Global Sourcing Strategist — Trailer Components

Lippert; Mishawaka (IN); On-site; USD 75,000 - 110,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental, vision

401k with employer match

Vacation and holidays

Job summary

Lippert is seeking a Strategic Sourcing Specialist to support sourcing, development, and management of trailer running gear and towing products. The role is based in the Elkhart, Indiana area and works with Product Development, Engineering, Quality, and Supply Chain teams to establish global supplier partnerships and drive continuous improvements.

The position requires knowledge of axles, brakes, hubs, suspension, and related components, plus experience in supplier development and

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree preferred.
• 5+ years of experience with trailer axles, brakes, hubs, suspension, bearings, or related running gear.
• Strong understanding of trailer component applications and industry standards.
• Experience in sourcing, product management, engineering, category management, purchasing, or supplier development preferred.
• Ability to review product drawings, specifications, and quality requirements.

Responsibilities

• Serve as a subject matter expert for assigned product categories and provide technical guidance.
• Lead category expertise for trailer running gear products (axles, brakes, hubs, suspension, towing components).
• Identify, evaluate, and qualify domestic and international suppliers for running gear categories.
• Manage supplier relationships to ensure quality, cost, delivery and performance.
• Partner with Engineering, Quality, Product Development, and Purchasing to define requirements and sourcing strategies.
• Assess supplier capabilities, processes, quality systems, and capacity to support growth.
• Lead cost analysis, supplier negotiations, and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Support product development and sourcing through the lifecycle from concept to commercialization.
• Monitor product performance, feedback and quality trends to identify improvement opportunities.
• Collaborate across departments to introduce new products and expand offerings.

Skills

Trailer running gear expertise

Supplier development

Cross-functional collaboration

Cost analysis

Education

Bachelor’s degree preferred

Job description

Lippert is seeking a Strategic Sourcing Specialist to support sourcing, development, and management of trailer running gear and towing products. The role is based in the Elkhart, Indiana area and works with Product Development, Engineering, Quality, and Supply Chain teams to establish global supplier partnerships and drive continuous improvements.

The position requires knowledge of axles, brakes, hubs, suspension, and related components, plus experience in supplier development and