Strategic Sourcing Specialist

Position Description The Strategic Sourcing Specialist role will be responsible for the strategic management of supplier relationships within the Freight commodity and any other assigned commodities. This role will implement freight/logistics strategies to ensure the company is able to timely deliver project and customer commitments while also proactively managing and optimizing transportation and logistics services and spend.

The Strategic Sourcing Specialist will create innovative sourcing strategies to mitigate risks to business operations contacts and to develop relationships with suppliers that provide the best value to Trew. The ideal candidate will possess good self-management skills, well rounded thinking, confidence, a collaborative approach to working with others within various departments, and the ability to work under pressure and timelines associated with the daily life in the Strategic Sourcing department of a fast-moving industry.

Duties/ Responsibilities: Ensure continuous supply of required services and communicate any supply problems which may pose a risk or impact on business operations Monitor market trends, competitor strategies and market suppliers Research and evaluate areas of opportunity and reduce costs where possible Explore alternate supplier sources for freight/logistics services, including parcel, LTL, FTL, cross-border, brokers and 3PLs Collaborate with project managers and engineering teams to define sourcing requirements, timelines, and budgets for customer projects Develop and maintain procurement schedules aligned with customer project milestones Act as a liaison between the procurement, project management, and finance teams and collaborate with internal stakeholders to align logistics strategies with business objectives Assess and evaluate suppliers and coordinate annual performance reviews to ensure contract compliance and manage performance improvement activities Monitor and assess carrier performance through KPIs such as on-time delivery, claims ratio, SLA compliance, and cost per unit Develop complex risk management strategies for a project-based business utilizing just-in-time shipping related to freight capacity constraints, geopolitical risks, and rate volatility Develop creative and innovative procurement processes and strategies that improve operational efficiency, add value, and aid business performance Support acute vendor issues with respect to delivery or their associated products and support supplier recovery implementation by leveraging existing relationships and networks developed through industry experience Create and manage RFQ packages with current and prospective suppliers and analyze for best value to project and the Company Manage supplier production development schedule and, as needed, support prototype parts delivery in coordination with new product development schedule Negotiate contracts, improved prices and terms of business with suppliers and review opportunities to add value to the Company Research potential vendors’ abilities and products via supplier visits and assessments Develop and execute sourcing strategies for freight and logistics services (including ocean freight, air cargo, trucking, parcels and third-party logistics providers) Identify, evaluate, and manage transportation and logistics suppliers to meet cost, quality, and service level targets Analyze freight spend and market trends to identify cost-saving opportunities and improve service reliability Manage freight invoices, accessorial, claims and billing discrepancies Coordinate cross-border transportation with carriers, brokers, customs providers and internal stakeholders Lead or work on complex purchasing projects Deliver briefs, updates and reports as and when required, in particular when there is a risk which could prevent the organization meeting customer demands or where there are over capacity concerns Maintain a willingness to learn about the Company and its operations and business functions so that maximum value can be added to the project teams Assist where able in training less experienced team members Maintain a high level of performance in carrying out the goals of the department and the Company Support product change requests and manufacturing process improvement objectives relative to sourced components and communicate the impact on supplier capacity and cost Ensure good communications, and update records with new and existing suppliers Ensure that a professional and consistent approach is taken in relation to all supplier relationships Ensure compliance with company guidelines, purchasing policies and procedures guidance Perform other special projects or duties as assigned by manager Required Skills/ Abilities: Ability to work in a fast-paced environment and contribute performance-based solutions is required Ability to add value by reducing cost, cost avoidance, and making business improvements Understanding of vendor relations and specific function capabilities as they relate to operations desired Ability to add value by identifying ways to reduce cost and make business improvements and by negotiating favorable terms with suppliers Demonstrated ability to manage own workload with minimal supervision required Able to work effectively in a team environment as well as an individual contributor Experience establishing and maintaining good working relationships with internal and external customers Highly diligent, self-starting, and goal-oriented and will find ways to knock down barriers to obtain solutions to challenging tasks Strong desire to learn about freight requirements within the material handling industry Strong analytical, problem solving, and troubleshooting skills Thorough knowledge of supply and demand planning Understanding of supply chain management principles and practices Proficiency in Word, Excel, Microsoft Outlook, TMS systems (including carrier portals) and ERP systems, preferably Net.

Suite and Oracle In-depth knowledge of INCOTERMS, freight rate structures, customs brokerage and transportation contract terms Strong written and verbal communication skills Working knowledge of MS SharePoint / Teams Education & Experience: A bachelor's degree in business, supply chain management, engineering, or related field 3-5 years buying/purchasing experience in a project-oriented environment required 3-5 years buying/purchasing experience in logistics or freight sourcing in a global context required Work Environment This is primarily a desk-based role, requiring extended periods of sitting and computer use Hybrid position with approximately 3 days in office per week Physical Requirements Prolonged periods sitting at a desk and working on a computer.

Must be able to lift up to 15 pounds at times. Ability to traverse office and manufacturing facility. Trew EEO Statement Trew and its companies are an equal opportunity employer. Applicants will be considered for employment without regard to age, race, creed, color, national origin, ancestry, marital status, affectional or sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, disability, nationality, sex, or veteran status.

Other Duties Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities and activities may change at any time with or without notice.