Description:
In this role, Sourcing Manager- Direct Materials is responsible for developing and executing sourcing & category strategies for assigned direct material categories, which may include metal components, chemicals, polymers, packaging materials, components and other direct material categories.
Working closely with Engineering, R&D, Quality, Supply Chain, Operations, and Finance, the Sourcing Manager plays a key role in supporting business growth, new product development, operational excellence, and long-term competitiveness. This is an excellent opportunity for a commercially minded sourcing professional who enjoys working cross-functionally and influencing decisions across a global organisation.
Essential Duties And Responsibilities
- Develop and execute sourcing strategies for assigned direct material categories.
- Manage supplier selection, performance, and strategic relationships to ensure supply continuity, quality, competitiveness, and innovation.
- Lead commercial negotiations, including contracts, pricing agreements, and long-term supply arrangements.
- Deliver cost reduction, value engineering, and productivity initiatives to achieve savings objectives.
- Monitor market trends, commodity movements, and raw material cost drivers to support sourcing decisions.
- Partner with Engineering, R&D, Quality, Supply Chain, Operations, and Finance to support business objectives, new product development, and product lifecycle requirements.
- Develop and implement supplier risk management and business continuity plans.
- Analyse spend, supplier performance, and market intelligence to identify opportunities and drive continuous improvement.
- Act as the primary sourcing lead for assigned categories and provide recommendations to key stakeholders.
Education
- Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain, Procurement, Business, Engineering, or a related discipline or equivalent experience required.
Work Experience
- 5+ years of experience in strategic sourcing, procurement, category management, or supply chain within a manufacturing environment.
- Experience sourcing direct materials. Experience across metals, chemicals, polymers, resins, packaging materials, fabricated parts, assemblies, or similar categories is advantageous.
- Demonstrated success in supplier negotiations, supplier relationship management, and cost reduction initiatives.
- Experience working cross-functionally with Engineering, Quality, Operations, Supply Chain, and Finance.