Sourcing Manager, Direct Materials

Race Winning Brands; Mentor (OH); Hybrid; USD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental, vision insurance

Life and disability insurance

HSA with employer contributions

401(k) with company match

Employee wellness programs

Paid maternity/paternity leave

Paid time off

Up to 10 paid holidays

Job summary

Race Winning Brands is seeking a Direct Materials Sourcing Manager to lead strategic sourcing for castings, forgings, pistons, rings, and other direct materials. You will manage supplier relationships, develop cost-reduction initiatives, and collaborate with Operations, Engineering, Quality, and Finance to optimize the supply chain.

The role includes leading a direct report, designing scalable supplier processes, and delivering year-over-year savings while ensuring continuity of supply.

Qualifications

• 7–10 years of progressive experience in strategic sourcing, procurement, or supply chain management.
• Experience negotiating direct material supply agreements and delivering measurable cost savings.

Responsibilities

• Develop and execute sourcing strategies for direct material categories supporting manufacturing operations.
• Lead supplier negotiations including pricing, payment terms, rebates, and long-term agreements.
• Manage RFQs, supplier selection, and sourcing recommendations.
• Drive cost reduction initiatives and supplier performance improvement.
• Develop supplier scorecards and manage supplier relationships.

Skills

Strategic sourcing

Category management

Supplier negotiations

Cross-functional collaboration

Cost analysis

Education

Bachelor's in Supply Chain Management

MBA (desirable)

Certifications (CPSM/CPM/CIPS/APICS) desirable

Tools

Excel

ERP/MRP systems

Spend analytics

Job description

All Jobs > Sourcing Manager, Direct Materials

Race Winning Brands (RWB) is the leading manufacturer of racing and high-performance parts sold to automotive and powersports markets. RWB is the preferred source for high-end pistons, engine blocks, cylinder heads, intake manifolds, connecting rods, crankshafts, clutches, transmissions, springs and other engine and driveline- related performance components.

The Direct Material Sourcing Manager is responsible for developing and executing sourcing strategies for direct material categories including but not limited to castings, forgings, pistons, rings, bearings, gaskets, fasteners, raw materials, machined components, and finished goods that support manufacturing operations. This role leads supplier selection, strategic negotiations, contract management, supplier performance improvement, cost reduction initiatives, risk mitigation, and global sourcing activities to ensure a reliable, cost-competitive supply chain. The Direct Material Sourcing Manager works closely with Operations, Engineering, Quality, Product Management, Finance, and executive leadership to support growth, improve margins, and ensure continuity of supply. This individual will have significant opportunity to design and implement sourcing processes and tools where mature frameworks don't yet exist, establishing scalable practices for supplier management and reporting. This role has one (1) planned direct report, a Direct Sourcing Analyst, and will be accountable for that individual's development, performance, and career growth.

ESSENTIAL RESPONSIBILITIES

• Develop and execute sourcing strategies for direct material categories supporting manufacturing operations.
• Design and implement scalable supplier management and reporting practices to close capability gaps and establish new processes where none currently exist.
• Lead supplier negotiations involving pricing, payment terms, rebates, tooling ownership, capacity commitments, and long-term commercial agreements.
• Manage RFQs, supplier selection, quote evaluations, and sourcing recommendations.
• Identify and execute cost reduction initiatives through supplier negotiations, value engineering, resourcing, and global sourcing activities.
• Maintain and develop strategic supplier relationships and conduct regular business reviews.
• Collaborate with Engineering and Quality teams on new product launches, supplier qualification, PPAPs, and product transfers.
• Drive supplier performance improvements related to quality, delivery, responsiveness, and cost.
• Develop and maintain supplier scorecards and supplier development programs.
• Monitor commodity markets and raw material trends including steel, aluminum, and other key inputs.
• Partner with Operations and Planning teams on capacity planning and risk mitigation efforts.
• Lead supply continuity planning and supplier risk assessments.
• Negotiate and manage supplier contracts, tooling agreements, and confidentiality agreements.
• Drive supplier rationalization and consolidation initiatives where appropriate.
• Manage international suppliers and support global sourcing strategies.
• Support acquisitions, business integrations, and supplier synergy initiatives.
• Develop annual savings plans and maintain sourcing performance metrics and reporting.
• Ensure compliance with procurement policies and ethical sourcing standards.
• Manage and develop one (1) direct report, including goal-setting, coaching, performance reviews, and career planning.
• Serve as a strategic business partner for all direct material procurement activities.
• Deliver minimum of 3x salary in cost savings for the company annually.

What You’ll Get

• Eligible for Medical, Dental, Vision Insurance as of Day One
• Employer Paid Life and Disability Insurance
• HSA with Employer Contributions
• 401(K) Retirement Plan with Company Match
• Employee Wellness and Assistance Programs
• Paid Maternity/Paternity Leave
• Paid Time Off
• Up to 10 Paid Company Holidays

Requirements

• A minimum of 7 - 10 years of progressive experience in strategic sourcing, procurement, category management, or supply chain management. Proven experience negotiating direct material supply agreements and delivering measurable cost savings within a manufacturing environment.
• Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain Management, Business Administration, Engineering, Finance, or related field required. MBA preferred. CPSM, CPM, CIPS, APICS, or equivalent certification desirable.
• Advanced Microsoft Excel, ERP/MRP systems, spend analytics, cost modeling, supplier performance management, and contract negotiation. Strong financial and analytical capabilities.
• Proven ability to build supplier partnerships, lead cross-functional teams, manage complex negotiations, influence stakeholders, and drive organizational results.
• Hybrid office environment with periodic domestic and international travel to supplier and manufacturing locations. PPE may be required during facility visits.

EEO Statement:

Race Winning Brands provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristics protected by federal, state, or local laws.