Technical Sourcing Lead

Trelleborg Sealing Solutions Switzerland AG; Fort Wayne (IN); On-site; USD 75,000 - 85,000; Full time

Job summary

Trelleborg Sealing Solutions Switzerland AG in Fort Wayne, Indiana, is seeking a Technical Sourcing Lead to manage the 3PS portfolio and drive cross-functional projects with a strong technical focus.

You will align PLDs, Segment teams, and purchasing to ensure make-or-buy decisions are data-driven, while developing supplier relationships and advancing portfolio strategy across the organization.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s or master’s degree in engineering, Materials Science, or Business with strong technical exposure.
• Demonstrated experience in technical sourcing and supplier development in manufacturing.
• Ability to translate technical requirements into sourcing decisions using analytics.
• Experience leading cross-regional teams and managing stakeholders.
• Familiarity with purchasing processes and supplier audits.

Responsibilities

• Drive global alignment of the 3PS portfolio with PLDs, Segments, and purchasing.
• Lead 3PS product and material portfolio development in line with strategy.
• Co-design the Make-or-Buy strategy with PLDs and benchmark capabilities.
• Roll out 3PS portfolio strategy with regional purchasing teams.
• Identify new sourcing options and lead supplier evaluations against specs.

Skills

Technical sourcing

Supplier development

Cross-functional leadership

Portfolio analytics

Make-or-Buy frameworks

Stakeholder management

Purchasing processes

Education

Bachelor’s/Master’s degree in engineering or related

Job description

Ft.Wayne 3 - 5503 Distrib
5503 Distribution Dr.
Ft. Wayne, IN 46825, USA

Ft.Wayne 3 - 5503 Distrib
5503 Distribution Dr.
Ft. Wayne, IN 46825, USA

• Pay or shift range: $75,000 USD to $85,000 USD
  The estimated range is the budgeted amount for this position. Final offers are based on various factors, including skill set, experience, location, qualifications and other job-related reasons.

Description

The Technical Sourcing function is responsible for managing the third‑party supplier (3PS) product and materials portfolio in close alignment with the overall product line strategy defined by the PLD organization. In addition, the function provides technical expertise within Purchasing and drives cross‑functional projects with a strong technical focus involving third‑party suppliers. Its scope also includes supplier development, innovation scouting, ensuring product launch readiness at 3PS, and the definition of sourcing guidelines, including the Make-or-Buy decision framework.

Key Responsibilities

• Drive and ensure global alignment of the 3PS portfolio and related technical topics, interfacing closely with PLDs, Segment teams, and the broader purchasing organization.
• Lead and manage the 3PS* product and material portfolio including its development and rationalization, in line with R&D, PLD, and Segments strategy.
• Co‑design the M&B strategy with the PLDs through benchmarks, technical capability evaluation at 3PS, and ensure the strategy is embedded in the sourcing decision making.

Technical Support to Category Purchasing

• Drive a consistent roll out of 3PS portfolio strategy, in alignment with PLDs and the regional Category Purchasing teams.
• Support in-/outsourcing assessments considering all technical aspects like materials, tooling, and manufacturability.
• Conduct technical benchmarks; lead supplier comparisons and evaluations based on specifications, material properties, and capabilities.
• Identify and develop new sourcing options to close portfolio or capability gaps; lead innovation scouting with PLDs, R&D, and suppliers.
• Shape and complete the "Buy" portfolio in alignment with PLDs and in partnership with the Category Purchasing organization.

Project Management - Technical Scope

• Lead or coordinate projects involving global Purchasing with significant technical content (e.g., PFAS initiatives, material rationalization, new material launch at 3 PS , technical benchmark etc...) and ensure cross‑functional validation and readiness.
• Provide technical support and troubleshooting for supplier issues and drive 3PS development programs.

Cross‑Functional Collaboration & Communication

• Act as main interface for PLDs and Segments in regards of technical sourcing topic involving 3PS portfolio.
• Interface with R&D and supplier engineering on specifications and manufacturability topics; provide clear technical directions to Category Purchasing.
• Support Sales with technical inquiries involving 3PS; participate in customer and supplier audits as required.
• In alignment with PLD, drive internal promotion and communication of 3PS portfolio capabilities to ensure cross‑functional awareness.

Quality & Continuous Improvement

• Support resolution of technical quality issues at 3PS with the quality team, coordinate corrective actions with suppliers and ensure lesson learned.
• Maintain a regular cadence of portfolio & capability assessments to identify improvement opportunities and validate outcomes of supplier development efforts

Requirements:

• Bachelor’s/master’s degree in engineering, Materials Science, or Business with strong technical exposure
• Demonstrated experience in technical sourcing, supplier development, and leading cross‑functional projects in an industrial/manufacturing environment.
• Strong proficiency in portfolio analytics, benchmarking, and Make‑or‑Buy frameworks; ability to translate technical requirements into sourcing decisions, including the capability to shape and evolve portfolio strategy based on technical, commercial, and market insights.
• Experience in leading teams or cross-regional stakeholders; ability to guide and develop talent
• Excellent stakeholder‑management capabilities; able to interact with PLDs, R&D, Sales, and suppliers.
• Familiarity with Purchasing processes

Travel: international travel as needed

Qualifications

Skills

Behaviors

Motivations

Education

Experience

Licenses & Certifications

Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities
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