Strategic Sourcing & Procurement Lead

This position is intended for a procurement professional who not only manages purchasing activities, but also proactively identifies opportunities to improve supplier performance, reduce costs, optimize inventory, and strengthen Aggressive Hydraulics' overall supply chain strategy. You'll have the opportunity to directly influence business decisions and build the function as we grow.

Business operations hours are 7:00am - 4:30pm.

This is an onsite position located in East Bethel, MN 55011.

Position Description:

The Strategic Sourcing & Procurement Lead is responsible for developing and executing sourcing strategies that ensure uninterrupted material availability while driving cost reduction, supplier performance, inventory optimization, and continuous improvement across the supply chain. This role combines hands-on procurement execution with strategic business analysis. The ideal candidate is an analytical, data-driven problem solver who can identify opportunities, challenge existing processes, leverage supplier partnerships, and implement sourcing strategies that create measurable value for the organization. The Strategic Sourcing & Procurement Lead serves as a key business partner to Operations, Engineering, Production, Finance, and Quality to support operational performance, long-term growth, and profitability.

Primary Objectives:

· Ensure material availability to support production schedules and customer commitments.

· Develop sourcing strategies that reduce total cost while maintaining quality and service levels.

· Identify and implement continuous improvement initiatives within procurement and supply chain operations.

· Optimize inventory levels, purchasing practices, and working capital utilization.

· Build strategic supplier relationships that create long-term value and competitive advantage.

· Utilize data, analytics, and market intelligence to support informed business decisions.

· Improve procurement processes, systems, and reporting capabilities to support company growth.

Responsibilities:

Strategic Sourcing & Cost Optimization

· Develop and execute sourcing strategies for raw materials, components, and outside services.

· Lead supplier negotiations involving pricing, payment terms, lead times, and service agreements.

· Identify and implement cost reduction initiatives through strategic sourcing, supplier consolidation, value engineering, and process improvements.

· Evaluate make-versus-buy opportunities in partnership with Engineering and Production.

· Analyze spend data and purchasing trends to identify opportunities for savings and efficiency improvements.

· Monitor market conditions, supply chain risks, and industry trends to proactively identify opportunities and challenges.

· Establish alternative sourcing strategies to reduce supply chain risk and dependency.

Supplier & Procurement Management

· Build and maintain strategic supplier relationships that create long-term value and support company growth.

· Manage purchasing activities, supplier performance, and material availability to meet production requirements.

· Establish performance metrics and supplier scorecards while supporting the qualification of new sourcing partners

Analytics & Continuous Improvement

· Utilize ERP systems, Excel, and data analysis tools to evaluate spending, inventory, supplier performance, and procurement trends.

· Develop actionable recommendations that optimize inventory, strengthen supply chain performance, and improve decision-making.

· Lead continuous improvement initiatives that enhance procurement processes, reporting capabilities, and overall operational effectiveness.

Cross-Functional Collaboration

· Partner with Production, Engineering, Quality, and Finance to align sourcing strategies with business needs.

· Support new product introductions, engineering changes, and operational improvement initiatives.

· Serve as a key contributor in developing scalable procurement and supply chain strategies that support future growth.

Qualifications & Experience:

· 5+ years of procurement, sourcing, purchasing, or supply chain experience within a manufacturing environment.

· Demonstrated success negotiating supplier agreements and implementing cost reduction initiatives.

· Experience utilizing ERP systems, procurement analytics, and supply chain reporting tools.

· Advanced Microsoft Excel skills including pivot tables, lookups, data analysis, and reporting.

· Experience managing supplier relationships, performance metrics, and strategic sourcing initiatives.

· Strong understanding of inventory management, demand planning, and supply chain best practices.

· Experience supporting technical manufacturing environments, engineered products, or custom manufacturing operations preferred.

· Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain, Business, Finance, Operations, or a related field preferred.

Key Competencies:

· Strategic thinking and business acumen including intellectual curiosity and a willingness to challenge the status quo in pursuit of better business outcomes

· Advanced analytical and data-driven decision making

· Cost reduction and value creation mindset

· Supplier relationship management and negotiation

· Creative sourcing and problem-solving skills

· Inventory optimization and operational planning

· Continuous improvement mindset

· Ability to identify inefficiencies and implement practical solutions

· Strong communication, collaboration, and influencing skills

·  Ability to translate data into actionable business recommendations

·  Ability to balance strategic initiatives with day-to-day procurement execution

· GWC – (Gets the role, Wants to do it, Capacity to do it)

· Aligns with our Core Values: Integrity, Aggressive, Team Pride, Expertise, Respect

 
What Success Looks Like

· Reduce overall material and service costs through strategic sourcing initiatives.

· Improve supplier quality, delivery performance, and responsiveness.

· Optimize inventory levels while maintaining production continuity.

· Develop meaningful supplier partnerships that create competitive advantage.

· Utilize data and analytics to identify business opportunities and drive informed decisions.

· Lead initiatives that improve procurement efficiency, scalability, and profitability.

· Build a procurement function that supports Aggressive Hydraulics' continued growth.

• Full time employees are eligible for the following benefits:

• Medical insurance + free in-home acute health care and on-job site health care through Nice for those enrolled on company's medical plan.
• 100% employer paid Dental insurance for single and family (if enrolled on medical plan).
• 100% employer paid premiums for Short Term Disability, Long-Term Disability and $50,000 life insurance policy.
• 401K with 3% safe harbor contribution from the employer
• Competitive Paid Time Off

*Compensation is dependent on a candidates skills and experience.*
Below identifies an anticipated hiring range:

Aggressive Hydraulics is a custom hydraulic cylinder manufacturer. We are the leading provider of hydraulic solutions, serving a diverse range of industries. With a commitment to excellence and customer satisfaction, we pride ourselves on delivering innovative products and exceptional service.