Director of Strategic Sourcing & Vendor Management - Automation & Factory Solutions

Overview

GCG Automation & Factory Solutions is currently seeking a Director of Strategic Sourcing & Vendor Management to lead supplier performance, sourcing strategy, and procurement operations. This senior leadership role is responsible for driving vendor management initiatives, optimizing supplier relationships, and ensuring operational efficiency across the supply chain.

 

Working closely with executive leadership, this role will shape strategic sourcing initiatives, strengthen vendor partnerships, and implement cost-saving measures that support business objectives. The ideal candidate will have extensive experience in procurement strategy, supplier negotiation, and change management within a distribution supply chain environment.

 

This role offers a hybrid work arrangement with a preference for candidates located in one of the following markets:

• Pittsburgh, PA
• Dayton, OH
• Detroit, MI
• St Louis, MO

This role will require occasional travel to facilitate in person meetings with both suppliers and with the leadership team at our facilities in the listed locations. 

What You’ll Do

Strategic Leadership

• Develop and maintain strong relationships with key vendor partners to support business growth
• Align sourcing strategies with company-wide growth initiatives and market positioning
• Lead supplier selection, onboarding, and performance management to drive quality, cost-effectiveness, and innovation
• Oversee the development of strategic vendor scorecards to measure KPI fulfillment
• Analyze market trends and supplier performance to identify opportunities for cost savings and operational improvements

Organizational Leadership

• Build and mentor a high-performing sourcing and procurement team, fostering accountability and continuous improvement
• Optimize supplier management workflows and enforce best practices for sourcing policies and compliance
• Serve as the primary escalation point for addressing supplier performance issues and driving corrective action
• Lead cross-functional initiatives to enhance sourcing efficiency and improve collaboration across departments

Financial Stewardship & Impact

• Drive cost reductions through negotiation, value engineering, and strategic sourcing initiatives
• Oversee large-scale vendor contracts and procurement budgets to achieve financial goals while maintaining supply chain stability
• Partner with Finance leadership to manage supplier rebates, incentives, and contract renegotiations
• Monitor and report on supplier financial performance, tracking key metrics and cost savings

Vendor & Supplier Relationship Management

• Develop mutually beneficial supplier partnerships, ensuring high-quality standards, cost-effectiveness, and timely delivery
• Manage supplier compliance with quality and technical specifications, ensuring consistent performance
• Conduct regular business review meetings with critical suppliers, addressing performance gaps and driving continuous improvements
• Implement risk mitigation strategies for key suppliers to address potential disruptions proactively

Innovation & Digital Transformation

• Lead digital transformation efforts within the supply chain, leveraging automation, analytics, and emerging technologies
• Utilize advanced sourcing tools to drive data-driven decision-making and process optimization
• Promote innovation within supplier management, encouraging the adoption of new technologies and methodologies

What You’ll Bring

Education & Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Supply Chain Management, or a related field (required); Master’s degree p