Strategic Sourcing Specialist: Cost, Risk & Suppliers

Chromalox; Cary (IL); On-site; USD 75,000 - 85,000; Full time

Job summary

Chromalox, a leader in electrical heating solutions, seeks a Strategic Sourcing Specialist to drive category strategy and contracting across key product and service areas. You will collaborate with engineering, quality, production and finance to deliver sustainable cost savings and supply continuity.

Responsibilities include market analysis, competitive sourcing events, contract negotiations, supplier performance management, and risk mitigation to support growth and operational excellence.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain, Business, Engineering, or related field; advanced degrees preferred
• 5–7 years experience in sourcing or procurement, preferably in strategic sourcing and category management
• Manufacturing industry expertise
• 2–3 years experience in an ETO or MTO manufacturing environment
• Strong negotiation skills and ability to secure favorable terms
• Proficiency with ERP/MRP systems and advanced Excel for spend and data analysis
• Analytical mindset for data-driven decision-making
• Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills

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
• 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

Skills

Negotiation skills

Analytical mindset

Communication skills

Organizational skills

Ethical judgment

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain, Business, Engineering, or related field

CPIM, CPSM, CIPS or ISM CSP or equivalent

Tools

ERP/MRP systems

Advanced Excel

Job description

Chromalox, a leader in electrical heating solutions, seeks a Strategic Sourcing Specialist to drive category strategy and contracting across key product and service areas. You will collaborate with engineering, quality, production and finance to deliver sustainable cost savings and supply continuity.

Responsibilities include market analysis, competitive sourcing events, contract negotiations, supplier performance management, and risk mitigation to support growth and operational excellence.