Identify market and industry trends to support and develop commodity lock strategies in accordance with nVent lock policy
Establish and maintain a robust and reliable global supply base to ensure the timely procurement of goods and commodities
Implement and manage long-term supplier agreements that deliver best-in-class quality, on-time delivery, terms, and optimal total cost
Lead cross-functional teams to achieve year-over-year company financial objectives, providing recommendations for alternate suppliers, designs, and materials to drive cost reductions
Generate and meticulously analyze quotations and bids, championing the use of cost breakdown analyses to enhance negotiation strategies
Rigorously evaluate existing and potential suppliers based on their technical/manufacturing capabilities, quality systems, cost competitiveness, and responsiveness
Monitor global commodity indexes and macro-environment trends to ensure an uninterrupted flow of product at current or improved costs
Proactively research and qualify alternate sources of supply, coordinating the selection and qualification process
Collaborate closely with New Product Development, Quality, and Engineering to assess and ensure robust supplier capabilities
Drive continuous improvement initiatives with suppliers utilizing methodologies such as VA/VE, Kaizen and VMI / Stocking Agreements
Initiate and manage all necessary correspondence and direct contact to expedite purchased goods, revise purchase orders, effect cancellations, improve terms, resolve rejected goods and rework costs, adjust invoice discrepancies, and rectify other related issues
Meet ambitious timelines and performance objectives by consistently driving task completion
Requirements
Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain, Engineering, Industrial Engineering, Operations or Finance required
Ideally 10+ years of experience sourcing carbon steel, copper and aluminum metals
Ideally 2+ years of leading and mentoring others within the industry
Knowledge of carbon steel, copper and aluminum cost drivers and commodity market intelligence
Proven experience in establishing and maintaining strong business relationships with suppliers to achieve organizational goals, with expertise in contract development and advanced negotiation techniques
Comprehensive knowledge of manufacturing processes, material and production control, material specifications, and lean manufacturing/continuous improvement principles
A resourceful and proactive approach to make decisions and take action to prevent material shortages or losses, staying abreast of market trends, alternative processes, new technologies, and costs
The ability to work independently and manage multiple projects in a dynamic, fast-paced environment, with exceptional oral, written communication, and presentation skills
Proven ability to lead cross-functional teams and communicate effectively across all levels of the organization and globally, with flexibility to accommodate differing time zones
Willingness to travel up to 25% both to domestic locations in the U.S. and international locations in Mexico, India, or Europe as well
Benefits
Medical, dental, and vision plans along with flexible spending accounts
Short-term and long-term disability benefits
Critical illness, accident insurance and life insurance
A 401(k) retirement plan and an employee stock purchase plan — both include a company match
Other supplemental benefits may include tuition reimbursement, caregiver, personal and parental leave, back-up care services, paid time off including volunteer time, a well-being program, and/or legal & identity theft protection