Strategic Sourcing Manager

As a Strategic Sourcing Manager at Suterra, your key responsibilities will include developing and implementing sourcing initiatives aligned with strategic goals, managing supplier identification and evaluation processes, leading RFQs and RFPs, overseeing contract negotiations, and fostering strong cross-functional collaboration. You will also conduct supply market research to keep our sourcing strategies relevant and effective in a rapidly evolving agricultural landscape.

To qualify for the Strategic Sourcing Manager role at Suterra, candidates should hold a Bachelor’s Degree in Business, Finance, Supply Chain Management, Engineering, or a related field. Additionally, at least 3 years of experience in a Procurement or Sourcing function is essential, preferably in a manufacturing company. Strong communication skills, creative problem-solving abilities, and teamwork orientation are critical qualifications for success in this role.

Successful Strategic Sourcing Managers at Suterra need a diverse skill set, including strong negotiation capabilities, the ability to evaluate and select suppliers effectively, excellent communication skills, and a collaborative mindset. It's crucial to have a knack for navigating complex stakeholder interests and a dedication to continuous improvement, enabling you to propel procurement strategies that drive innovation and efficiency.

Suterra offers substantial opportunities for career growth for Strategic Sourcing Managers. This role allows you to become a Portfolio Project Owner, gaining experience in project management and business awareness. You will also have the chance to participate in global collaborations and network with international suppliers, broadening your professional expertise while contributing to meaningful projects that enhance our product lines.

The work environment at Suterra is dynamic and engaging, set in the picturesque backdrop of Bend, Oregon. The culture emphasizes innovation, teamwork, and sustainability, making it a great space for those who thrive in collaborative settings. You will work closely with cross-functional teams and be part of pioneering initiatives that directly impact global agricultural practices, fostering a sense of purpose and belonging.

When addressing this question, highlight your process for identifying potential suppliers, including the metrics you use for evaluation. Be sure to share specific examples of past experiences where your evaluations led to successful supplier partnerships, showcasing your strategic thought process and results achieved.

In your response, discuss your negotiation strategy, emphasizing your emphasis on establishing win-win outcomes. Detail any specific techniques you use, such as preparation, understanding supplier positions, and using data to back your proposals. Share a relevant success story as an example of your negotiation skills.

To answer this, describe a specific initiative you led, detailing the objective, challenges faced, and the outcomes. Focus on how your initiative improved cost, quality, or supplier relationships, demonstrating your proactive approach to strategic sourcing.

For this question, discuss the importance of collaboration in your role as a Strategic Sourcing Manager. Provide examples of how you worked with teams such as Engineering and Product Development to achieve common goals. Highlight your communication skills and how they fostered successful partnerships.

Explain the methods you use to keep informed about industry trends, such as attending trade shows, participating in webinars, and subscribing to relevant publications. Discuss how you apply this knowledge to sourcing decisions at past jobs, ensuring that your strategies remain innovative and competitive.

In your response, elaborate on the strategies you've used to monitor and evaluate supplier performance, including key performance indicators (KPIs) and regular communication. Share examples where your strategies led to measurable improvements in supplier relationships or product quality.

When answering this, focus on your conflict resolution skills. Provide a specific example where you successfully navigated a conflict, emphasizing listening, understanding different viewpoints, and finding a solution that worked for both parties while maintaining a positive working relationship.

Describe your familiarity with the RFQ/RFP process, including how you create these requests and engage suppliers. Discuss how you evaluate responses, ensuring alignment with company objectives. Provide specific examples to demonstrate your understanding and experience.

Explain the role of data in your sourcing process, including how you collect and analyze data related to costs, supplier performance, and market trends. Provide examples of how data-driven insights have influenced your purchasing decisions and strategy.

In your answer, share your aspirations within the field of sourcing and how this position aligns with your career objectives. Discuss your desire for continuous professional development and how you envision contributing to Suterra's success in the agricultural sector.