Strategic Sourcing Specialist

Durex Industries, Inc.; Cary (IL); On-site; USD 75,000 - 85,000; Full time

Job summary

Chromalox is seeking 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, ensure supply continuity, and drive procurement process improvements.

The ideal candidate will analyze market trends, run competitive sourcing events, negotiate contracts, and manage supplier performance to support growth and

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain, Business, Engineering, or related field
• 5–7 years experience in sourcing or procurement, preferably strategic sourcing and category management
• Industry-specific manufacturing experience
• 2–3 years experience in ETO/MTO manufacturing environments
• Strong negotiation skills and ability to secure favorable terms
• Proficiency in ERP/MRP systems and advanced Excel for data analysis
• Analytical mindset and data-driven decision making
• Excellent communication and stakeholder management
• Organizational and time management skills
• Procurement/supply chain credentials preferred

Responsibilities

• Lead intelligence studies to identify supplier trends, cost drivers, and risks
• Maintain supplier qualification and performance management (scorecards, audits)
• Collaborate with engineering, legal, quality, and operations to align sourcing decisions
• Identify supply chain risks and develop mitigation and continuity plans
• Drive cost-optimization, process improvements, and performance tracking
• Identify, evaluate, and qualify new suppliers; find secondary sources for single-sourced items
• Issue and manage blanket purchase orders for commodities
• Other duties as assigned

Skills

Sourcing

Category management

Negotiation

Data analysis

Stakeholder management

Procurement

Cost optimization

Education

Bachelor's degree (Supply Chain/Business/Engineering)

Advanced degree preferred

CPSM, CIPS, CPIM, ISM CSP or equivalent

Tools

ERP/MRP systems

Excel

Job description

Composed of Chromalox, Durex Industries, Vulcanic, and Thermocoax businesses, Electrical Thermal Solutions (ETS), part of Spirax Group, creates electrical process heating and temperature management solutions, including industrial heaters and systems, heat tracing, and a range of component technologies.
At Chromalox, we build advanced thermal technologies for the world's most challenging industrial heating applications.
Headquartered in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, we got our start with an innovative solution 100 years ago when a self-taught engineer invented the first metal-sheathed resistance heating element. It was this then-advanced thermal technology that launched an entire industry.
We excel in industries that have high expectations. We are acknowledged as experts at delivering solutions that exceed specifications, limit risk, and reduce operating costs.
Join us as we continue to provide solutions to our customers and the world!

The Role

As the Strategic Sourcing Specialist, you will lead category strategy, supplier sourcing, and contracting activities across key product and service categories. This role will collaborate with engineering, quality, production and finance teams to deliver sustainable cost savings, ensure supply continuity, and drive procurement process improvements. The successful candidate will analyze market trends, conduct competitive sourcing events, negotiate contracts, and manage supplier performance to support business growth and operational excellence.

Your 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

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain, Business, Engineering, or related field; advanced degrees preferred
• Proven experience (5-7 years) in sourcing or procurement, preferably in strategic sourcing and category management
• Industry-specific expertise (manufacturing)
• 2-3 years proven ETO or MTO manufacturing environment experience
• Strong negotiation skills; ability to secure favorable commercial terms and supply agreements
• Proficiency in ERP/MRP systems and advanced Excel for spend and data analysis and reporting
• 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

Payrate: $75,000 - $85,000

At Chromalox, we are not just an employer but a champion of equal opportunities and inclusivity. We are dedicated to fostering a workplace that adheres to the highest hiring standards and is free from discrimination and harassment.

Chromalox is an equal opportunity employer; our commitment extends to all aspects of employment, ensuring that no individual is mistreated or discriminated against based on race, color, sex, religion, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, genetic information, pregnancy, or any other protected characteristic as defined by federal, state, or local laws.