Knowledge of sourcing, procurement, and supplier evaluation practices in a distribution environment.
Ability to interpret part descriptions, technical drawings, and specifications.
Understanding of supply chain considerations including tariffs, surcharges, logistics, transit times, and inventory management.
Analytical skills to evaluate supplier proposals with a focus on cost, quality, delivery, and profitability.
Proficiency with RFQ processes, documentation, and data tracking.
Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite.
Ability to manage multiple priorities under tight deadlines with accuracy and attention to detail.
A bachelor's degree in Supply Chain Management, Business, Engineering, or a related field is preferred; equivalent experience is considered.
At least 2 years of experience in sourcing, procurement, or a supply chain role; distribution or manufacturing experience is preferred.
Knowledge of PPAP requirements and supplier quality documentation.
Familiarity with ISO and other industry quality certifications.
Ability to work collaboratively and cross-functionally to meet deadlines and deliver results.
Ability to type, file, lift up to 20 pounds, and perform the physical and visual tasks required in a professional office environment.
Responsibilities
Review quotation requirements, drawings, specifications, volumes, and customer needs to identify qualified suppliers.
Select suppliers based on manufacturing capabilities and capacity; alignment of volume requirements with supplier preferences and company inventory turn goals; quality certifications and compliance standards; supplier location; customer delivery expectations; tariffs and surcharges; and other cost or risk factors.
Issue RFQs with required documents and customer requirements, ensuring clear and professional communication.
Follow up proactively with suppliers to clarify requirements and meet deadlines.
Collaborate with sales, engineering, quality, and other teams to resolve issues and refine proposals supporting new business.
Review and compare supplier proposals to identify the best option balancing profitability, competitiveness, and customer needs.
Record proposal data in the internal quotation document and present recommendations for approval to the Sourcing Manager when thresholds require.
Notify sales to finalize margin assignment and prepare the customer-ready quote for timely and accurate submission.
Document and track quote status and handoffs using established tracking mechanisms.
Manage control and retention of supplier quotes and related documentation in the shared folder.
Support customer or internal requests for clarification or additional information after quote submission.
Seek process and outcome improvements to support efficiency and competitiveness.
Use standard office equipment in an office environment.
Desired Qualifications
Experience with Epicor P21 ERP or quotation tracking systems.
Distribution or manufacturing experience.
General Fasteners Company located in Livonia, MI is looking to hire a full-time Sourcing Specialist. Would you like to join a stable and growing local company where there is potential for career growth? If so, please read on!
This Sourcing Specialist position earns a competitive starting wage, and we also offer great benefits and perks, such as 10 paid holidays, generous paid time off (PTO), a 401(k) option, flexible spending accounts (FSAs), life insurance, a down-to-earth casual environment, and a positive team-oriented culture. Our full-time employees also have access to medical, dental, vision, and other insurance options.
JOB SUMMARY: The Sourcing Specialist plays a key role in positioning the company to win new business by ensuring accurate, competitive, and timely quotations. This role manages supplier selection and the RFQ process, evaluating capability, quality, cost, and delivery to meet customer and company objectives. Working with suppliers and cross-functional teams, the Sourcing Specialist delivers solutions that strengthen customer relationships and support profitable growth.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:
Review quotation requirements, drawings, specifications, volumes, and customer needs to identify qualified suppliers.
Select suppliers based on:
Manufacturing capabilities and capacity.
Alignment of volume requirements with supplier preferences and company inventory turn goals.
Quality certifications and compliance standards to ensure customer confidence.
Supplier location to support efficient transit, cost control, and alignment with GF facility locations.
Customer delivery expectations, tariff and surcharge considerations, and other cost or risk factors.
Issue RFQs with required documents and customer requirements, ensuring clear, professional communication.
Maintain proactive follow-up with suppliers to clarify requirements and ensure deadlines are met.
Collaborate with sales, engineering, quality, and other teams to resolve issues and refine proposals that support winning new business.
Review and compare supplier proposals to identify the best option balancing profitability, competitiveness, and customer needs
Record proposal data in the internal quotation document and present recommendations for approval to Sourcing Manager when thresholds require.
Notify sales to finalize margin assignment and preparation of the customer-ready quote to support timely and accurate submissions.
Document and track quote status and handoffs using established tracking mechanisms, ensuring accuracy and consistency.
Manage control and retention of supplier quotes and related documentation in the shared folder.
Support customer or internal requests for clarification or additional information after quote submission.
Continuously seek ways to improve processes and outcomes through forward-thinking and innovation, supporting company goals for efficiency and competitiveness.
SKILLS, KNOWLEDGE, ABILITIES:
Knowledge of sourcing, procurement, and supplier evaluation practices in a distribution environment.
Ability to interpret part descriptions, technical drawings, and specifications.
Understanding of supply chain considerations including tariffs, surcharges, logistics, transit times, and inventory management.
Analytical skills to evaluate supplier proposals with a focus on cost, quality, delivery, and profitability.
Proficiency with RFQ processes, documentation, and data tracking.
Strong communication and collaboration skills to work effectively across functions and with suppliers, demonstrating professionalism and ownership.
Ability to manage multiple priorities under tight deadlines with accuracy and attention to detail.
Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite; experience with Epicor P21 ERP or quotation tracking systems preferred.
Forward-thinking mindset to identify process improvements that support business growth.
JOB QUALIFICATIONS:
Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain Management, Business, Engineering, or related field preferred; equivalent experience considered.
Minimum 2 years of experience in sourcing, procurement, or supply chain role (distribution or manufacturing preferred)
Knowledge of PPAP requirements and supplier quality documentation.
Familiarity with ISO and other industry quality certifications.
Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively and cross-functionally to meet deadlines and deliver results.
PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS & WORK ENVIRONMENT: The physical demands and work environment described herein are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
This job operates in a professional office environment. This role routinely uses standard office equipment.
While performing the duties of this job, the employee is required to type, file and/or lift up to 20 lbs. The employee is frequently required to hear and speak. The employee is required to sit, stand, move about, and use hands and arms to reach, handle or feel. Specific vision abilities required include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception and ability to adjust focus.
OTHER DUTIES:
Duties, responsibilities and activities may change at any time with or without notice. This job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job.
ABOUT GENERAL FASTENERS COMPANY Founded in 1952, General Fasteners Company is a full-service distributor of Fasteners and Assembly Components. We excel at providing great products, superior customer service, customized Vendor Managed Inventory (VMI) programs, product testing, and engineering solutions for our valued customers. Our company culture plays a large part in our success. With 11 locations in North America, General Fasteners Company continues to provide these services to numerous companies throughout North America. General Fasteners Company continues to find new and innovative ways to service our customers as we carry on the traditional values on which our company was founded. After 70 years, we continue to be a privately held Michigan corporation dedicated to helping our customers reach their strategic goals through inventory solutions. We believe that happy, talented employees add value to our company. We do our best to hire friendly, down-to-earth people who make good team members. We also promote a healthy work-life balance and personal development.
READY TO JOIN OUR TEAM? We understand that your time is valuable and that is why we have a very quick and easy application process. If you feel that you are the right for this job, please fill out our initial mobile-friendly application. We look forward to meeting you!