Strategic Sourcing Specialist

Lippert Components, Inc.; Mishawaka (IN); On-site; USD 70,000 - 110,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental, vision

401k with employer match

Vacation and holidays

Job summary

Lippert Components, Inc. in the Elkhart, IN area is seeking a Strategic Sourcing Specialist to lead sourcing and supplier development for trailer running gear and towing products.

You will collaborate with Product Development, Engineering, Quality and Purchasing to define requirements and execute sourcing strategies. Travel up to 10% and oversight across domestic and international suppliers; must be legally authorized to work in the United States.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree preferred.
• 5+ years working with trailer components or running gear.
• Ability to review drawings, specs and quality requirements.
• Experience in sourcing, product management or supplier development.

Responsibilities

• Serve as SME for trailer running gear categories and guide cross-functional teams.
• Identify and qualify domestic and international suppliers for running gear.
• Manage supplier relationships to meet cost, quality, delivery and performance.
• Collaborate with Engineering, Quality, Product Development and Purchasing.
• Lead cost analyses and supplier negotiations to optimize value.
• Support product lifecycle from concept to commercialization.
• Monitor performance, feedback and trends for continuous improvement.
• Assist in introducing new products and expanding the portfolio.
• Travel domestically and globally up to 10% as needed.

Skills

Trailer running gear

Axles and brakes

Supplier development

Sourcing strategies

Cross-functional collaboration

Product requirements

Quality standards

Education

Bachelor's degree

Associates or Bachelors

Job description

Overview

Join the Lippert Team!

Lippert is a leading, global manufacturer and supplier of highly engineered products and customized solutions, dedicated to shaping, growing and bettering the RV, marine, automotive, commercial vehicle and building products industries. We combine our strategic manufacturing capabilities with the power of our winning team culture to deliver unrivaled customer service, award-winning innovation and premium products to all of our customers.

Strategic Sourcing Specialist

The Lippert Corporate Aftermarket team is hiring a Strategic Sourcing Specialist to support the sourcing, development, and management of trailer running gear and towing products, including axles, brakes, hubs, drums, bearings, suspension, and related components. This position will work closely with Product Development, Engineering, Quality, and Supply Chain teams to identify and develop global supplier partnerships while supporting the growth of Lippert's Aftermarket business. This position is based in the Elkhart, Indiana area.

Responsibilities

• Serve as a subject matter expert for assigned product categories and provide technical guidance to support business objectives.
• Serve as the category expert for trailer running gear products including axles, brake assemblies, hubs, drums, bearings, suspension, and towing components.
• Identify, evaluate, and qualify domestic and international suppliers for running gear product categories.
• Identify, evaluate, and manage supplier relationships to ensure quality, cost, delivery, and performance expectations are met.
• Partner with cross-functional teams, including Engineering, Quality, Product Development, and Purchasing, to define product requirements and execute sourcing strategies.
• Assess supplier capabilities, manufacturing processes, quality systems, and operational capacity to support organizational growth.
• Lead cost analysis, supplier negotiations, and continuous improvement initiatives to optimize value and performance.
• Support product development and sourcing activities throughout the product lifecycle, from concept through commercialization.
• Monitor product performance, customer feedback, and quality trends to identify opportunities for improvement and corrective action.
• Collaborate across departments to introduce new products, enhance existing offerings, and expand product portfolios.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's Degree preferred.
• 5+ years of experience working with trailer axles, brakes, hubs, suspension systems, bearings, towing products, or related running gear categories.
• Strong understanding of trailer component applications, fitment requirements, and industry standards.
• Experience in sourcing, product management, engineering, category management, purchasing, or supplier development preferred.
• Ability to review product drawings, specifications, and quality requirements.

Preferred Education and Experience

• College Degree (Associates or Bachelors)
• Buying or sales experience
• International Private Label Product Development experience is preferred

Travel

Travel independently, domestically as well as globally up to 10% of time.

Work Authorization/Security Clearance

Must be legally authorized to work in the United States.

Why We are Different

At Lippert, Everyone Matters. This is not just a tagline or empty promise; it is who we are. We have intentionally created a culture that values and celebrates our team members' unique and varied backgrounds, perspectives, and experiences. We strive to give our team members a deeper sense of purpose at work, and we continue to build a better work environment by aligning our cultural and business strategies with the needs of our team members.

What You will Get

• A unique, inclusive and supportive company culture.
• Comprehensive benefit offerings including medical, dental, vision, 401k with employer match, vacation, and more!
• Fair and competitive compensation.
• Career development and mentoring and opportunities to grow.
• Holiday, personal and vacation days.

Pay Group : AAP/EEO Statement

Lippert provides equal employment opportunity to all team members and applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, pregnancy, national origin, ancestry, age, genetic information, disability, citizen status, protected veteran status, military service, marital status or any other legally protected category as established by federal, state, or local law. This policy governs all employment decisions, including recruitment, hiring, job assignment, compensation, training, promotion, discipline, transfer, leave-of-absence, access to benefits, layoff, recall, termination and other personnel matters. All employment and personnel-related decisions are based solely upon legitimate, job-related factors, such as skill, ability, past performance, and length of service with Lippert.

Lippert's strong commitment to equal employment opportunity requires a commitment by each individual team member. Compliance with the letter and spirit of this policy is required of all team members. Violations of this policy should be immediately reported to your leader or to any member of leadership. Team members who violate this policy will be subject to disciplinary action, up to and including termination of employment.

Know Your Rights