Sourcing Specialist

Illinois Tool Works · Houston

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Job Description:

About the Role

We are seeking a detail-oriented and driven Sourcing Specialist to join our procurement team, reporting to the Sourcing Manager. This role is designed for individuals with a strong foundation in supply chain and procurement who are eager to grow within a dynamic and fast-paced environment. The Sourcing Specialist I will support sourcing projects and the RFI/RFQ process, analyze supplier performance, and ensure compliance with company standards. The role is based in Houston.

Key Responsibilities

• Support sourcing projects under the direction of senior staff or manager.
• Assist with vendor qualification and maintain supplier records.
• Conduct cost analysis and prepare supplier performance reports.
• Track commodity prices, raw material costs, currency exchange rates, and market trends that affect the business.
• Ensure compliance with sourcing policies, procedures, and standard auditing requirements, and that purchasing activities are completed accurately and on time.
• Participate in supplier reviews and cost negotiations at an introductory level.
• Support the RFI/RFQ process, including preparing requests and compiling supplier responses, to ensure best cost-for-quality.
• Conduct supplier scorecard reviews, tracking key metrics such as quality, on-time delivery, cost, and responsiveness; communicate results and follow-up actions to suppliers and use scorecard data to support Quarterly Business Reviews (QBRs).
• Perform heavy data analytics on spend, PPV, pricing, and supplier performance data to identify trends and cost-reduction opportunities; build reports and dashboards (including pre-reporting for supplier reviews) for the sourcing team and senior management.
• Work with suppliers to identify, develop, and track annual cost-saving ideas and initiatives.
• Support the identification and development of second/redundant sources for key products and components.
• Support basic supplier management and day-to-day communication with suppliers in North America and internationally.
• Apply basic contract principles when supporting supplier agreements.
• Assist in maintaining MRP system data accuracy from a costing perspective and support accurate available-to-promise (ATP) information used for customer delivery commitments.
• Other duties as required.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain or a related field.
• 2–4 years of experience in supply chain, procurement, or supplier coordination.
• Strong Microsoft Office (Excel, Word, PowerPoint) skills.
• Strong data analytics and reporting skills, including advanced Excel (pivot tables, lookups, data modeling).
• Exposure to negotiation processes, basic supplier management, and contract basics.
• Familiarity with MRP systems preferred.
• Understanding of demand/supply planning processes.

Physical Demands

• Prolonged periods of sitting and working at a computer.
• Frequent use of hands and fingers for typing, data entry, and operating standard office equipment.
• Ability to communicate effectively in person, by phone, video conference, and email.
• Occasionally required to stand, walk, bend, reach, or lift office materials up to 15 pounds.
• Ability to travel occasionally for supplier visits, business meetings, training, or industry events.
• May be required to work extended periods at a computer while analyzing data, preparing reports, and participating in virtual meetings.

Work Environment

• Primarily performed in an office environment with standard office equipment.
• Hybrid or remote work arrangements may be available based on business needs.
• Occasional travel may be required to supplier locations, manufacturing facilities, or company sites.

ITW is an equal opportunity employer. We value our colleagues’ unique perspectives, experiences and ideas and create workplaces where everyone can develop their careers and perform to their full potential. 

As an equal employment opportunity employer, ITW is committed to equal employment opportunity and fair treatment for employees, beginning with the hiring process and continuing through all aspects of the employment relationship. 

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, religion, national origin, age, disability, protected Veteran status or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local laws.  

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