Manager, Strategic Sourcing

AKG North America; Mebane (NC); On-site; USD 110,000 - 140,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical benefits

Dental benefits

Vision benefits

Company-paid life insurance

STD/LTD insurance

Paid time off

401(k) with match

Training and advancement

Job summary

AKG North America is seeking a Manager, Strategic Sourcing to lead a 4–5 person team and drive execution of sourcing strategies across multiple categories. You will oversee supplier negotiations, RFQs, and contracts, while partnering with Engineering, Finance, and Logistics to meet cost and risk goals.

The role requires strong leadership, strategic thinking, and experience in a multi-site manufacturing environment. A bachelor’s degree and 8+ years in strategic sourcing are expected.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain Management, Business Administration, Engineering, Operations Management, or related field.
• Minimum 8 years in Strategic Sourcing/Procurement/Category Management or related manufacturing supply chain role.
• Minimum 3 years of people leadership or direct team management.

Responsibilities

• Lead the Strategic Sourcing team and drive execution of category strategies across AKG North America.
• Direct leadership of 4-5 sourcing professionals including Category Managers.
• Develop team priorities, ensure accountability, and drive category execution.
• Own selected commodities or topics based on business needs.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to support business requirements.
• Establish and maintain reporting for savings, supplier risks, and contracts.

Skills

Strategic sourcing

Team leadership

Supplier negotiations

RFQs

Contracts

Cost reduction

Analytical skills

Education

Bachelor’s degree in supply chain/related field

Tools

SAP

Job description

Description

At AKG, we believe great people build great products. We are looking for dependable, safety-focused team members who want to grow their skills and be part of a company that values teamwork, accountability, respect, and continuous improvement.

If you enjoy hands-on work, problem-solving, and working with precision equipment in a manufacturing environment, we encourage you to apply.

What We Offer:

• Competitive pay based on experience
• Shift differential opportunities
• GREAT Medical, dental, and vision benefits the first of the month after 30 days
• Company Paid Life insurance, STD insurance and LTD insurance
• PTO and paid holidays
• 401(k) with amazing company match
• Training and advancement opportunities
• Stable manufacturing environment
• Employee recognition programs
• Team-oriented culture focused on safety and respect

What You’ll Do:

The Manager, Strategic Sourcing is responsible for leading the Strategic Sourcing team and supporting the execution of sourcing strategies, supplier development, commercial performance, cost competitiveness, and supply-risk management across AKG North America.

The position provides direct leadership to a team of 4-5 sourcing professionals, including Category Managers and other strategic sourcing roles. The Manager is responsible for developing the team, establishing priorities and expectations, ensuring accountability, and driving consistent execution of category and sourcing strategies.

In addition to leading the team, the Manager, Strategic Sourcing may maintain direct ownership of selected commodities or strategic sourcing topics based on business needs and organizational requirements.

The role requires strong people leadership, strategic sourcing, and commercial capabilities, with the ability to support complex supplier negotiations, improve sourcing processes, develop effective reporting, and translate business requirements into measurable results.

What We’re Looking For:

• Lead, develop, and manage the Strategic Sourcing team, including performance management, coaching, workload, priorities, and employee development.
• Ensure Category Managers develop, maintain, and execute effective strategies for their assigned categories while retaining full accountability for their categories and suppliers.
• Support the team with complex supplier negotiations, commercial issues, sourcing decisions, contracts, and critical supplier escalations.
• Serve as the first management escalation point for significant sourcing and supplier-related issues before escalation to the Director, Supply Chain.
• Drive overall sourcing performance and cost-reduction results while Category Managers remain accountable for results within their assigned areas.
• Develop and improve sourcing processes, tools, standards, and workflows to increase efficiency, consistency, and transparency across the team.
• Establish and maintain meaningful reporting for savings, sourcing activities, supplier risks, contracts, market developments, and key strategic initiatives.
• Review sourcing activities and provide guidance on supplier selection, RFQs, pricing, negotiations, contracts, resourcing, and supply-risk mitigation.
• Identify opportunities to standardize, simplify, and improve sourcing processes and reduce unnecessary administrative work.
• Work cross-functionally with Engineering, Supplier Quality, Material Planning, Logistics, Operations, Finance, Sales, and other functions to support business requirements.
• Maintain direct ownership of selected commodities with primarily strategic requirements and limited day-to-day tactical sourcing activity.

Requirements

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain Management, Business Administration, Engineering, Operations Management, or a related field.
• Minimum 8 years of progressive experience in Strategic Sourcing, Procurement, Category Management, or a related supply chain function within manufacturing.
• Minimum 3 years of people leadership or direct team-management experience required.
• Strong experience in strategic sourcing, supplier negotiations, RFQs, contracts, cost reduction, and commercial decision-making.
• Demonstrated ability to lead and develop sourcing professionals and improve sourcing processes, tools, KPIs, and reporting.
• Strong analytical and commercial skills; SAP experience and experience within a multi-site manufacturing environment preferred.

Why AKG? At AKG, we are committed to creating a workplace where employees feel valued, supported, and part of the solution. Safety is our top priority, and we believe strong teams are built through communication, accountability, and respect for others. As part of The AKG Way, we strive to create an environment where employees can grow professionally while contributing to the success of the organization.

What to Expect: You may see multiple postings for similar roles. We are evaluating talent across both opportunities and anticipate hiring one candidate whose skills and experience are the strongest overall match. Candidates only need to apply to the position that best fits their experience.

What to Expect After Applying:

• Applications are reviewed by our HR and hiring teams.
• Qualified candidates will be contacted if chosen for interview.
• Communication will only be provided for those selected due to high volume of resumes.

AKG is an Equal Opportunity Employer.