Strategic Sourcing Manager – Steel & Fabrication
POSITION PURPOSE
The Strategic Sourcing Manager – Steel & Fabrication is responsible for developing and executing sourcing strategies, managing strategic supplier relationships, and ensuring supply continuity for steel-related commodities and fabricated components supporting multiple manufacturing facilities across North America.
This role will lead strategic sourcing initiatives focused on raw steel, outsourced steel fabrication, roll-formed shapes, galvanizing services, and other steel-intensive supplier categories.
The position plays a critical role in ensuring material availability, managing market volatility, improving supplier performance, supporting cost competitiveness, and strengthening the overall supply base.
PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTABILITIES
Own strategic sourcing, supplier management, and supply continuity for steel-related commodities and fabricated components supporting multiple manufacturing facilities.
Develop and execute sourcing strategies for:
Lead commercial and operational management of key suppliers.
Negotiate pricing agreements, contracts, capacity commitments, and long-term supplier partnerships.
Monitor steel market trends, pricing indices, mill dynamics, coating availability, tariffs, and supply risks to proactively manage cost and continuity.
Drive supplier performance improvements related to:
Cost
Quality
Delivery
Lead time
Responsiveness
Capacity planning
Track and improve key performance indicators including cost savings, purchase price variance (PPV), on-time delivery, quality, and supply risk.
Partner closely with Operations, Engineering, Planning, and Quality teams to support:
Lead supply continuity efforts during allocation environments, shortages, or market disruptions.
Support annual cost-reduction initiatives and sourcing objectives.
Ensure suppliers meet company requirements related to:
Conduct supplier business reviews, site visits, and executive-level supplier escalations as needed.
Maintain strong collaboration with internal stakeholders across Supply Chain, Manufacturing, Engineering, Finance, Operations, and Commercial teams.
Align sourcing activities with SIOP and broader business planning processes.
NATURE & SCOPE
The Strategic Sourcing Manager – Steel & Fabrication leads sourcing activities for steel-related commodities and fabricated components supporting multi-site manufacturing operations.
This role is responsible for supply continuity, cost management, supplier performance, and strategic sourcing initiatives across the steel supply base.
Primary responsibilities include managing supplier relationships and sourcing activities related to raw steel, outsourced fabrication, roll-formed components, galvanizing services, and other steel-intensive manufactured products supporting production operations.
The position works closely with Operations, Engineering, Planning, Quality, and supplier leadership teams to support production continuity, capacity planning, new program launches, material qualifications, and long-term sourcing strategies.
The individual will also be responsible for managing supplier escalations, monitoring steel market conditions, identifying supply chain risks, and driving continuous improvement throughout the supplier base.
The role requires strong commercial acumen, supplier relationship management skills, knowledge of steel markets and manufacturing processes, and the ability to operate effectively in a fast-paced, multi-site manufacturing environment.
KNOWLEDGE & SKILLS
Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain, Business, Engineering, Operations, or a related field preferred.
7+ years of strategic sourcing, procurement, or supply chain experience within a manufacturing environment.
Strong knowledge of steel commodities, fabricated components, and industrial supply markets.
Experience negotiating complex supplier agreements and managing strategic supplier relationships.
Ability to analyze market conditions, cost drivers, pricing trends, and operational risks.
Strong communication, leadership, negotiation, and cross-functional collaboration skills.
Experience working with ERP systems; SAP experience preferred.
Preferred Experience
Experience working with steel mills, service centers, or fabrication suppliers.
Knowledge of roll forming and outsourced manufacturing processes.
Experience supporting multi-site manufacturing operations.
Supply chain risk management and experience navigating allocation or shortage environments.
Experience with should-cost modeling and commodity forecasting.
WORKING CONDITIONS
The physical demands described are representative of those required to successfully perform the essential functions of the position. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.
The position is predominantly an office-based role with occasional exposure to manufacturing and supplier environments. The role may require extended periods of sitting, standing, walking, and working on a computer.
Travel may be required, including visits to supplier facilities and manufacturing locations.
Travel Required
Yes. Up to 25%.