Strategic Sourcing Lead: Category Strategy & Suppliers

Spirax-Sarco Ltd.; Cary (IL); On-site; USD 75,000 - 85,000; Full time

Job summary

Chromalox, a leader in electrical thermal solutions, seeks a Strategic Sourcing Specialist in Cary, IL to lead category strategy, supplier sourcing and contracting across key product and service areas. You will collaborate with engineering, quality, production and finance to deliver sustainable cost savings and ensure supply continuity.

The role requires 5–7 years in sourcing or procurement, strong negotiation and data analysis skills, and ERP/MRP plus advanced Excel proficiency.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain, Business, Engineering, or related field.
• 5–7 years of experience in sourcing or procurement, preferably strategic sourcing and category management.
• Industry-specific expertise in manufacturing.
• 2–3 years experience in an ETO or MTO manufacturing environment.
• Strong negotiation skills with ability to secure favorable terms.
• Proficiency in ERP/MRP systems and advanced Excel for spend and data analysis.
• Analytical mindset for data-driven decision making.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal abilities for stakeholder management.
• Organizational and time management skills to handle multiple sourcing projects.
• Strong ethical judgment and strategic orientation.
• Procurement/Supply Chain credentials: CPSM, CIPS, CPIM, ISM CSP or equivalent preferred.

Responsibilities

• Intelligence studies to identify supplier trends, cost drivers, and risk factors.
• Maintain supplier qualification and ongoing performance management (e.g., scorecards, audits).
• Collaborate with internal team-engineering, legal, quality assurance, and operations—to ensure alignment with sourcing decisions.
• Identify supply chain risks; develop and execute mitigation and continuity plans to manage supply disruptions and escalation issues.
• Drive continuous cost-optimization, process improvement, and performance metrics tracking.
• Identify, evaluate and qualify new suppliers. Help find second sources for any single sourced items.
• Issue and maintain blanket purchase orders for commodities.
• Other duties as assigned.

Skills

Negotiation skills

Analytical mindset

Communication

Project management

Education

Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain, Business, Engineering, or related field

Tools

ERP/MRP systems

Advanced Excel

Job description

Chromalox, a leader in electrical thermal solutions, seeks a Strategic Sourcing Specialist in Cary, IL to lead category strategy, supplier sourcing and contracting across key product and service areas. You will collaborate with engineering, quality, production and finance to deliver sustainable cost savings and ensure supply continuity.

The role requires 5–7 years in sourcing or procurement, strong negotiation and data analysis skills, and ERP/MRP plus advanced Excel proficiency.