Supply Chain Sourcing Specialist

Strategic Management Solutions, Inc.; Oak Ridge (TN); On-site; USD 80,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

SMSI is seeking a Sourcing Specialist to identify, evaluate, and manage suppliers, ensuring cost‑effective materials and components. You will analyze supplier capabilities, negotiate contracts, and collaborate with engineering, manufacturing, and quality teams to optimize supply chain efficiency and product quality. Travel is frequent to support supplier visits.

5+ years in sourcing required; U.S. citizenship and ability to obtain/maintain Q‑level clearance needed.

Qualifications

• Minimum of 5 years of sourcing or procurement experience in manufacturing environments.
• Must currently possess or be able to obtain/maintain an active Q‑level security clearance.
• Strong negotiation skills with experience assessing and refining contract terms and conditions.
• Strong technical‑operational experience in manufacturing environments.
• Proven track record of effective analytical problem‑solving abilities.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite.
• Knowledge and track record of project management success including leadership, teamwork, collaboration, creativity, and innovation while effectively communicating across various levels of the organization.
• U.S. Citizenship.

Responsibilities

• Lead cross‑functional supplier selection teams to identify, qualify, and select suppliers based on capability, cost, and quality.
• Lead RFx processes and negotiate pricing, terms and conditions.
• Monitor supplier performance (OTD, cost, quality) and drive improvement initiatives, including audits/assessments, scorecards, and ongoing supplier performance reviews and reporting.
• Develop and drive a beneficial partnership model with suppliers based on continual improvement methodologies that optimize cost, quality, and service performance, while strengthening supplier relationships to ensure world‑class quality and service.
• Collaborate with Client Manufacturing Engineers and supplier Quality Engineers to review and approve supplier documentation such as drawings, specifications, SOPs, CTQ, and Control Plans.
• Actively contribute to ongoing supply chain risk assessment and lead mitigation activities.
• Support the client Supply Chain Program Manager with developing and maintaining a supply chain technology and capacity roadmap.
• Identify and develop new suppliers as required by ongoing and future business needs.
• Write and control detailed SOPs/work instructions for core Sourcing Management requirements and ensure training/compliance.
• Travel frequently in support of supplier visits.

Skills

Sourcing

Negotiation

Project management

Analytical problem solving

Communication

Self‑motivated

Team collaboration

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain Management or Business Administration

Tools

Microsoft Office Suite

Job description

SMSI provides expert management consulting, program and project management, and technical consulting services to government and private sector clients. SMSI has grown and evolved by building an outstanding reputation for client‑focused performance and by delivering results that enable clients to meet commitments and milestones.

SMSI is an Equal Employment Opportunity employer; all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or status as a protected veteran.

Job Summary

The Sourcing Specialists are responsible for identifying, evaluating, and managing suppliers to ensure the procurement of cost‑effective and high‑quality materials or components. They analyze supplier capabilities, negotiate contracts, and work closely with engineering, manufacturing, and quality teams to optimize supply chain efficiency. Sourcing Specialists play a vital role in reducing costs, mitigating risks, and ensuring that materials meet technical requirements, thereby helping streamline production processes and improve overall product quality while maintaining strong supplier relationships.

Duties & Responsibilities

• Lead cross‑functional supplier selection teams to identify, qualify, and select suppliers based on capability, cost, and quality.
• Lead RFx processes and negotiate pricing, terms and conditions.
• Monitor supplier performance (OTD, cost, quality) and drive improvement initiatives, including audits/assessments, scorecards, and ongoing supplier performance reviews and reporting.
• Develop and drive a beneficial partnership model with suppliers based on continual improvement methodologies that optimize cost, quality, and service performance, while strengthening supplier relationships to ensure world‑class quality and service.
• Collaborate closely with Client Manufacturing Engineers and supplier Quality Engineers to review and approve supplier documentation such as engineering drawings, design specifications, standard operation procedures (SOP), Critical to Quality Characteristics (CTQ) and Control Plans, Work Instructions, and other means that ensure product and services are produced and delivered to client design intent.
• Actively contribute to ongoing supply chain risk assessment, assist in the development of risk mitigation strategies, and lead mitigation activities.
• Support the client Supply Chain Program Manager with developing and maintaining a supply chain technology and capacity roadmap that aligns with client project timelines and positions us for future growth.
• Identify and develop new suppliers as required by ongoing and future business needs.
• Write and control detailed SOPs and/or work instructions for core Sourcing Management requirements and ensure that process training and compliance are effectively achieved.
• Travel frequently in support of job function (primarily supplier visits for multiple days at a time).
• Other duties and responsibilities as required in support of client’s business objectives.

Requirements

• Minimum of 5 years of sourcing or procurement experience in manufacturing environments.
• Must currently possess or be able to obtain/maintain an active Q‑level security clearance.
• Strong negotiation skills with experience assessing and refining contract terms and conditions.
• Strong technical‑operational experience in manufacturing environments.
• Proven track record of effective analytical problem‑solving abilities.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite.
• Knowledge and track record of project management success including leadership, teamwork, collaboration, creativity, and innovation while effectively communicating across various levels of the organization.
• Self‑motivated, results‑oriented with strong written and verbal communication skills; ability to effectively prepare and deliver technical reports and presentations.
• U.S. Citizenship.

Preferred Skills

• Cost modeling.
• Ability to read engineering drawings and specifications.
• CPSM, CSCP, or CPIM certified.

Educational Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain Management or Business Administration.