Strategic Sourcing Manager

As a Strategic Sourcing Manager at Range Energy, your primary responsibilities include conducting market research to identify potential suppliers, negotiating contract terms, evaluating supplier performance, and ensuring the timely availability of materials. You will collaborate with cross-functional teams to align sourcing strategies with business objectives, driving operational efficiency and cost-effectiveness.

To qualify for the Strategic Sourcing Manager role at Range Energy, candidates should have at least 5 years of experience in partnership development or purchasing within a hardware product environment, a Bachelor’s degree, and strong negotiation skills. Candidates will also benefit from a background in project management and the ability to work effectively with diverse stakeholders, including engineering and finance teams.

Range Energy is committed to the professional growth of its employees, including those in the Strategic Sourcing Manager role. We provide access to ongoing training, mentorship opportunities, and resources to help develop negotiation and sourcing skills. Employees are encouraged to participate in industry events and training programs, enhancing their knowledge and capabilities.

Range Energy stands out as a unique workplace for Strategic Sourcing Managers because of its commitment to innovation and sustainability in the electrification of transportation. Our culture fosters creativity and encourages a collaborative environment where team members can thrive. With a diverse team of experts from the EV industry, we offer a dynamic atmosphere focused on making a genuine impact on the future of transportation.

The travel requirements for the Strategic Sourcing Manager position at Range Energy are minimal. Most travel is related to supplier visits or industry events, allowing you to maintain a healthy work-life balance while still engaging with partners and stakeholders in the field.

When faced with numerous tasks, a systematic approach is critical. I prioritize by assessing project deadlines, stakeholder impact, and resource availability. I create a task matrix that categorizes activities based on urgency and importance, ensuring that I focus on areas that will drive project success while regularly communicating with team members to align on priorities.

A successful negotiation often hinges on preparation and understanding both sides’ interests. In my previous role, I faced tight constraints on pricing and delivery timelines. I prepared by researching market rates and supplier capabilities extensively. During the negotiation, I built rapport and leveraged mutual interests, resulting in a contract that met both parties’ needs while maintaining quality standards.

Evaluating supplier performance requires a balanced approach. I utilize key performance indicators (KPIs) such as quality, delivery times, and cost to assess supplier effectiveness. Regular communication and feedback sessions help cultivate partnerships, allowing for collaborative solutions to any arising issues and fostering continuous improvement.

Disagreements can be constructive if managed well. I would start by actively listening to the concerns of my colleague to fully understand their perspective. Then, I would present my view, focusing on data-driven decision-making to support my position. Collaboratively, we would identify common goals and seek a compromise that aligns with our overall objectives.

Effective supplier relationship management relies on transparency and collaboration. I prioritize regular check-ins and open communication to address potential problems early. By fostering an environment of trust, I work to ensure both parties are aligned on expectations, goals, and changes, which ultimately leads to more successful and durable partnerships.

Cost reduction strategies should align with maintaining quality. I analyze supply chain processes to identify inefficiencies, explore alternative suppliers who may offer competitive pricing, and utilize value engineering practices. Open communication with suppliers about our quality standards ensures that we find solutions that do not sacrifice excellence.

A successful sourcing strategy I developed involved a comprehensive market analysis of suppliers in a previous role, allowing us to identify new partnerships that aligned with our pricing and delivery needs. Through this strategy, we not only reduced costs by over 15% but also improved product quality by engaging with suppliers that had advanced manufacturing capabilities.

I have extensive experience in contract negotiations, which encompasses everything from preparing terms to closing deals. My approach focuses on comprehending the needs of both parties and ensuring that legal frameworks are adhered to while advocating for our company's interests diligently.

Keeping abreast of industry trends involves continuous learning through professional journals, attending conferences, and networking with industry experts. Additionally, I subscribe to various procurement and supply chain newsletters to stay informed about emerging practices that could enhance our sourcing capabilities.

Essential skills for a Strategic Sourcing Manager include strong negotiation abilities, analytical thinking to assess market trends and supplier capabilities, and excellent communication skills to effectively collaborate across departments. Furthermore, a deep understanding of supply chain dynamics is crucial for driving operational efficiency and strategic purchasing decisions.