Sourcing Specialist

Howmet Aerospace; Waco (TX); On-site; USD 80,000 - 100,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical insurance

Vision insurance

401(k)

Paid maternity leave

Paid paternity leave

Tuition assistance

Job summary

A leading aerospace company seeks a Sourcing Specialist responsible for strategic sourcing and vendor negotiations. This role will lead sourcing strategies, manage supplier relationships, and ensure compliance with policies. The ideal candidate has a bachelor's degree and over 7 years of purchasing experience in manufacturing. Attractive benefits include medical insurance, 401(k), and tuition assistance.

Qualifications

• 7+ years of experience in purchasing materials and services in a manufacturing environment.
• Understanding of lean manufacturing principles.
• Experience sourcing commodities like steel, aluminum, and mechanical components.

Responsibilities

• Lead the strategic sourcing process for assigned commodities.
• Develop sourcing strategies based on market conditions.
• Oversee supplier relationships and monitor performance.

Skills

Negotiation skills

Interpersonal skills

Analytical skills

Problem-solving skills

Knowledge of manufacturing processes

Education

Bachelor's degree in business, engineering, or related discipline

Tools

Electronic business enterprise systems

Job description

The Sourcing Specialist has major purchasing responsibilities for assigned commodities and services, ensuring that all procurements are made in accordance with Howmet purchasing policies and procedures. Provides materials and services required for efficient operations and secures favorable pricing through vendor negotiations. Works closely within cross‑functional teams to drive early supplier engagement throughout the development phases and product qualifications. Builds strong strategic relationships with supply partners and internal stakeholders to ensure project timing and cost targets are met. Determines the total cost of ownership for commodities by understanding the underlying cost drivers supporting new business awards. Takes the lead in making sure Howmet can meet its cost targets, suppliers deliver on time and parts are received at the highest level of quality.

Responsibilities

• Lead the strategic sourcing process for the assigned commodities and projects
• Develop sourcing strategies by analyzing the supply base, market conditions, and technology roadmaps
• Lead contractual negotiations with suppliers on NDA’s, Terms & Conditions and long‑term agreements
• Identify potential suppliers, analyze capabilities, and develop a sourcing strategy and roadmap for Howmet stakeholders
• Perform detailed analysis of supplier quote submissions based on cost breakdown data and support it with Total Cost of Ownership and should‑costs
• Identify and implement cost reductions on new and series production products and services
• Manage supplier relationships including monitoring supplier performance, competitiveness and take necessary steps to address gaps and resolve issues
• Support the efforts of supplier quality team for supplier development, qualification, and quality issues resolution
• Recommend and effectively present leadership sourcing strategies for multiple programs that meet the business objectives and timelines
• Build relationships across multiple teams (Corporate, Finance, Engineering, Manufacturing, Quality, Operations) and work across different levels in the organization to ensure program timelines are achieved
• Processes requisitions and places purchase orders to ensure a continuous supply of materials and services, maintaining responsibility for each procurement until all items are received, accepted, invoiced and paid
• Negotiate pricing and terms with vendors to ensure that Howmet receives best value for each purchasing dollar expended
• Monitor supplier performance, maintaining a close relationship with vendors. May visit vendor facilities to review operations and suggest resources for improvement
• Maintain positive, mutually beneficial relationships between suppliers and the Company
• Works closely with Engineering, Research & Development, Quality Assurance, Manufacturing, and other internal customers to determine requirements and to ensure superior levels of service
• Coordinate the purchasing process in the Focus Factories and provide guidance and direction on implementing and maintaining best practices
• Utilize electronic business enterprise systems to leverage management of purchasing activities
• Serve as a resource to the organization and provide education and training on purchasing matters
• Ensure that all work activities are performed in accordance with established safety and environmental standards
• Maintain full compliance with Company policies and procedures and conduct all activities in accordance with the Howmet’s Guide to Business Conduct
• Demonstrate a knowledge of and commitment to Howmet Business Systems manufacturing principles and techniques

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in business, engineering, supply chain, production management, logistics, or a closely related discipline is required.
• 7+ years of experience purchasing a wide range of materials, products, and services in a manufacturing environment.
• Exposure to the principles of lean manufacturing. A thorough knowledge of electronic business enterprise systems.
• Strong interpersonal skills to interface effectively with vendors and internal/external customers.
• Excellent negotiation skills to secure best value for the company.
• Understanding of manufacturing processes and demonstrated experience sourcing commodities like steel, aluminum, electro/electronic and mechanical components, tooling and finished goods.
• Excellent analytical, negotiation, and problem‑solving skills. Passion for results, strategy, and hands‑on execution.
• Creative, calculated risk taker with the ability to manage large and/or difficult suppliers, with complex/diversified portfolios. Ability to resolve disputes while preserving relationships with suppliers and internal staff.
• Strong written and verbal skills as well as organizational and program management capabilities.
• New Product Introduction experience is preferred.

Benefits

• Medical insurance
• Vision insurance
• 401(k)
• Paid maternity leave
• Paid paternity leave
• Tuition assistance

Seniority level: Associate

Employment type: Full‑time

Job function: Purchasing; Industries: Manufacturing