Strategic Sourcing Lead

Corning Inc.; Charlotte (NC); On-site; USD 81,000 - 111,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Bonuses and incentives

Pension plan with company contribution

401(k) matching

Job summary

Corning is seeking a seasoned procurement and supply chain professional to lead GSM-related procurement activities, contract management, and supplier relations. You will coordinate global sourcing, ensure policy compliance, and drive cost savings across domestic and international vendors.

The role emphasizes cross-functional collaboration, KPI tracking, and hands-on use of ERP and SAP systems to support on-time delivery and process optimization in a fast-paced environment.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in supply chain management, Industrial Engineering, Business Administration, or a related field.
• Master’s degree a plus.
• PMP, Six Sigma, Lean or CSCP certifications are a plus.

Responsibilities

• Implement GSM strategies and procurement plans aligned with organizational objectives and sourcing strategies.
• Ensures compliance with the Global Buying Policy and auditing requirements.
• Leads supplier negotiations on contracts, pricing, lead times, payment terms, and other agreements.
• Supports plant expansion projects and collaborates with stakeholders across locations.
• Sources equipment, goods, and services from domestic and international vendors.
• Expedites purchase orders and ensure timely processing in SAP.
• Engages suppliers to address urgent needs and coordinates on-site reviews of scopes of work.
• Maintains excellent communication across all organizational levels.
• Tracks and reports KPIs, including savings, cost avoidance, and PO timelines.
• Resolves invoicing issues with Accounts Payable and supports supplier onboarding.
• Manages supplier relationships, audits, and import/export operations to ensure timely delivery.
• Identifies new sourcing opportunities and protects Intellectual Property (IP).
• Creates and maintains contractual documents such as agreements and certificates.
• Acts as a liaison between GSM and plant teams, driving collaboration and improvements.

Skills

GSM strategies

Procurement

Supply management

Inventory management

Logistics operations

Transportation

Contract management

Supplier negotiations

Source-to-Pay

MRO and facilities management

Education

Bachelor’s degree in supply chain management, Industrial Engineering, Business Administration, or related field

Master’s degree a plus

PMP, Six Sigma, Lean or CSCP certifications are a plus

Tools

SAP

ERP systems

eProcurement tools

E-Sourcing tools

Contract management software

Job description

The company built on breakthroughs. Join us. Corning is one of the world’s leading innovators in glass, ceramic, and materials science. From the depths of the ocean to the farthest reaches of space, our technologies push the boundaries of what’s possible.

Requisition Number: 76887

How do we do this? With our people. They break through limitations and expectations– not once in a career, but every day. They help move our company, and the world, forward.

At Corning, there are endless possibilities for making an impact. You can help connect the unconnected, drive the future of automobiles, transform at-home entertainment, and ensure the delivery of lifesaving medicines. And so much more.

Come break through with us.

Our Optical Communications segment has recently evolved from being a manufacturer of optical fiber and cable, hardware and equipment to being a comprehensive provider of industry-leading optical solutions across the broader communications industry. This segment is classified into two main product groupings – carrier network and enterprise network. The carrier network product group consists primarily of products and solutions for optical-based communications infrastructure for services such as video, data and voice communications. The enterprise network product group consists primarily of optical-based communication networks sold to businesses, governments and individuals for their own use.

Purpose Of Position

Involves the overall planning, implementation, and optimization of all activities and support required for the buying and delivery of equipment, products, and services, from material acquisition through delivery. Primary areas include procurement, supply management, inventory management, logistics operations, transportation, and distribution.

Major Responsibilities And Tasks Of The Position

• Implement GSM strategies and procurement plans aligned with organizational objectives and sourcing strategies.
• Ensures compliance with the Global Buying Policy and auditing requirements.
• Leads supplier negotiations on contracts, pricing, lead times, payment terms, and other agreements.
• Supports plant expansion projects and collaborates with stakeholders across locations.
• Sources equipment, goods, and services from domestic and international vendors.
• Expedites purchase orders and ensure timely processing in SAP.
• Engages suppliers to address urgent needs and coordinates on-site visits to review scopes of work (SOW).
• Maintains excellent communication across all organizational levels.
• Tracks and reports KPIs, including savings, cost avoidance, and purchase order timelines.
• Resolves invoicing issues with Accounts Payable and supports supplier onboarding.
• Manages supplier relationships, audits, and import/export operations to ensure timely delivery.
• Identifies new sourcing opportunities and protects Intellectual Property (IP).
• Creates and maintains contractual documents such as agreements and certificates.
• Acts as a liaison between GSM and plant teams, driving collaboration and improvements.

Education

Minimum Knowledge and Skill Requirements:

• Bachelor’s degree in supply chain management, Industrial Engineering, Business Administration, or a related field.
• Master’s degree a plus.
• PMP, Six Sigma, Lean or CSCP certifications are a plus.

Work Experience

• Over 5 years of experience in supply chain operations, including project implementation and process optimization.
• Expertise in key supply chain functions such as forecasting, procurement, planning, warehousing, and transportation.
• Proven ability to maximize operational efficiency by leveraging ERP systems and Supply Chain Management solutions.
• Exceptional communication and collaboration skills, fostering effective relationships with cross-functional teams and stakeholders.
• Adept at managing competing priorities, handling multiple projects, and meeting deadlines in dynamic, fast-paced environments.
• Analytical mindset with a focus on identifying customer value and using data-driven insights to support decision-making.
• Proactive and adaptable, with a strong ability to learn quickly and apply new concepts to achieve organizational goals.

Competencies

• Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities.
• Advanced negotiation and contract management expertise.
• Experienced in eProcurement and E-Sourcing tools.
• Ability to analyze spending patterns and forecast requirements.
• Knowledge of global supply markets and risk management.
• Effective collaboration across functions and teams.
• Extensive experience in MRO and facilities management.
• Expertise in Source-to-Pay processes.

This position does not support immigration sponsorship.

The range for this position is $80,738.00 - $111,015.00 assuming full time status. Starting pay for the successful applicant is dependent on a variety of job-related factors, including but not limited to geographic location, market demands, experience, training, and education.

A job that shapes a life.

Corning offers you the total package.

Your well-being is our priority. Our compensation and benefits package supports your health and wellness, financial aspirations, and career from day one.

• Company-wide bonuses and long-term incentives align with key business results and ensure you are rewarded when the company performs well. When Corning wins, we all win.
• As part of our commitment to your financial well-being, we provide a 100% company-paid pension benefit with fixed contributions that grow throughout your career. Combined with matching contributions to your 401(k) savings plan, Corning’s total contributions to your retirement accounts can reach between 7% and 12% of your pay, depending on your age and years of service.
• Our health and well-being benefits include medical, dental, vision, paid parental leave, family building support, fitness, company-paid life insurance, disability, disease management programs, paid time off, and an Employee Assistance Program (EAP) to support you and your family.
• Getting paid for our work is important, but feeling appreciated and recognized for those contributions motivates us much more. That’s why Corning offers a recognition program to celebrate successes and reward colleagues who make exceptional contributions.

We prohibit discrimination on the basis of race, color, gender, age, religion, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, disability, veteran status or any other legally protected status.

Corning is committed to providing equal employment opportunities and considers requests for reasonable accommodations in accordance with applicable laws. Individuals with disabilities or sincerely held religious beliefs may request reasonable accommodations to participate in the application or interview process, perform essential job functions, or access other benefits and privileges of employment. To submit a request for reasonable accommodation related to disability or religion, please contact us at [e-mail].