Sourcing Program Manager

YSI Inc.; Morton Grove (IL); Hybrid; USD 95,000 - 112,000; Full time

Job summary

Xylem is seeking a Sourcing Program Manager to strengthen the supply base, optimize total cost of ownership, and deliver materials and services enabling manufacturing excellence. You will manage end-to-end sourcing, including supplier evaluation, contracts, and performance improvement, collaborating with engineering, operations, quality, and procurement teams.

Responsibilities span RFQ/RFPs, supplier development, and risk mitigation, with emphasis on cost reduction, dual-sourcing, and alignment

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree required in supply chain, engineering, or business.
• 5+ years of strategic sourcing or procurement experience in manufacturing.
• Experience with ERP systems (SAP preferred) and sourcing analytics tools.
• Strong contract negotiation and supplier relationship management skills.
• Preferred Master’s degree or professional certifications (e.g., CPSM, CSCP, CPIM).
• Prior experience in sourcing engineered products, castings, electronics, or machined components.
• Experience supporting sustainability, compliance, and responsible sourcing initiatives.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement strategic sourcing strategies aligned with global supply chain objectives.
• Lead supplier evaluations, RFQ/RFP processes, and contract awards.
• Onboard high‑performing suppliers and drive supplier development.
• Negotiate pricing, terms, lead times, and contracts to optimize total cost of ownership.
• Lead cost reduction initiatives through value engineering and volume leverage.
• Conduct supplier business reviews and drive continuous improvement.

Skills

Strategic sourcing

Contract negotiation

Supplier management

Cost modeling

Cross-functional collaboration

Analytical skills

Education

Bachelor’s degree in supply chain/engineering/business

Master’s degree or CPSM/CSCP/CPIM

Tools

SAP ERP

Job description

Xylem is a Fortune 500 global water solutions company dedicated to advancing sustainable impact and empowering the people who make water work every day. As a leading water technology company with 23,000 employees operating in over 150 countries, Xylem is at the forefront of addressing the world's most critical water challenges. We invite passionate individuals to join our team, dedicated to exceeding customer expectations through innovative and sustainable solutions.

About Xylem: Xylem, Inc. is a global leader in water technology, committed to creating sustainable solutions that address the world’s most complex water challenges. We develop innovative and efficient systems that improve how water is managed, conserved, and reused—across the globe.

Position Summary

We are hiring a Sourcing Manager. As a Sourcing Manager, you will play a pivotal role in strengthening Xylem’s supply base, optimizing total cost of ownership, and delivering materials and services that enable manufacturing excellence and long-term competitiveness. The Sourcing Program Manager is responsible for developing and executing sourcing strategies that align with business objectives and support new product introduction (NPI), cost reduction, supplier quality and capability. This role manages the end-to-end strategic sourcing lifecycle, including supplier evaluation, contract negotiation, supplier development, and performance improvement. This individual will lead cross-functional initiatives with Engineering, Operations, Quality, and Procurement teams to ensure a best-in-class, risk‑mitigated, and value‑driven supply base.

