Strategic Sourcing Leader, Contract Manufacturing

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The Global Supply Management (GSM) Function is recognized as a critical function for business success. It delivers the training, tools and opportunities needed to create innovative solutions for the function & the corporation. GSM has leading edge, effective processes to anticipate and exceed customer requirements.

Overview:

This role focuses on Contract Manufacturing Strategic Sourcing and Category Management, including market intelligence, sourcing strategy, contracting and negotiation, innovation enablement, should‑cost modeling, CSR audits, and cross‑business synergy realization. The role leads a corporate team of sourcing managers and partners closely with business‑embedded procurement teams to deliver sustainable cost, risk, supply assurance, and value‑creation outcomes.

Reporting to the Director, EMEA & Asia Operations & Global Direct Category Management, the role is responsible for strategic sourcing outcomes across multiple divisions (e.g., COC, CSM‑AO) and the global Contract Manufacturing category.

The position is accountable for defining and executing end‑to‑end Contract Manufacturing category strategies, covering make or buy analysis, commercial models, supplier footprint design, capacity and risk management, cost competitiveness, and innovation enablement across regions and businesses.

The role interfaces with a broad and senior internal customer base, including Supply Chain, Engineering, Manufacturing, Finance, and Technology leadership, and represents Strategic Sourcing in global, cross‑functional forums requiring strong influence without direct authority.

This role operates as a subject-matter authority for contract manufacturing sourcing, leading complex, high-impact initiatives while influencing senior business, technical, and functional stakeholders. The incumbent translates market intelligence, pricing dynamics, and business strategy into value‑driven sourcing decisions and long-term supplier partnerships.

Position Description:

Category Strategy & Value Creation

• Own and lead global strategies for Contract Manufacturing sub category (sheet glass processing, wafer glass processing, Laboratory Plasticware, Fiber Optics Products, copper products, optical glass processing)
• Align sourcing strategies directly with division and enterprise financial objectives, including margin improvement, cost competitiveness, and working capital optimization.
• Identify, prioritize, and sponsor transformational cost and value opportunities across businesses, driving measurable and sustained results.

Market Intelligence & Commercial Leadership

• Develop and communicate advanced supply intelligence (e.g., should‑cost models, total cost of ownership, cost drivers, and indexing methodologies).

Supplier Strategy & Negotiation

• Lead global and high‑complexity supplier negotiations, including long‑term agreements, innovative pricing models.
• Own executive-level supplier relationship management for strategic partners, ensuring performance, innovation, cost, sustainability.
• Ensure robust contract coverage and compliance

Stakeholder & Cross‑Functional Leadership

• Partner closely with Supply Chain, Engineering, Manufacturing, Finance, and Technology leaders to align sourcing priorities with business strategies.
• Lead cross‑functional teams on complex sourcing initiatives, maintaining accountability for scope, outcomes, and execution.

Required Capabilities & Experience:

Core Skills

• Strategic sourcing and category leadership in global, complex commodity environments.
• Advanced negotiation and contracting expertise on industrial services contracts
• Strong financial and analytical capability including make or buy, including data-driven decision‑making.
• Executive-level communication and stakeholder influence.
• Ability to lead ambiguity, prioritize competing demands, and deliver results.

Technical & Market Expertise

• Working knowledge of supplier manufacturing processes, engineering interfaces, and supply chain operations.
• Proficiency in using market data, pricing tools, and digital platforms to inform decisions.

Soft Skills & Leadership Attributes

• Operates independently with enterprise mindset and sound judgment.
• Demonstrates leadership beyond formal authority.
• Comfortably influencing senior leaders and challenging the status quo.
• Collaborative, yet decisive strategic, yet execution‑focused.
• Globally mindful communicator across cultures and organizational levels.

Education & Experience

• Master's degree required
• 10+ years of progressive experience in Strategic Sourcing, Procurement, or Supply Chain.
• Demonstrated experience leading global category strategies, ideally within industrial services subcontracting, industrial outsourcing
• Proven record of delivering material commercial value in complex organizations.