Strategic Sourcing Manager

Description At SHAPE Technologies Group, we are devoted to delivering innovative waterjet technologies, robotic automation, and ultrahigh-pressure manufacturing process solutions that propel our customers to success. The SHAPE difference can be seen in our people. With industry leading technologists, manufacturing experts, and skilled service professionals, SHAPE team members listen to our customers to anticipate their needs and deliver technical know-how that transforms our customers’ visions into reality. What it’s Like to Work Here. We are a team of technology enthusiasts who pride ourselves on constantly raising the industry bar. Our world is fast paced, and customer focused. With principles, performance and an authentic passion for results deeply rooted in our daily interactions. We strive to create a trust-based environment where driving results and positive attitudes coexist. We are friendly, respectful, and motivated to deliver strong performance in everything we do. What We Offer. In addition to training and career advancement opportunities, we offer competitive salaries and a comprehensive benefits package including medical, dental, vision, 401(k), paid time off, life insurance, paid disability insurances, education reimbursement and more. Role SUMMARY The Strategic Sourcing Manager is responsible for leading the development and execution of the company’s sourcing strategy, with a primary focus on identifying and onboarding new vendors, negotiating contracts and commercial terms, and building a scalable strategic sourcing and negotiation function. This role will establish best-in-class sourcing processes, systems, and governance to support organizational growth, cost optimization, risk mitigation, and operational excellence. The ideal candidate is a strategic thinker and hands-on builder who can create structure from the ground up while driving measurable value through supplier partnerships and disciplined commercial negotiation. ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES include but are not limited to the following: Strategic Sourcing & Vendor Development • Identify, evaluate, and onboard new vendors aligned with company growth, quality, and cost objectives. • Develop and execute sourcing strategies across key spend categories. • Conduct market analysis to assess supplier capabilities, cost structures, industry trends, and risk factors. • Establish supplier qualifications standards, due diligence processes, and performance benchmarks. • Build and maintain strong, long-term relationships with strategic suppliers. Contract Negotiation & Commercial Leadership • Lead contract negotiations, including pricing, service levels, payment terms, volume discounts, risk allocation, and performance guarantees. • Structure agreements to optimize total cost of ownership while mitigating operational and financial risk. • Partner with Legal and Finance to ensure contractual compliance and alignment with company policies. • Develop negotiation frameworks, playbooks, and best practices to standardize commercial engagements. • Drive measurable savings and value creation initiatives across the supply base. Build & Lead Strategic Sourcing Function • Design and establish a formal strategic sourcing and negotiation division within the company. • Define organizational structure, roles, responsibilities, and performance metrics for the sourcing function. • Recruit, mentor, and develop sourcing team members as the function’s scales. • Implement governance frameworks for vendor selection, contract approvals, and performance reviews. • Serve as a key advisor to executive leadership on souring strategy, supplier risk, and cost optimization. Process & Systems Development for Scale • Develop and implement scalable sourcing processes to support company growth. • Establish standardized RFP/RFQ procedures, bid evaluation models, and supplier scorecards. • Implement or optimize procurement and contract management systems (e.g., ERP, CLM, spend analytics tools). • Create reporting dashboards and KPIs to monitor spending, supplier performance, savings, and risk exposure. • Drive continuous improvement initiatives to increase efficiency, transparency, and compliance. Cross-Functional Collaboration • Partner with Operations, Finance, Legal, Product, and other stakeholders to align sourcing strategies with business objectives. • Provide data-driven recommendations to support budgeting, forecasting, and strategic planning. • Ensure sourcing decisions support quality standards, service requirements, and customer expectations. Compliance & Risk Management • Ensure supplier compliance with contractual obligations, regulatory requirements, and company policies. • Identify and mitigate supply chain risks, including financial, operational, and geopolitical exposures. • Develop contingency plans and supplier diversification strategies as needed. Additional Responsibilities • Perform other duties as assigned by the leader to support evolving business needs. Regular and predictable attendance is an essential function of this position. SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES This position will have direct supervisory responsibilities. TRAVEL Travel up to 40% of the time. Qualifications REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, ABILITIES: • Strong negotiation and contract management expertise. • Strategic mindset with the ability to execute tactically. • Excellent analytical and financial modeling skills. • Strong leadership and team-building capabilities. • Exceptional communication and stakeholder management skills. • Experience implementing procurement systems and scalable processes. • High level of integrity, accountability, and sound business judgement. EDUCATION and EXPERIENCE: • Bachelor’s degree in business, Supply Chain, Finance, or related field required, MBA or advanced degree preferred. • 7+ years of progressive experience in strategic sourcing, procurement, or supply chain management. • Demonstrated experience negotiating complex commercial agreements. • Proven track record of building or scaling sourcing/procurement functions preferred. CERTIFICATES, LICENSES AND REGISTRATIONS: None required. Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) •Cost savings and cost avoidance metrics. •Supplier performance and quality metrics. •Contract cycle time and compliance rates. •Process efficiency improvements. •Risk mitigation and supplier diversification outcomes. Work Environment & Expectations Ability to manage multiple initiatives in a fast-paced environment. Travel will be required for supplier visits and negotiations. Commitment to fostering a collaborative and high-performance culture. COMPENSATION & BENEFITS Base Compensation: $135,000 - $150,000, depending on experience Comprehensive benefits package, including medical, dental, vision, and life insurance 401(k) plan with company matching contributions Paid time off (PTO) and disability insurance Tuition reimbursement for approved educational programs Ongoing career development and training opportunities Physical Demands: The physical demands described here represent those an employee must meet to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform these functions. While performing these duties, the employee is regularly required to talk and hear. The employee is occasionally required to stand, sit, walk, and reach with hands and arms. Additionally, the employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 10 pounds. Specific vision abilities required include close, distance, color, and peripheral vision, as well as depth perception and the ability to adjust focus.