Sourcing Specialist

Imagine working at the forefront of innovation in fluid-flow technology, with over 1,400 colleagues across the globe, and contributing to a legacy of excellence that spans eight manufacturing facilities on four continents. Armstrong Fluid Technology is more than just a leader in our industry; we are a community of the brightest and most creative minds, driven by a shared mission to engineer the future and safeguard our planet.

As part of our team, you'll be immersed in an environment that fosters growth, creativity, and collaboration. Here, you'll have the opportunity to push boundaries, tackle exciting challenges, and develop cutting-edge solutions that promote energy efficiency and reduce environmental impact. Every day offers the chance to make a meaningful contribution to a more sustainable future, driving innovations that help lower global carbon footprints. Together, we’re creating a legacy that goes beyond business—one that’s changing the world for the better.

In this role, she or he will be responsible for driving the China/Asia pacific sourcing activities for electricals while supporting collaboratively with Category Managers and other Commodity Managers within the Global Category Sourcing division.This role will be based out of the Shanghai Plant.

Key Accountabilities

[Develop and Execute Sourcing Strategies]

• Develop category-specific sourcing strategies in collaboration with key stakeholders.
• Analyze current supplier landscape, capacity, capability, and competitiveness to support category strategy development.
• Develop and implement sustainable supplier and category strategies that align with business needs.
• Conduct market analysis and benchmarking to ensure cost competitiveness.
• Identify cost drivers and create category-specific cost models.
• Lead global cost reduction initiatives and ensure compliance with sourcing best practices.

[Optimize Supplier Management & Performance]

• Manage supplier relationships to ensure quality, delivery, and cost objectives are met.
• Conduct regular supplier performance reviews and drive continuous improvement initiatives.
• Evaluate new suppliers and supplier capabilities to support new product development and business needs.
• Ensure full compliance with governance processes related to supplier selection, cost evaluation, and approval workflows.
• Identify risks in supplier, commodity, and procurement markets and develop risk-mitigation plans.

[Support New Product Development & Value Stream]

• Identify and qualify new suppliers for new parts and products.
• Obtain necessary codes and manage raw material costs for new product development.
• Negotiate supplier costs to align with target pricing.
• Participate in quarterly program increment meetings, collaborating with cross-functional teams to support sourcing decisions.
• Order and track sample parts for PPAP and FAI approval processes.
• Maintain JIRA for assigned tasks and manage dependencies with other teams.

[Execute Sourcing & Cost Management]

• Lead execution of RFx processes (Request for Quotation, Request for Proposal) to support sourcing initiatives.
• Follow up with suppliers and evaluate quotes based on cost, quality, and lead time.
• Negotiate pricing and create Total Cost Models for review by leadership.
• Develop and upload mass update files for supplier pricing and lead time changes.
• Monitor commodity prices and evaluate cost impact on supplier agreements

[Conduct Contract Negotiation and Management]

• Manage Master Supplier Agreements, ensuring regular updates and compliance with business needs.
• Negotiate inventory stocking program agreements based on commodity indexing.
• Coordinate supplier contract reviews, ensuring legal and financial approvals.
• Conduct quarterly business reviews with key strategic suppliers, involving cross-functional teams.
• Facilitate NDA execution with new and existing suppliers.

[Support Sourcing Process Improvement & Project Management Initiatives]

• Develop and maintain sourcing policies, procedures, and workflows to ensure efficiency and compliance.
• Establish key performance indicators (KPIs) to measure sourcing and supplier performance.
• Continuously improve sourcing methodologies and cost models.
• Participate in project meetings to define scope and objectives.
• Manage sourcing projects from initiation to completion, tracking milestones and deliverables.
• Provide regular updates and reporting to management and stakeholders.
• Provide training and documentation for sourcing processes and best practices.
• Support cross-functional teams with process mapping and workflow enhancements.

[Handle Ad-Hoc Requests & Urgent Issues]

• Address urgent sourcing needs related to material shortages, price increases, or supplier non-performance.
• Investigate and resolve repetitive non-conformances and rejected parts.
• Act as a point of escalation for critical supply chain disruptions.
• Support urgent sourcing identification to prevent production downtime.

What We’re Looking For

To thrive in this role, you should bring:

Education and Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in electrical or engineering, or equivalent working experience
• College Diploma in Supply Chain Management considered an asset
• Supply chain Management Certification (SCMP), Institute for Supply Management (ISM) certification, or Association for Supply Chain Management (ASCM) certification considered a strong asset
• Minimum five years’ experience in procurement and category in industrial/electrical sectors
• Minimum three years’ experience in global sourcing and category management
• Direct experience with high-impact electrical commodities, such as motor, panel, PLC, PCBA, etc. deep understanding of raw material related.
• Should have experience in identifying and qualifying electrical suppliers, Asia-China and global base
• Hands-on experience
• Demonstrated experience collaborating with cross-functional teams in multi-site settings, including an international supply chain environment
• Hands-on experience developing and implementing best practices specific to cost management, supplier management, and risk mitigation

Technical Skills

• Exceptional data analytic capabilities
• High-level proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite.
• Self-motivated to achieve annual goals and objectives.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills in both Chinese and English
• Strong understanding and experience with Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) systems, specifically in an industrial manufacturing setting

Soft Skills

• Strong interpersonal skills and proven people-management experience
• Sound knowledge and experience in working with system-based categorization and producing procurement-specific reports
• Ability to work well independently as part of a team within a time-sensitive environment

Why Armstrong Fluid Technology?

By joining us, you’ll become part of a global community dedicated to pushing the boundaries of fluid-flow technology while upholding Armstrong's commitment to sustainability. You’ll have endless opportunities to learn, grow, and make a significant impact on the world. Together, we'll build tomorrow’s solutions today.