Technical Sourcing Manager (Columbus, IN)

Technical Sourcing Manager – New Product Development

Work Arrangement: Hybrid – 3 Days Onsite / 2 Days Remote

Schedule: Monday–Friday, 8 Hours per Day

Hours: Typically 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM (Flexible)

Position Summary

We are seeking an experienced Technical Sourcing Manager to support new product development initiatives through strategic supplier selection, sourcing, contract negotiation, and cross-functional collaboration.

This position will work closely with Engineering, Procurement, Project Management, and external suppliers to ensure new products are developed and launched while meeting cost, quality, technical, and schedule requirements.

The ideal candidate will have a strong technical or engineering background, experience supporting product development, and demonstrated success negotiating supplier agreements, managing sourcing risks, and making cost-effective sourcing decisions.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead technical sourcing activities for new product development programs, including supplier identification, evaluation, selection, and negotiation.
• Collaborate with Engineering, Procurement, Project Management, and supplier teams to align sourcing strategies with product development requirements.
• Manage supplier selection processes based on technical capabilities, cost competitiveness, quality standards, and delivery expectations.
• Negotiate supplier agreements, commercial terms, pricing, and contracts to support business and program objectives.
• Develop and execute sourcing strategies that achieve established cost, quality, and project timeline targets.
• Perform cost analysis, Should Cost evaluations, and financial assessments to support sourcing decisions.
• Analyze supplier quotations, price proposals, financial information, and technical documentation.
• Identify, evaluate, and mitigate supplier, technical, commercial, and project-related risks.
• Monitor supplier performance and address issues related to cost, quality, delivery, and technical requirements.
• Evaluate market conditions, supply availability, and supplier capabilities to support current and future sourcing needs.
• Coordinate purchasing activities for machinery, equipment, tooling, components, materials, supplies, and services.
• Develop and support purchasing and contract management procedures, policies, and processes.
• Review purchase orders, supplier contracts, and purchasing claims for compliance with company policies and applicable requirements.
• Work with internal stakeholders and external suppliers to resolve sourcing challenges and support successful product launches.
• Provide technical and commercial guidance to project teams throughout the product development lifecycle.
• Identify opportunities to improve sourcing efficiency, reduce costs, and strengthen supplier relationships.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering or a related technical field.
• Minimum of 5 years of relevant experience in technical sourcing, strategic procurement, supplier management, or new product development. Equivalent depth of experience will be considered.
• Experience supporting new product development programs and sourcing activities.
• Demonstrated experience identifying, evaluating, selecting, and managing suppliers.
• Strong supplier negotiation skills, including experience negotiating commercial agreements, pricing, and contracts.
• Ability to collaborate effectively with Engineering, Procurement, Project Management, and external suppliers.
• Experience identifying and mitigating supplier, technical, and project-related risks.
• Strong understanding of cost management, cost targets, and financial decision-making within sourcing activities.
• Experience performing Should Cost analysis or utilizing related cost evaluation tools.
• Ability to analyze supplier quotations, financial reports, pricing proposals, and technical information.
• Strong knowledge of purchasing processes, supplier agreements, and supply chain management principles.
• Excellent written and verbal communication, negotiation, analytical, and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to exercise independent judgment, manage competing priorities, and work with minimal supervision.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications, including Excel and Word.

Preferred Qualifications

• Advanced experience in strategic sourcing, procurement, or supplier management within a technical or engineering-driven environment.
• Experience sourcing engineered components, tooling, machinery, or manufacturing equipment.
• Familiarity with supplier development, product launch processes, and cross-functional project execution.
• Knowledge of applicable purchasing laws, regulations, and contract management practices.
• Experience developing purchasing policies, sourcing procedures, and supplier management strategies.
• Professional purchasing or supply management certification, such as CPSM, CPPM, or CPP.
• Experience providing leadership, mentoring, or technical guidance to purchasing and sourcing teams.

Ideal Candidate Profile

The successful candidate will combine technical knowledge with strong commercial and supplier management capabilities. They will have experience working alongside engineering and product development teams, selecting suppliers, negotiating agreements, managing sourcing risks, and balancing cost, quality, and delivery requirements.

This individual should be comfortable making independent decisions, navigating complex supplier relationships, and collaborating across multiple functions to bring new products to market successfully.

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