent influence and negotiation skills, including a solid understanding of legal terms and conditions.
• Deep understanding of contract terms and conditions.
• Strong analytical skills, including a demonstrated ability to synthesize and interpret financial data and apply to decision making.
• Proficiency in MS Office software applications (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Project).
• Ability to maintain confidentiality regarding proprietary company information.
• Ability to work extended hours (including weekends) and travel up to 30% to domestic and/or international sites as required.