At Autocar Parts, we fight for the customers’ needs. We invest in and grow businesses that disrupt their industries by putting the customers’ needs first. From big data to industrial manufacturing, we deliver tools that transform the work of the people that use them. We are privately owned and expect our team members to act with an owner mindset: Relentless about creating value for the customer. Dogged about finding efficiencies and eliminating waste. Standing arm in arm with the rest of the team until the job is done—and ready to do it again the next day, with a smile.
It is not easy to do things differently. But we do it—because we are passionate about improving our business and the lives of the people who use our tools.

Summary

As a Strategic Sourcing Specialist, you will be part of a diverse supply chain team responsible for creating and implementing sourcing strategies for all components used in Autocar Parts.  You will build a plan that focuses on obtaining competitive pricing and identifying and executing cost reduction strategies. You will lead negotiations for selected components and support your team to build the foundation of long-term contracts with key suppliers.  You will need to understand the market and forecast pricing trends to achieve budget and financial goals. You will build relationships with all areas of the business including sales, operations and engineering. This role involves identifying, evaluating and negotiating contracts with global vendors and manufacturers to ensure cost-effective, reliable, and high-quality supply chain solutions.

Key Outcomes

Own your product segment to identify sources, negotiate contracts, and manage the master data to support autocar parts products. 

Essential Duties & Responsibilities

• Develop and implement a sourcing strategy for items installed on autocar trucks, common parts, and private label that supports our Heavy-Duty Everything vision
• Identify, evaluate, and commercialize international manufacturers, manage supplier relationships, and ensure compliance with contracts and agreements.
• Negotiate contracts and pricing with international suppliers to achieve cost savings and favorable terms.
• Ensure compliance with international trade regulations, customs requirements and company policies.
• Implement those strategies to source new parts at competitive prices which meet program targets.
• Forecast and manage costs of current parts
• Identify and execute cost reduction strategies
• Support internal and external customer need while building lasting relationships.
• Hold regular vendor reviews focused on tactical objectives of cost & service as well as strategic opportunities for growth and new products
• Partner with our truck manufacturing team to build joint agreements that support both OEM and aftermarket supply
• Develop contract terms that benefit Autocar’s business needs and provide a competitive advantage
• Achieving annual cost reduction goals
• Lead the identification of new technologies, materials and components aligned with the company technical roadmap that will result in a competitive advantage for Autocar Parts

Position Requirements

• Bachelor's degree required
• Proven track record of leading organizations and achieving results
• Strong technical background – either technical degree or significant hands-on experience
• 5+ years of experience in strategic sourcing, procurement or supply chain management, with a focus on international manufacturers
• Experience in utilizing fact-based data to drive decisions
• Self-starter and quick learner who requires minimal supervision and possesses good problem-solving skills
• Strong negotiation skills, market analysis, project management and proficiency in procurement software (e.g., NetSuite)
• Analytical mindset with attention to detail
• Ability to travel internationally as needed

Key Competencies

To perform the job successfully, an individual should demonstrate the following competencies:

Problem Solving - Identifies and resolves problems in a timely manner; Gathers and analyzes information skillfully; Develops alternative solutions; Works well in group problem solving situations; Uses reason even when dealing with emotional topics.

Technical Skills - Assesses own strengths and weaknesses; Pursues training and development opportunities; Strives to continuously build knowledge and skills; Shares expertise with others.

Oral Communication - Speaks clearly and persuasively in positive or negative situations; Listens and gets clarification; Responds well to questions; Demonstrates group presentation skills; Participates in meetings.

Teamwork - Balances team and individual responsibilities; Exhibits objectivity and openness to others' views; Gives and welcomes feedback; Contributes to building a positive team spirit; Puts success of team above own interests; Able to build morale and group commitments to goals and objectives; Supports everyone's efforts to succeed.

Managing People - Includes staff in planning, decision-making, facilitating and process improvement; Takes responsibility for subordinates' activities; Makes self-available to staff; Provides regular performance feedback; Develops subordinates' skills and encourages growth; Solicits and applies customer feedback (internal and external); Fosters quality focus in others; Improves processes, products and services.; Continually works to improve supervisory skills.

Quality Management - Looks for ways to improve and promote quality; Demonstrates accuracy and thoroughness.

Diversity - Demonstrates knowledge of EEO policy; Shows respect and sensitivity for cultural differences; Educates others on the value of diversity; Promotes a harassment-free environment; Builds a diverse workforce.

Ethics - Treats people with respect; Keeps commitments; Inspires the trust of others; Works with integrity and ethically; Upholds organizational values.

Adaptability - Adapts to changes in the work environment; Manages competing demands; Changes approach or method to best fit the situation; Able to deal with frequent change, delays, or unexpected events.

Physical Demands

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to sit and talk or hear. The employee is occasionally required to stand and walk. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds.

Work Environment

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job.

The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.

Location:

This role will be based at our Highland Park, IL facility. 

Autocar Parts offers an attractive compensation and benefits package, to include base salary, incentive bonus opportunities, and benefits such as medical/dental/vision options, 401K plan, etc.

Autocar Parts is an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.