Sourcing Specialist

Lincoln Electric; Cleveland (OH); On-site; USD 80,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

Lincoln Electric is seeking a Strategic Sourcing Specialist in Cleveland, OH to drive category strategies and supplier engagement across direct materials. You will partner with Engineering, Operations, Quality, Finance, and Supply Chain to deliver cost improvements and value creation while ensuring supply continuity and risk mitigation.

The role emphasizes supplier qualification, sourcing events, data analysis, and collaboration on NPD initiatives.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain Management, Business, Engineering, Finance, Operations, or a related field.
• 3+ years of progressive experience in strategic sourcing, category management, procurement, or supply chain.
• Proficiency with ERP systems and analytics tools including SAP, Oracle, Ariba, and Power BI.
• Strong analytical, project management, communication, and stakeholder influence skills.

Responsibilities

• Develop and execute category and supplier strategies aligned with long-term objectives.
• Collaborate with Engineering, Operations, Quality, and Finance to identify cost-saving opportunities.
• Identify, evaluate, qualify, and onboard new suppliers to ensure a competitive supply base.
• Support supplier selection, negotiations, and contract administration to meet cost and service objectives.
• Monitor market conditions, trends, and supplier developments to support sourcing decisions.
• Maintain supplier relationships and support performance management via metrics.
• Use spend data and market research to identify opportunities and support category management.
• Assist with NPD and lifecycle activities coordinating supplier engagement and sourcing.
• Coordinate sourcing events (RFIs, RFPs, RFQs, bids) under leadership guidance.
• Support initiatives for supply continuity, diversification, sustainability, and efficiency.
• Ensure sourcing complies with policies, procedures, and regulatory standards.
• Prepare reports and analyses for sourcing decisions and planning.
• Participate in continuous improvement projects and other duties.

Skills

Strategic sourcing

Category management

Supplier management

Cost reduction

Negotiations

Analytics

Project management

Stakeholder influence

Education

Bachelor's degree in SCM / Business / Engineering / Finance / Operations

MBA or professional certifications (CPSM, CPM, CSCP)

Tools

SAP

Oracle

Ariba

Power BI

Job description

The Strategic Sourcing Specialist supports the development and execution of sourcing and category management strategies for assigned direct material categories to ensure supply continuity, cost competitiveness, supplier performance, and operational excellence. Working closely with Engineering, Operations, Quality, Finance, and Supply Chain teams, this role contributes to the identification and implementation of cost savings, value improvement, and supply chain optimization opportunities that align with business objectives.

This position is responsible for supporting supplier sourcing and qualification activities, managing sourcing events, monitoring market conditions, analyzing spend and supplier performance data, and assisting with new product development initiatives. Through effective cross-functional collaboration and supplier engagement, the Strategic Sourcing Specialist helps maintain a competitive and reliable supply base while supporting risk mitigation, continuous improvement, and strategic procurement objectives.

As a member of the Direct Sourcing organization, this role contributes to the success of the procurement function by driving disciplined execution, fostering strong supplier relationships, and supporting initiatives that enhance business performance, operational efficiency, and long-term value creation.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and execute comprehensive category and supplier strategies that align with long-term business objectives and drive sustainable value.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams, including Engineering, Operations, Quality, and Finance, to identify and implement cost-saving and value improvement opportunities
• Assist in identifying, evaluating, qualifying, and onboarding new suppliers to ensure a competitive and reliable supply base.
• Support supplier selection activities, commercial negotiations, and contract administration to achieve cost, quality, delivery, and service objectives.
• Monitor market conditions, commodity trends, and supplier developments, providing insights to support sourcing decisions and risk mitigation efforts.
• Maintain supplier relationships and support performance management activities, including tracking key metrics and coordinating improvement actions.
• Utilize spend data, market research, and performance metrics to identify sourcing opportunities and support category management initiatives.
• Assist with new product development (NPD) and product lifecycle activities by coordinating supplier engagement and sourcing support.
• Coordinate sourcing events, including RFIs, RFPs, RFQs, and competitive bid processes, under the guidance of sourcing leadership.
• Support initiatives focused on supply continuity, supplier diversification, sustainability, and operational efficiency.
• Ensure sourcing activities comply with company policies, procedures, contractual requirements, and regulatory standards.
• Prepare reports, presentations, and analyses to support sourcing decisions, supplier reviews, and business planning activities.
• Participate in continuous improvement projects and other duties or special assignments as required.

Knowledge and Experience

Required Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain Management, Business, Engineering, Finance, Operations, or a related field
• 3+ years of progressive experience in strategic sourcing, category management, procurement, or supply chain
• Proven success developing and executing category strategies, supplier management programs, cost reduction initiatives, and commercial negotiations.
• Proficiency with ERP systems and analytics tools to include systems such as SAP, Oracle, Ariba, and Power BI.
• Strong analytical, project management, communication, and stakeholder influence skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities.

Preferred Qualifications:

• MBA and/or professional certifications (CPSM, CPM, CSCP)
• Experience within a manufacturing environment.
• Willingness to travel up to 15%, including overnight travel.