Strategic Sourcing Specialist (Finance)

ABOUT US Amphenol Network Solutions, headquartered in Liberty Lake, WA is a division of Amphenol Corporation, based in Wallingford, CT. Amphenol is one of the largest manufacturers of interconnect products in the world with a global vision to connect people with technology. Amphenol Network Solutions have been leading the industry with a high-quality, seamless product portfolio of fiber distribution, cable management, power, racks, passives, and enclosures. Our markets include IT Datacom, Mobile Devices, Mobile Networks, and Broadband. Additionally, Amphenol Corporation serves Industrial, Automotive, Commercial Aerospace, and Military markets. Our goal is simple - develop leading technologies that enhance the performance of our customers' products, systems, and networks. Recently we were recognized as one of the Best Places to Work in the Inland Northwest! Coming to work every day is a choice and when you like the people you work with and the environment you work in, it's an easy choice. If you are looking to work with a group of people you would describe as innovative, hard-working, passionate, honest, and fun-loving you have found it! POSITION SUMMARY The Strategic Sourcing Specialist will provide a structured and methodical approach to the company's need for solutions of sourcing various components through an existing global supply chain and the discovery and development of new suppliers The individual will search, identify new and primary suppliers globally that will meet the cost reduction, quality standards and performance expectations as required for multiple product commodities and which will include management of continuity of supply, risk aversion or mitigation, while maintaining the corporate ethical and legal requirements of the organization. They will participate in cross functional meetings to understand the requirements needed from the Organization whilst maintaining SCO expectations and will discuss, collaborate, review and compare options available for each item to be sourced. Will take the lead in representing the SCO team (Supply Chain Operations) in a number of NPI (New Product Introduction) projects which will include all aspects of Purchasing execution and order management through to delivery along with continued sourcing activity for existing products. This position will have a primary focus on Fiber based products and/or related commodity activity and knowledge of both the commodity, its marketplace and direct industry contacts are essential. ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES The statements on this job description are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by incumbents. The list is not an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required by all incumbents. Incumbents may perform other duties as assigned. Follows Strategic Sourcing processes and procedures, which includes, although not limited to, the execution of RFQs (requests for quote), item set-up and maintenance, supplier set-up documentation, and the use and development of supply-chain metrics. Source using established RFQ processes to find ideal solutions to satisfy the requirements of multiple commodities including custom designed and publicly available existing items. Work with project managers and engineers during NPI development to understand current & future needs for new product components and using supply base knowledge determine best sources to solicit submissions of RFQ. Ability to understand, analyze and provide a total cost analysis for the supplier selection of qualified sources of supply to assist in determining the decision for award(s) of business. Review and understand technical requirements of a product, it's drawings, specification and being able to communicate and discuss this as needed with multiple stakeholders and Suppliers Participate in special projects as needed. Creates, sends and manages purchase orders including managing First Article requirement purchases and samples. Establish and strengthen supplier relationships as well as with cross functional team members as necessary to execute to strategies. Negotiates for the cost of materials and purchase terms and conditions, as needed Contributes to cost reduction efforts to reduce supply chain cost/cost of goods (COGS), while maintaining a continuing reliable source of supply Establish strong relationships with manufacturers and their associated representatives to understand product roadmaps and availability to support future product development. Assist the respective category/commodity teams and project managers in developing and/or enhancing the supply base that will support the technology, quality and supply continuity requirements as needed Identify and manage the implementation of cost reduction opportunities on new and existing products in collaboration with the category/commodity management and engineering teams or based on the Supply Chain strategy. Identify risks in the current supply chain and work together with SCO team & management to implement supply base consolidation, geographical transition and/or multi sourcing options to mitigate risks and/or receive cost saving Regularly supports supplier pricing reviews and price negotiations Provides maintenance of database and reviews and publishes KPI's on strategic sourcing activities and success measures. Maintains a competitive atmosphere by securing quotations from qualified suppliers, considering quality, service, and price including benchmarking activities for commodity categories. Adheres to legal requirements and company process for establishing new suppliers and/or monitoring current suppliers Interacts with other functional areas within the company, such as engineering, quality assurance and supplier management which have an impact and input on buying decisions and supplier choices Ability to travel both domestically and internationally including attending industry trade shows EDUCATION AND/OR EXPERIENCE Bachelors' degree in supply chain management, business, Engineering or related field, or equivalent directly related work experience required Must have a strong technical background and/or training. Minimum of Three (3) years of experience in strategic sourcing, supply chain management, which must include Fiber assembly and/or Fiber manufacturing environment. Contract negotiations and/or supplier relationship experience Must be able to read and understand engineering drawings and product specifications to discuss with internal stakeholders and within the supply base. LANGUAGE AND PEOPLE SKILLS Communicate clearly and accurately, choosing the most effective communication method for various types of information Develops and maintains strong, supportive relationships with both internal and external customers Effectively defines, analyzes, and resolves problems with a focus on both the short-term and long-term impact of solutions Consistently exhibits good judgment when making decisions Is cooperative, professional, and positive in all interactions Effectively manages emotions, especially in situations involving crises or conflicts, and functions in a controlled manner when under stress Effectively handles changes and/or interruptions and demonstrates a willingness to adapt to new situations and priorities Able to adjust approaches to reach a desired outcome Exhibits an attitude which is positive, open to new ideas, and committed to achieving the desired results Remains open to and supportive of team ideas and management decisions Displays cross-cultural sensitivity while working in a diverse employee population Able to accept constructive criticism and feedback, and respond in an appropriate manner COMPUTER SKILLS Proficient in the use of Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and e-mail software. Experience with ERP systems required, Epicor preferred. PHYSICAL & MENTAL DEMANDS This employee must be able to move 25 pounds, and must be able to sit, stand, type and click a mouse for extended periods of time. Ability to concentrate and focus on detailed information for long periods. Ability to self-educate to research and resolve technical issues. Emotional intelligence to develop and maintain positive interpersonal relationships with co-workers, internal and external customers. Requires repetitive reviewing of numbers and other information and nearly mistake free work performance. WORK ENVIRONMENT This position includes some travel including supplier visits, both domestic and international, and a remote home based work arrangement. Being Southeast or Mid-Atlantic based is required for ease of ability to travel most frequently to our regional office in NC, and other primary suppliers in region. Close proximity to Morrisville, NC is ideal. Occasional travel to company office in WA will be required. QUALITY STATEMENT Amphenol Network Solutions is committed to delivering an extraordinary customer experience that meets or exceeds our customer's requirements and satisfaction as we continually improve the effectiveness of our Quality Management System. We are an Equal Opportunity Employer. We treat others how we want to be treated.