Strategic Sourcing Specialist, Axles

Lippert; Mishawaka (IN); On-site; USD 75,000 - 120,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Inclusive culture

Medical, dental, vision benefits

401k with employer match

Paid time off

Job summary

Lippert, a global leader in engineered solutions for RV, marine, automotive, and building products, is hiring a Strategic Sourcing Specialist to support running gear categories from Elkhart, Indiana. You will collaborate with Engineering, Quality, Product Development, and Purchasing to source, evaluate, and manage suppliers while driving cost optimization and supplier performance.

The role focuses on axles, brakes, hubs, suspension, bearings, and towing components, requiring strong category

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s Degree preferred.
• 5+ years of experience with trailer axles, brakes, hubs, suspension, bearings, towing products.
• Ability to review product drawings, specifications, and quality requirements.
• Experience in sourcing, product management, engineering, category management, purchasing, or supplier development preferred.

Responsibilities

• Serve as a subject matter expert for assigned product categories and provide technical guidance to support business objectives.
• 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 to define product requirements and execute sourcing strategies.
• Assess supplier capabilities, manufacturing processes, quality systems, and capacity to support growth.
• Lead cost analysis, supplier negotiations, and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Support product development and sourcing throughout the product lifecycle.
• Monitor product performance, customer feedback, and quality trends to identify opportunities for improvement.

Skills

5+ years experience

Trailer components

Sourcing

Product management

Engineering

Supplier development

Review drawings & specs

Education

Bachelor’s degree preferred

Job description

Overview

Who We Are:

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.

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.

Summary/Objective:

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.

Duties and 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.

Working Conditions:

• - Primarily working indoors, office environment.
• - May sit for several hours at a time.
• - Prolonged exposure to computer screens.
• - Repetitive use of hands to operate computers, printers, and copiers.

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.

Competencies:

• - Team player.
• - Self-motived individual that is results driven
• - Competent in negotiations
• - Capable of taking a new project from infancy stage to completion
• - Open to learning new products and new applications
• - Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• - Goal and deadline oriented.
• - Able to work with minimum supervision.
• - Problem-solving skills.
• - Develop and foster meaningful relationships both internally and externally.
• - Must be reliable and prompt.

Supervisory Responsibility:

This role does not have any supervisor responsibilities upon hiring.

Position Type/Expected Hours of Work:

This is a full-time position, and the expected work hours are 40 hours per week, Monday through Friday; weekend and overnight may also be necessary.

Travel:

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

Preferred Education and Experience :

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

Work Authorization/Security Clearance

Must be legally authorized to work in the United States.

AAP/EEO Statement:

Lipert 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, 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 Lipert.

Lipert’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.

Lipert’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

Pay Group : AAP/EEO Statement

Lipert 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, 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 Lipert.

Lipert’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.

Lipert’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