Supplier Management Lead - Electrical, Hydraulics & MRO

The Supplier Management Lead for Electrical, Hydraulics & MRO is responsible for developing, managing, and optimizing the supplier base supporting electrical components, hydraulic components, maintenance, repair and operating (MRO) materials, and related services. This role serves as the primary leader for supplier performance, strategic sourcing initiatives, supplier development, and spend consolidation within these commodity groups.
The ideal candidate will work closely with buyers within their assigned commodities, providing guidance, mentorship, and support on supplier management, order execution, negotiations, and issue resolution. This position will also be responsible for driving supplier performance improvements, implementing strategic agreements, and establishing long-term contracts to maximize value, reduce risk, and leverage company spend.
 

Supplier Development & Performance Management

• Develop and maintain strategic relationships with key electrical, hydraulic, and MRO suppliers.
• Evaluate supplier performance through established metrics such as quality, delivery, responsiveness, and cost competitiveness.
• Drive supplier improvement initiatives and corrective action plans to address delivery, quality, and service concerns.
• Conduct supplier business reviews and establish performance improvement objectives.
• Identify opportunities to grow supplier capabilities and capacity to support current and future business requirements.
• Promote continuous improvement initiatives with suppliers to improve service levels, reduce lead times, and enhance overall performance.

Team Leadership, Mentoring & Support

• Provide daily guidance, coaching, and mentorship to buyers responsible for electrical, hydraulic, and MRO commodities.
• Assist buyers with supplier escalations, complex sourcing activities, negotiations, and order management challenges.
• Promote standardized procurement processes and supplier management best practices across the team.
• Support the professional development of buyers through training, knowledge sharing, and continuous coaching.
• Serve as a subject matter resource for supplier management strategies and commodity expertise.

Strategic Sourcing & Contract Management

• Develop and execute sourcing strategies to support cost reduction, supply continuity, and risk mitigation.
• Identify opportunities to consolidate spend across suppliers and business units to maximize purchasing leverage.
• Lead negotiations for pricing, terms, service agreements, and long-term contracts.
• Implement and manage supplier contracts, framework agreements, and strategic partnerships.
• Monitor contract compliance and ensure negotiated benefits are realized.
• Develop sourcing plans that balance cost, quality, and delivery performance.

Procurement & Supply Assurance

• Support the procurement of critical electrical, hydraulic, and MRO materials as needed.
• Ensure buyers are effectively managing purchase orders, supplier communications, and delivery commitments.
• Monitor high-risk or critical orders and assist in mitigating potential supply disruptions.
• Coordinate with Planning, Operations, and Engineering teams to ensure material availability supports business requirements.
• Escalate and resolve supplier-related issues affecting production, maintenance activities, or project schedules.

Supplier Risk Management

• Assess supplier capabilities, financial stability, capacity, and operational risks.
• Develop contingency plans and alternate sourcing strategies for critical commodities.
• Monitor market trends and supply chain risks that may impact availability or pricing.
• Support business continuity planning within assigned commodity categories.

Cross-Functional Collaboration

• Partner with Operations, Engineering, Quality, and Planning teams to support business objectives.
• Collaborate with stakeholders to identify sourcing opportunities and supplier improvement initiatives.
• Support standardization efforts and strategic initiatives that drive operational efficiency and cost savings.
• Participate in supplier visits, audits, and business review meetings as required.

Required

• Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain Management, Business Administration, Engineering, or a related field preferred. 
• A minimum of 5 years of relevant experience in procurement, supplier management, strategic sourcing, supply chain management or a related field may be considered in lieu of a degree.

Preferred

• Preferred 7 years of experience in procurement, supplier management, strategic sourcing, or supply chain management.
• Experience managing suppliers supporting electrical components, hydraulics, MRO commodities, or industrial operations preferred.
• Previous leadership, mentoring, or team lead experience preferred.

Knowledge

• Strong understanding of electrical components, hydraulic systems, industrial equipment, and MRO materials.
• Knowledge of supplier relationship management, strategic sourcing, and contract negotiation.
• Understanding of supply chain risk management and supplier development processes.
• Experience with ERP systems and procurement software.

Skills

• Excellent communication, negotiation, and relationship-building skills.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities.
• Ability to lead cross-functional initiatives and influence stakeholders.
• Demonstrated ability to mentor and develop team members.

• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite and ERP systems (Oracle preferred).

   

Certifications (Preferred)

• CPSM, CPIM, CPM, or other relevant procurement and supply chain certifications.

Working Conditions 

• Almost exclusively indoors during the day and occasionally at night. 
• Occasional exposure to airborne dust in the work place. 
• Work surface is stable (flat).

Benefits Statement 

We offer a comprehensive and competitive benefits package. Employee benefits vary by role, however, may include Health and Wellness, Mental Health, Retirement Savings, Life and Disability, Paid Maternity and Parental Leave, Paid Time Off, Tuition Reimbursement, and an Employee Assistance Program.