Qualifications                     

Bachelor’s degree in business, engineering, supply chain, production management, logistics, or a closely related discipline is required. 7+ years of experience purchasing a wide range of materials, products, and services in a manufacturing environment.     Exposure to the principles of lean manufacturing.  A thorough knowledge of electronic business enterprise systems. Strong interpersonal skills to interface effectively with vendors and internal/external customers. Excellent negotiations skills to secure best value for the company. Understanding of manufacturing processes and demonstrated experience sourcing commodities like steel, aluminum, electro/electronic and mechanical components, tooling and finished goods.Excellent analytical, negotiation, and problem-solving skills. Passion for results, strategy, and hands on execution. Creative, calculated risk taker with the ability to manage large and/or difficult suppliers, with complex/diversified portfolios. Ability to resolve disputes while preserving relationships with suppliers and internal staff.Strong written and verbal skills as well as organizational and program management capabilities.New Product Introduction experience is preferred.

 

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed.  They are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties and skills required of incumbents in this job classification.

Job Summary

The Sourcing Specialist has major purchasing responsibilities for assigned commodities and services, ensuring that all procurements are made in accordance with Howmet purchasing policies and procedures.  Provides materials and services required for efficient operations and secures favorable pricing through vendor negotiations. Works closely within cross-functional teams to drive early supplier engagement throughout the development phases and product qualifications. Builds strong strategic relationships with supply partners and internal stakeholders to ensure project timing and cost targets are met. Determines the total cost of ownership for commodities by understanding the underlying cost drivers supporting new business awards. Takes the lead in making sure Howmet can meet its cost targets, suppliers deliver on time and parts are received at the highest level of quality.

 

Responsibilities

 

Lead the strategic sourcing process for the assigned commodities and projectsDevelop sourcing strategies by analyzing the supply base, market conditions, and technology roadmaps Lead contractual negotiations with suppliers on NDA’s, Terms & Conditions and Long-term agreementsIdentify potential suppliers, analyze capabilities, and develop a sourcing strategy and roadmap for Howmet stakeholdersPerform detailed analysis of supplier quote submissions based on cost breakdown data and support it with Total Cost of Ownership and should-costsIdentify and implement cost reductions on new and series production products and servicesManage supplier relationships including monitoring supplier performance, competitiveness and take necessary steps to address gaps and resolve issuesSupport the efforts of supplier quality team for supplier development, qualification, and quality issues resolutionRecommend and effectively present leadership sourcing strategies for multiple programs that meet the business objectives and timelinesBuild relationships across multiple teams (Corporate, Finance, Engineering, Manufacturing, Quality, Operations) and work across different levels in the organization to ensure program timelines are achievedProcesses requisitions and places purchase orders to ensure a continuous supply of materials and services, maintaining responsibility for each procurement until all items are received, accepted, invoiced and paidNegotiates pricing and terms with vendors to ensure that Howmet receives best value for each purchasing dollar expendedMonitors supplier performance, maintaining a close relationship with vendors.  May visit vendor facilities to review operations and suggest resources for improvementMaintain positive, mutually beneficial relationships between suppliers and the CompanyWorks closely with Engineering, Research & Development, Quality Assurance, Manufacturing, and other internal customers to determine requirements and to ensure superior levels of serviceCoordinates the purchasing process in the Focus Factories and provides guidance and direction on implementing and maintaining best practicesUtilizes electronic business enterprise systems to leverage management of purchasing activitiesServes on a resource to the organization and provides education and training on purchasing mattersEnsure that all work activities are performed in accordance with established safety and environmental standardsMaintains full compliance with Company policies and procedures and conducts all activities in accordance with the Howmet’s Guide to Business ConductDemonstrates a knowledge of and commitment to Howmet Business Systems manufacturing principles and techniques