Strategic Sourcing Specialist: Category & Supplier Strategy

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

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