Strategic Sourcing Specialist - Job Description
POSITION SUMMARY:
Dudek & Bock Spring Manufacturing Company is seeking a highly experienced Strategic Sourcing Specialist – Metals & Raw Materials to support our precision spring, wireforming, and metal stamping operations across all current and future plant locations.
This is not an entry-level position. We are seeking a supply chain professional with strong working knowledge of:
· Carbon steel wire
· Stainless steels (300 & 400 series)
· Music wire
· Oil-tempered wire
· Chrome silicon
· Brass, copper, and specialty alloys
· Strip steel and flat stock
· Plating and finishing materials
The ideal candidate understands metal markets, mill lead times, alloy specifications, mechanical properties, certifications, and price drivers (including LME/CRU indexes and surcharges). This individual must balance cost control, quality compliance, and production continuity in a fast-paced manufacturing environment.
This role plays a critical part in ensuring uninterrupted production flow, maintaining optimal inventory levels, negotiating favorable pricing agreements, and supporting the company's long-term strategic growth.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:
Strategic Sourcing & Metal Procurement
· Lead sourcing and procurement of all raw materials including wire, strip steel, specialty alloys, and engineered metals.
· Negotiate pricing agreements, mill contracts, and long-term supply arrangements.
· Monitor metal market trends, surcharges, tariffs, and supply chain risks.
· Develop and maintain strong supplier partnerships focused on cost, quality, delivery, and innovation.
Technical & Operational Support
· Review engineering drawings and material specifications to ensure accurate sourcing.
· Validate material certifications (mill certs, heat lots, mechanical properties).
· Collaborate with Engineering and Quality teams to evaluate substitute materials or alternate sources.
· Support new product launches with timely raw material sourcing.
Vendor Management & Performance Metrics
· Develop and maintain supplier scorecards (quality, delivery, cost performance).
· Support IATF/ISO quality requirements related to supplier controls.
· Lead vendor audits and qualification processes.
· Maintain contingency suppliers to mitigate production risk.
Purchasing & Systems
· Oversee full purchase order lifecycle including entry, tracking, receiving, and reconciliation.
· Ensure accurate ERP data related to material pricing, lead times, and minimum order quantities.
· Maintain accurate capital expenditure purchasing records.
· Support inventory turns and working capital objectives.
Continuous Improvement
· Identify cost savings opportunities through value engineering and supplier consolidation.
· Reduce material waste, overstock, and premium freight costs.
· Support company strategic initiatives and cross-functional team objectives.
Meet Operational KPIs
REQUIRED EXPERIENCE & QUALIFICATIONS:
· Bachelor's Degree in Supply Chain, Business, Engineering, or related field preferred.
· Minimum 5–7 years of purchasing experience in a manufacturing environment.
· Direct experience purchasing industrial metals, wire, strip steel, or engineered materials required.
· Strong understanding of metal grades, ASTM standards, and mechanical properties.
· Experience negotiating mill contracts and managing commodity-based pricing.
· ERP system proficiency (experience with Epicor or similar preferred).
· Strong analytical, negotiation, and organizational skills.
· Ability to operate effectively in a cross-functional manufacturing team.
Certifications such as APICS (CPIM/CSCP) or ISM preferred.
CORE COMPETENCIES:
· Strategic thinking
· Cost control & margin awareness
· Vendor relationship management
· Technical aptitude in metal materials
· Risk mitigation & supply continuity
· High ethical standards and professionalism
