Technical Sourcing Lead

The Technical Sourcing function is responsible for managing the third-party supplier (3PS) product and materials portfolio in close alignment with the overall product line strategy defined by the Product Line Directors (PLD) organization. In addition, the function provides technical expertise within Purchasing and drives cross-functional projects with a strong technical focus involving third-party suppliers. Its scope also includes supplier development, innovation scouting, ensuring product launch readiness at 3PS, and the definition of sourcing guidelines, including the Make-or-Buy decision framework.

Key Responsibilities

People Leadership & Team Coordination

• Drive and ensure global alignment of the 3PS portfolio and related technical topics, interfacing closely with PLDs, Segment teams, and the broader purchasing organization.

Portfolio Strategy & Governance

• Lead and manage the 3PS* product and material portfolio including its development and rationalization, in line with R&D, PLD, and Segments strategy.
• Co-design the Make and Buy (M&B) strategy with the PLDs through benchmarks, technical capability evaluation at 3PS, and ensure the strategy is embedded in the sourcing decision making.

Technical Support to Category Purchasing

• Drive a consistent roll out of 3PS portfolio strategy, in alignment with PLDs and the regional Category Purchasing teams.
• Support in-/outsourcing assessments considering all technical aspects like materials, tooling, and manufacturability.
• Conduct technical benchmarks; lead supplier comparisons and evaluations based on specifications, material properties, and capabilities.
• Identify and develop new sourcing options to close portfolio or capability gaps; lead innovation scouting with PLDs, R&D, and suppliers.
• Shape and complete the “Buy” portfolio in alignment with PLDs and in partnership with the Category Purchasing organization.

Project Management - Technical Scope

• Lead or coordinate projects involving global Purchasing with significant technical content (e.g., PFAS initiatives, material rationalization, new material launch at 3PS , technical benchmark etc...) and ensure cross‑functional validation and readiness.
• Provide technical support and troubleshooting for supplier issues and drive 3PS development programs.

Cross‑Functional Collaboration & Communication

• Act as main interface for PLDs and Segments in regards of technical sourcing topic involving 3PS portfolio.
• Interface with R&D and supplier engineering on specifications and manufacturability topics; provide clear technical directions to Category Purchasing.
• Support Sales with technical inquiries involving 3PS; participate in customer and supplier audits as required.
• In alignment with PLD, drive internal promotion and communication of 3PS portfolio capabilities to ensure cross‑functional awareness.

Quality & Continuous Improvement

• Support resolution of technical quality issues at 3PS with the quality team, coordinate corrective actions with suppliers and ensure lesson learned.
• Maintain a regular cadence of portfolio & capability assessments to identify improvement opportunities and validate outcomes of supplier development efforts

Requirements:

• Bachelor’s/master’s degree in engineering, Materials Science, or Business with strong technical exposure
• 5 years experience
• Demonstrated experience in technical sourcing, supplier development, and leading cross‑functional projects in an industrial/manufacturing environment.
• Strong proficiency in portfolio analytics, benchmarking, and Make‑or‑Buy frameworks; ability to translate technical requirements into sourcing decisions, including the capability to shape and evolve portfolio strategy based on technical, commercial, and market insights.
• Experience in leading teams or cross-regional stakeholders; ability to guide and develop talent
• Excellent stakeholder‑management capabilities; able to interact with PLDs, R&D, Sales, and suppliers.
• Familiarity with Purchasing processes

Travel: International travel to Mexico and some domestic

Work environment: 100% on site in Fort Wayne, IN