Sourcing Specialist

Socket.dev; Franklin (TN); On-site; USD 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

IEM is seeking a Sourcing Specialist for our Franklin, TN location. This in-office role supports supplier identification, pricing analysis, negotiations, and procurement activities to meet manufacturing and operational goals.

You will work with internal stakeholders to improve material availability, cost competitiveness, and on-time delivery. The ideal candidate has 2+ years in sourcing in a manufacturing environment and strong analytical, communication, and collaboration skills.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in a related field is required.
• 2+ years of experience in sourcing, procurement, or supplier management in manufacturing.
• Experience with supplier communication, pricing, performance, and cost reduction initiatives.
• Understanding of manufacturing supply chains, lead times, material planning, and production support.
• Proficiency with ERP/MRP systems and Excel.

Responsibilities

• Support sourcing activities aligned with cost, quality, and delivery goals.
• Identify, evaluate, qualify, and onboard suppliers meeting needs.
• Assist with supplier negotiations on pricing, terms, lead times, and orders.
• Maintain supplier relationships through regular communication and issue resolution.
• Support supplier performance tracking, scorecards, and corrective actions.
• Collaborate with Procurement, Planning, Operations, Quality, Engineering, and Finance.
• Analyze supplier pricing, lead times, capacity, and market trends to support decisions.
• Help resolve delivery delays, defects, or pricing discrepancies.

Skills

Analytical skills

Communication skills

Problem-solving

Cross-functional collaboration

Negotiation support

Education

Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain, Business Administration, Mechanical Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Industrial Engineering, or a related field

Tools

ERP/MRP systems

Microsoft Excel

Supplier performance reporting tools

Job description

At IEM, we’re not just building innovative electrical distribution systems, we’re shaping the future. IEM is dedicated to delivering world-class solutions for complex power needs. After 75 years, we continue to push the boundaries of what’s possible. Whether you’re an experienced professional or just starting out, you’ll have the opportunity to contribute, grow, and make a lasting impact on industries that power the world’s most dynamic markets.

Position Summary

IEM is currently seeking Sourcing Specialists for our Franklin, TN location. The Sourcing Specialist supports sourcing, supplier management, and procurement activities that help IEM meet manufacturing, supply chain, and operational goals. This role assists with supplier identification, pricing analysis, negotiations, supplier follow-up, and sourcing projects to support material availability, cost competitiveness, quality, and on-time delivery.

The ideal candidate has experience in a manufacturing environment and is comfortable working with suppliers, internal stakeholders, and data to support sourcing decisions, cost reduction initiatives, supplier performance, and production needs. This position reports to our Strategic Procurement Manager.

Please note: This position requires 100% in-office presence in our Franklin, TN office and does not offer remote work.

Key Responsibilities

• Support sourcing activities that align with cost, quality, delivery, inventory, and business continuity goals.
• Assist with identifying, evaluating, qualifying, and onboarding suppliers that meet IEM's manufacturing and operational needs.
• Support supplier negotiations related to pricing, payment terms, lead times, minimum order quantities, stocking agreements, blanket orders, and supply commitments.
• Maintain supplier relationships through regular communication, follow-up, and issue resolution.
• Assist with supplier performance tracking, scorecards, corrective actions, and supplier development activities.
• Support sourcing, cost reduction, supplier consolidation, dual sourcing, localization, and supply risk mitigation initiatives.
• Partner with Procurement, Planning, Operations, Quality, Engineering, and Finance to support production needs and supplier-related actions.
• Analyze supplier pricing, lead times, capacity, market trends, demand signals, and supply risks to support sourcing recommendations.
• Help resolve supplier issues related to delivery delays, defects, nonconformance, pricing discrepancies, capacity constraints, and recurring performance concerns.
• Maintain accurate supplier, pricing, contract, and sourcing data in applicable systems.
• Support continuous improvement efforts related to supplier performance, material flow, cost reduction, and supply chain reliability.
• The candidate will be expected to perform additional duties as assigned to support the team and organization.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain, Business Administration, Mechanical Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Industrial Engineering, or a related field.
• 2+ years of experience in sourcing, procurement, supply chain, purchasing, supplier management, or a related role in a manufacturing environment.
• Experience supporting supplier communication, sourcing activities, pricing analysis, supplier performance, and cost reduction initiatives.
• Understanding of manufacturing supply chains, supplier lead times, material planning, cost drivers, and production support.
• Ability to support practical sourcing and supplier decisions while partnering appropriately with Engineering, Quality, Operations, and Supply Chain.
• Strong analytical, communication, problem-solving, follow-up, and cross-functional collaboration skills.
• Experience in electrical equipment, power distribution, switchgear, industrial manufacturing, or engineered-to-order manufacturing preferred.
• Experience with supplier development, localization, Lean Manufacturing, continuous improvement, and material flow concepts preferred.
• Proficiency with ERP/MRP systems, Microsoft Excel, and supplier performance reporting tools.
• Demonstrated career ambition with a track record of growth and increasing responsibility; highly promotable with the potential to take on broader responsibilities within a fast-paced, high-growth organization.

Working Conditions

• Manufacturing and office environment.
• May require occasional travel to suppliers or IEM facilities.
• Must be able to work in a fast-paced environment with shifting priorities, production demands, and supplier constraints.

Compensation actually offered for this role will take into account internal equity and also may vary depending on the candidate's geographic region, job-related knowledge, skills, and experience among other factors.

Why Join IEM

At IEM, you’ll join a team that powers some of the world’s most ambitious projects. We’re engineers, makers, and problem-solvers who thrive on tackling complex challenges and delivering solutions that keep industries moving forward. If you’re driven, collaborative, and ready to make an impact, we’d love to hear from you. Your creativity and passion can help us achieve great things—come be part of the journey.

Learn more about IEM at https://www.iemfg.com

We offer comprehensive and competitive benefits package designed to support our employees' well-being, growth, and long-term success. View a snapshot of our benefits at https://www.iemfg.com/careers

Non-Discrimination Statement

IEM does not discriminate against any applicant based on any characteristic protected by law.

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