Strategic Direct Sourcing Manager

Aston Carter; Eden Prairie (MN); On-site; USD 76,000 - 86,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental & vision

401(k) Retirement Plan

Life Insurance

Short and long-term disability

Health Spending Account

Job summary

Aston Carter is seeking a Direct Sourcing Category Manager for a contract role based in Eden Prairie, MN. The role focuses on developing category strategies, sourcing pipelines, and savings roadmaps with measurable outcomes.

Responsibilities include leading supplier selection, negotiations, and SRM, while driving cost reductions using spend analytics and should-cost modeling. Onsite work with core hours 8am–5pm and a focus on collaboration and professional growth.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain, Engineering, Finance, Operations, or related field.
• 5+ years of strategic sourcing or direct materials procurement experience.
• Strong negotiation and supplier management skills.
• Financial and cost analysis capabilities.
• Experience with spend analytics and sourcing tools.
• Project management and cross-functional leadership experience.

Responsibilities

• Develop and execute sourcing strategies for assigned suppliers and categories.
• Drive cost reduction and value engineering initiatives using spend analytics and should-cost modeling.
• Lead supplier selection, negotiations, and contract management.
• Conduct supplier segmentation, supplier relationship management (SRM), and performance reviews.
• Identify and mitigate supply chain risks, including financial, operational, and geopolitical risks.
• Support new product development sourcing activities and supplier onboarding.
• Negotiate and manage master purchase agreements.

Skills

5+ years experience

Negotiation

Financial analysis

Spend analytics

Sourcing tools

Project management

Education

Bachelor's degree (Supply Chain / related)

Tools

Sourcing tools

Job description

Aston Carter is seeking a Direct Sourcing Category Manager for a contract role based in Eden Prairie, MN. The role focuses on developing category strategies, sourcing pipelines, and savings roadmaps with measurable outcomes.

Responsibilities include leading supplier selection, negotiations, and SRM, while driving cost reductions using spend analytics and should-cost modeling. Onsite work with core hours 8am–5pm and a focus on collaboration and professional growth.