Strategic Sourcing Manager: Critical Materials

Vulcan-Elements

Durham (NC)

On-site

USD 110,000 - 150,000

Full time

14 days+

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Job summary

Vulcan Elements, based in Durham, NC, is seeking a Strategic Sourcing Manager to develop and execute sourcing strategies for critical raw materials, manufacturing equipment, and services for domestic rare-earth magnet production.

You will lead supplier negotiations, manage risk, and collaborate across Engineering, Manufacturing, Operations, and Logistics to ensure cost, quality, and on-time delivery while strengthening supply chain resilience.

Qualifications

Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain Management, Engineering, Business, Materials Science, or a related technical discipline.
5+ years in strategic sourcing, procurement, supplier development, or professional work experience
Experience negotiating commercial agreements and managing strategic supplier relationships.
Strong understanding of supplier risk management, contract negotiation, commodity management, and total cost of ownership principles.

Responsibilities

Develop and execute sourcing strategies supporting the production raw material requirements.
Identify, evaluate, qualify, negotiate, and manage strategic supplier relationships across domestic and international markets.
Lead commercial negotiations for purchase agreements, long‑term supply agreements, pricing structures, and supplier partnerships.
Support supply chain resilience initiatives through supplier diversification, inventory optimization, risk mitigation, and business continuity planning.
Monitor global commodity markets, rare earth pricing, geopolitical developments, tariffs, trade restrictions, and regulatory changes impacting supply availability and cost.
Partner with Engineering, Manufacturing, Operations, Quality, and Program Management to support new product introductions, supplier qualification, and production readiness.
Collaborate with Logistics and Trade Compliance to optimise transportation, customs strategies, Incoterms, and international supplier operations.
Perform make‑versus‑buy analyses, should‑cost modeling, total cost of ownership evaluations, and sourcing recommendations.
Develop and monitor supplier performance metrics, including quality, delivery, cost, responsiveness, and continuous improvement initiatives.
Support government, defense, and commercial customer requirements related to domestic sourcing, traceability, supply chain security, and DFARS compliance.
Drive cost savings, productivity improvements, and strategic sourcing initiatives while maintaining continuity of supply.
Maintain accurate supplier records, contracts, and sourcing documentation within ERP and procurement systems.