Strategic Sourcing Specialist jobs in Appleton, WI

At AriensCo, we build more than exceptional products - we create opportunities that impact careers. Our culture values innovative thinking, hard work and determination. We interact in teams, collaborate together and make decisions quickly.

We see growth potential in every team member, and are committed to supporting our employees with continuous training and advancement opportunities.

Our environment? We're corporate, without being "corporate." Whether you work at our headquarters, manufacturing facilities, or one of our global distribution businesses, you'll always have the freedom to create and contribute. Our company vision is "Passionate People, Astounded Customers." Quite simply: it revolves around people

Speaking of people, you're not just employee #1,762 to us. You're family and your role is invaluable. Without exceptional people, we can't continue to produce the amazing products we're known for around the world.

Ready for the ride of your career? Then come join us. By joining our team, you'll have the opportunity to work in a rewarding workplace with a strong sense of community.

AriensCo is seeking a Strategic Sourcing Manager to be responsible for leading sourcing efforts for Outdoor Power Equipment purchased assigned commodities for electrification and advanced technology components including fixed and removeable battery systems, BLDC motors, electric drivetrains, embedded controllers, autonomous components, sensors, and telemetry devices. The person in this role will have complete ownership of the relationship between AriensCo and the electrification component suppliers. Using technical information supplied by engineering, this person will research, identify, and validate potential suppliers for the identified components, evaluating the tradeoffs between commercial off the shelf (COTS) components and custom component developments. In addition, this position will focus on supply agreements that provide commodity-based pricing with future cost reduction opportunities, and that provide flexibility in balancing on hand/on order inventory to align with the fluctuations in EV product demand.

The Day to Day...

• Research and identify electrification component suppliers and review capabilities against Ariens engineering requirement documents.

• Introduces innovation and technology from existing and potential suppliers to relevant product development teams.

• Recognizes commonality between Ariens component requirements and creates supplier strategies that minimize the supplier base while leveraging combined Ariens product line volumes from all facilities for lowest applied cost.

• Requests and coordinates supplier quotes supporting combined and independent product platform component use.

• Understands logistics, international shipping, and country tariffs affecting component delivered costs. Consolidates information and presents to Ariens project team to assist in supplier selection.

• Ability to collaborate and support Ariens NA/EU locations on supplier selections and understands unique needs related to each site.

• Supports the technology development team in placing component orders and in determining component lead times to support CV, DV, and PV builds. Coordinates successful handoff to material leaders and planning team.

• Negotiates Master Supply Agreements with commodity-based pricing. Identifies and pursues cost reduction opportunities.

• Reviews bid proposals and contracts within budgetary limitations and scope of authority. Negotiates contractual terms and conditions with suppliers, including required tooling and warranty provisions.

• Monitor and communicate existing supplier performance for use in quarterly business reviews, etc.

• Evaluate current internal costs of production/processes against sourcing from external suppliers for make vs buy decisions.

The Qualifications...

• Bachelor's degree in business, engineering, or relevant field of study

• Minimum 5 years of relevant work experience in sourcing, supply chain and/or procurement, or relevant work experience as application engineer in electrification, automation, or related field.

• Experience in electrification and automation of Outdoor Power Equipment, commercial, or industrial vehicles preferred.

• Knowledge of vehicle electrification design, architecture, battery technology, motor controllers, and actuators a plus.

• Experience in contract negotiation preferred.

• Demonstrable experience in cost reduction activities preferred.

• CPM certified preferred.

Since 1933, the AriensCo name has been associated with reliable, durably crafted, high-performance outdoor power equipment. Our core values - Be Honest, Be Fair, Respect the Individual, Keep our Commitments, and Encourage Intellectual Curiosity define our culture and inspire our team. We believe passionate people and astounded customers lead to unstoppable success.

Our employees' quality of life is important to us. When people feel appreciated, respected and supported, careers thrive and ideas come to fruition. AriensCo employees are provided various great benefit opportunities which may include:

• Medical, Dental, Vision Insurance effective first day of employment
• Onsite health clinic with Bellin Health
• Life Insurance
• 401(k) and profit-sharing plans
• Bonus Programs
• Accident and Critical Illness Insurance
• Paid vacation, holidays and leave programs
• Flexible spending account (FSA) plan
• Voluntary wellness programs
• Employee Product discount program
• Employee Assistance Program
• Gym discount membership program
• Tuition Reimbursement
• Safety shoes and safety prescription glasses reimbursement
• Apprenticeship opportunities
• Cross-training and job rotation opportunities
• Career paths
• Ongoing development through the Ariens Academy
• Kaizen Events - continuous improvement
• Ability to win products
• Daycare facility in Brillion, WI

The concept of diversity is important to us at AriensCo. That's why we've created a culture that is inclusive, accepting and understanding. We embrace diversity among our partners, suppliers and employees. We also strive for diversity in the quality of our ideas. Inclusion and acceptance means that, regardless of who you are, you will always be standing on our welcome mat.

AriensCo is an equal opportunity and affirmative action employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law. AriensCo hires and promotes individuals solely on the basis of their qualifications for the job to be filled.

Providing our employees with an environment free of discrimination and harassment is something we take very seriously. Embracing diversity enables us to attract the best talent, foster productive teamwork, and expand our business opportunities.