Key Responsibilities

• Sourcing Strategy Develop and implement commodity sourcing strategies aligned with global supply chain and product roadmap objectives. Drive sourcing projects and ensure they are completed on time, within scope, and within Monitor industry trends and identify sourcing opportunities that support cost competitiveness and innovation.
• Supplier Development Identify and onboard high‑performing suppliers to support business growth and mitigate risk. Collaborate with Quality and Operations to elevate supplier capabilities and ensure alignment with Xylem’s performance standards.
• Supply Base Optimization Rationalize and consolidate the supplier base to reduce complexity and leverage economies of scale. Support dual‑sourcing strategies and risk mitigation plans across key commodities and regions.
• Negotiations & Agreements Lead supplier negotiations on pricing, terms, lead times, and contracts to drive favorable commercial outcomes. Develop, execute, and manage supplier agreements, including long‑term supply and development contracts.
• Pricing Maintenance & Cost Reduction Provide accurate pricing data for ERP systems and ensure alignment with contracts and forecasts. Lead cost reduction initiatives through value engineering, volume leverage, and alternative sourcing.
• Supplier Selection & Assessment Responsible for awarding business to qualified suppliers to meet business need in alignment with engineering, quality and supply chain strategies and policies Execute fair and competitive sourcing processes (RFQ/RFP) and facilitate award decisions based on TCO (Total Cost of Ownership). Align sourcing strategy with financial, operational and risk mitigation goals. Collaborate with suppliers and Category Management to ensure production capacity meets current and forecast demand. Lead supplier assessments, audits, and qualifications for new and existing suppliers. Existing supplier capacity assessment Collaborate with suppliers and Category Management to ensure production capacity meets current and forecast demand. Anticipate and resolve bottlenecks or constraints that may impact delivery timelines.
• Technology Roadmaps & Benchmarking Align supplier capabilities with product and technology roadmaps to drive innovation. Conduct benchmarking studies to evaluate market competitiveness of supplier pricing and services.
• High‑Level Expediting Support the procurement team in escalated material delays by driving quick‑turn supplier engagement and recovery planning. Support Operations and Logistics on mission‑critical supply continuity.
• RFQ for New Parts & NPI Support Lead sourcing activities for new components, prototypes, and early‑phase production tied to New Product Introductions (NPIs). Engage early with Engineering and Program Management to align sourcing plans with product timelines.
• Supplier Business Reviews & Improvement Participate in periodic supplier business reviews focused on performance, risk, capacity, and collaboration opportunities. Support continuous improvement plans for underperforming suppliers and manage corrective actions.
• Approved Supplier List & Preferred Part List Maintain and enforce compliance with the Approved Supplier List (ASL) and Preferred Part List (PPL). Partner with Engineering and Quality to update supplier and part approvals as needed.
• Supplied Material Quality Work with suppliers and Quality to mitigate critical supplier quality events. Maintain the tooling and equipment asset management database.

Qualifications Required

• Bachelor’s degree in supply chain, Engineering, Business, or a related field.
• 5+ years of strategic sourcing or procurement experience in a manufacturing environment.
• Experience with ERP systems (SAP preferred) and sourcing analytics tools.
• Strong contract negotiation and supplier relationship management skills.
• Solid understanding of cost modeling, value engineering, and total cost of ownership.
• Preferred: Master’s degree or professional certifications (e.g., CPSM, CSCP, CPIM).
• Prior experience in sourcing engineered products, castings, electronics, or machined components.
• Experience supporting sustainability, compliance, and responsible sourcing initiatives.

Key Competencies

• Strategic thinking and execution
• Strong analytical and financial acumen
• Cross‑functional collaboration and influence
• Supplier engagement and development
• Problem‑solving and decision‑making under pressure
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills

The estimated salary range for this position is $95,000 to $112,000 plus bonus. Starting pay is dependent on multiple factors, such as skills, experience and work location, and is not typically at the top of the range. At Xylem we offer a competitive compensation package with a generous benefit package, including Medical, Dental, Vision plans, 401(k) with company contribution, paid time off, paid parental leave and tuition reimbursement.

Xylem does not provide visa sponsorship for this position.

Our products impact public utilities, industrial sectors, residential areas, and commercial buildings, with a commitment to providing smart metering, network technologies, and advanced analytics for water, electric, and gas utilities.

Partner with us in creating a world where water challenges are met with ingenuity and dedication; where we recognize the power of inclusion and belonging in driving innovation and allowing us to compete more effectively around the world.

At Xylem, you'll not only contribute to solving water issues but also have the chance to make a difference through our paid Volunteer Program, Xylem Watermark.

We prioritize our employees' well‑being through inclusion and belonging as well as our Employee Resource Groups (ERG).

Proud to be an Equal Employment Opportunity (including disability and veterans) and Affirmative Action workplace, Xylem fosters an inclusive environment free from discrimination or harassment.

Please note that the information in this job description outlines the general nature of the position and is not an exhaustive list of duties.

Xylem is dedicated to providing reasonable accommodations to enable all employees to perform their essential job functions.

We reserve the right to modify this job description and assign additional duties as needed.

Embrace the opportunity to be part of Xylem's transformative journey in shaping the future of water technology!

Our goal is to optimize water access and quality, and promote responsible consumption, so that communities across the globe can thrive.

Through Xylem Watermark, our Corporate Citizenship Program, we provide and protect safe water resources for communities around the world by engaging all stakeholders and educating about water issues.

Learn more by clicking here – Working at Xylem (https://www.xylem.com/en-us/careers/working-at-xylem/)

Inclusion and Belonging at Xylem Inclusion and Belonging are fundamental to how we enable our customers to tackle global water challenges. Learn more about our commitment to Inclusion and Belonging. (https://www.xylem.com/en-us/careers/inclusion-and-belonging/)