Strategic Sourcing Specialist

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

Job summary

Chromalox, a part of Electrical Thermal Solutions within Spirax Group, seeks a Strategic Sourcing Specialist in Cary, IL. You will lead category strategy, supplier sourcing, and contracting across key product and service categories.

Collaborate with engineering, quality, production and finance to deliver sustainable cost savings, ensure supply continuity, and drive procurement process improvements. You will analyze market trends, negotiate contracts, and manage supplier performance to support

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain, Business, Engineering or related field.
• 5-7 years of sourcing or procurement experience.
• 2-3 years in an ETO or MTO manufacturing environment.
• Strong negotiation and data-analysis skills for cost savings.
• Proficiency in ERP/MRP and advanced Excel for spend analytics.
• Certifications CPSM/CIPS/CPIM/ISM CSP preferred.

Responsibilities

• Lead category strategy, supplier sourcing, and contracting activities.
• Collaborate with engineering, quality, production and finance teams.
• Analyze market trends and conduct competitive sourcing events.
• Negotiate contracts and manage supplier performance.
• Maintain supplier scorecards, audits, and risk assessments.

Skills

Negotiation skills

ERP/MRP proficiency

Excel data analysis

Analytical thinking

Communication skills

Education

Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain/Business/Engineering

Tools

ERP/MRP software

Job description

Strategic Sourcing Specialist

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

Equal Opportunity

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.