Strategic Sourcing Specialist

JOB OVERVIEW

This role supports supply chain activities supporting new product introduction (NPI) within Kubota North America. This role will work closely with engineers, product and program managers and across Supply Chain departments. Responsibilities include but are not limited to source of supply selection, purchasing and managing materials, components, and vendors at multiple levels required for the development and launch of new products.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

This position does the following in accordance with all applicable Federal, State and local laws / regulations and the Company’s policies, procedures and guidelines:

• Identify source then procure materials and components specifically for new product launches, working closely with engineering and product development teams.
• Identify and vet new suppliers, especially for hard-to-source or specialized components working with the KNA Supply Chain department.
• Negotiate contracts, prices and terms with suppliers to secure the best terms for the organization and follow requirements to set them up in KTC’s ERP system
• Obtain quotes, negotiate pricing, and issue purchase orders in accordance with company policies and cost objectives.
• Build and maintain relationships with suppliers, addressing discrepancies or issues with orders, quality, delivery, and pricing
• Manage planning and material requirements from the development phase through pilot builds, ensuring supply readiness to support product launches
• Support production readiness by ensuring new parts are set-up for purchase and coordinate the transition from NPI to production procurement teams.
• Work with engineering and R&D teams on pre-production approvals and change control documentation for materials.
• Track and report on material order status, delivery timelines, and inventory levels to support NPI project schedules.
• Coordinate with engineering and product management for new product introductions and end of life product phase outs.
• Collaborate cross-functionally with internal teams (technology, engineering, product marketing, finance, operations and quality) to align stocking levels and resolve barriers in shipping, material shortages, or other disruptions.
• Other duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS

• High School Diploma or GED Required AND at least 10 years of NPI/Supply Chain experience.
• Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain Management and at least 5 years of NPI/Supply Chain experience business, engineering or related field is preferred. 
• Solid understanding of contract manufacturing; including overhead, inventory carrying costs, purchase price and other cost changes.
• Strong negotiation and interpersonal skills to work with suppliers and internal teams.
• Analytical and math skills for evaluating costs, managing budgets, and analyzing market data for global supply chain understanding.
• Attention to detail to ensure accuracy in contracts, forecasts and purchase orders and inventory records.
• Proficiency in purchasing and inventory management software, such as S4 HANA
• Ability to work under pressure and manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.
• Experience working with contract manufacturers.
• Advanced knowledge of procurement principles, negotiations, contracts and supplier management.
• 15% travel may be required.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

• Requires sufficient personal mobility and physical reflexes, to permit the employee to function in a general office environment and accomplish tasks and duties as outlined above.

DISCLAIMER:

The information provided in the description has been designed to indicate the general nature and level of work performed by incumbents within the classification.  This description is not intended to be a comprehensive inventory of all duties, responsibilities, qualifications and working conditions required of employees assigned to this job/classification.  This job is intended to include the current essential functions of the job.  Management reserves the right to add or modify the duties and responsibilities and to designate other functions as essential at any time.