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Sr. Sourcing Specialist, NPD, Wellness Products

_Work Mode: Hybrid_

**Location: ** Hybrid - Kohler, WI

Opportunity

The Senior Sourcing Specialist - New Product Development (NPD) leads strategic sourcing projects through identification, evaluation and integration of sources of supply while supporting lowest total cost of ownership targets. It focuses on supporting NPD initiatives by establishing strategic supplier partnerships for new material and component categories.

The role will be responsible for developing supplier relationships and for making sourcing recommendations to support NPD program management with estimates of the sourcing cost, schedule, and activity requirements. The ideal candidate will operate with a high degree of independence and autonomy, collaborating with cross-functional teams and reporting to a remote leader, while managing multiple projects of varied complexity.

About the Wellness Products business:

The newly created Wellness Products business has been charged with becoming the premier Mind & Body Wellness provider for at home and professional spa sanctuaries. The objective of this business is to not only grow an already wellness-centric product portfolio but also create a clearly differentiated go to market strategy with a tailored angle to captivate the target audience with unforgettable showroom and digital destinations. Applicants must be passionate about wellness and having expertise in the ever-growing market is a plus! Given the start-up nature of this business, applicants must possess a bias for action, an ability to continually assess with openness to pivot as the market dynamic changes and must be team-oriented with a willingness to dive in and support with whatever is needed. Prior start up experience is preferred.

Specific Responsibilities

+ Lead the identification, selection and integration of suppliers of purchased components for new products while ensuring alignment to the strategic supply base. This includes conducting market research to understand the potential supply base, RFP/RFQ development and submittal, supplier negotiations, NDAs and development of an effective supplier relationship to support on-going new product development and integration.

+ Work with Engineering and Supplier Quality teams to develop new suppliers as required, ensuring adherence to Kohler’s standards of quality. Drive leading edge procurement by working closely with the supply base and the material planning group to actively integrate the suppliers into Wellness product fulfillment and distribution.

+ Interface with Production, Engineering, Purchasing, Materials, Manufacturing sites, Sales and Marketing to ensure alignment of project scope and stakeholder expectations specific to material and component sourcing.

+ Partner with both existing and new to Kohler suppliers to identify and resource productivity/cost down initiatives using VA/VE tools where appropriate.

+ Manage the purchasing and procurement processes for obtaining samples, prototypes, initial prototype builds and tooling for new product integration and launch.

+ Coordinate support from manufacturing plant resources to ensure new product launch schedule dates and issues are understood and in accordance with resource planning.

+ Own supply improvement opportunities that are global in scope and complexity, setting strategies for process improvements that impact the work product of the department.Skilled in implementing continuous improvement opportunities within the supply base.

+ Promote with self-development through the use of all available resources (i.e. training programs, seminars, sharing of best practices, and self study).

Required Competencies

Business/Technical

+ Knowledge of Customer Function/Business and proactively anticipate customer needs. Skilled at developing teaming relationships with customers/stakeholders and following through on critical time and cost commitments.

+ Ability to negotiate acquisition contracts for parts or finished goods. Experienced in negotiating/managing point-to-point purchase agreements. Ability to relate company level strategy to current position.

+ Working knowledge of the inter-relationships between key financial statements, ability to interpret analysis and build generic supplier cost models. Ability to apply statistical tools and calculate Total Cost of Ownership on monetary values. General accounting and cash flow awareness.

+ Possesses a general understanding of supply chain concepts such as sales and operations planning, inventory management, distribution and warehousing, logistics and freight.

+ Working knowledge/usability of all common Office software applications. Strong analytical skills with the ability to define problems and formulate information through data analysis. Functional knowledge of ERP systems, SAP strongly preferred.

Interpersonal

+ Demonstrated professionalism in communicating. Effectively maintains and archives critical documentation for assigned programs. Willingly shares information and supports/qualifies/sells ideas to management (e.g. pursues champion). Action-oriented. Proficient in market research and reacting to maintain the speed of the industry.

+ Develops trust, builds and facilitates relationships that result in strong partnerships with stakeholders. Displays commitment to relationship building with stakeholders.

Managerial

+ Develops personal goals and individual development plans. Recognizes development needs and actively participates in developing those needs. Seeks self-improvement opportunities through mentoring and supporting relationships. Seeks to familiarize oneself with the strategy/plans of the department, group and company.

Skills/Requirements

Education

+ Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain Management, Business Administration, Engineering, or a related field preferred or equivalent professional experience.

+ Master’s degree or professional certifications (e.g., Certified Purchasing Professional (CPP), Certified Supply Chain Professional (CSCP)) are a plus.

Experience

+ A minimum of 5- 8 years of experience in procurement, strategic sourcing, or supply chain management required.

+ 2- 3 years of experience in new product development sourcing or establishing new supplier relationships preferred.

+ Experience managing RFPs, NDAs, and supplier negotiations with support from related functions such as Legal and New Product Development teams.

+ Experience working autonomously or with remote leadership on moderately complex projects.

\#LI-Hybrid

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_Applicants must be authorized to work in the US without requiring sponsorship now or in the future._

_The salary range for this position is $76,050 - $96,050. The specific salary offered to a candidate may be influenced by a variety of factors including the candidate’s experience, their education, and the work location. Available benefits include medical, dental, vision & 401k._

Why Choose Kohler?

We empower each associate to #BecomeMoreAtKohler with a competitive total rewards package to support your health and wellbeing, access to career growth and development opportunities, a diverse and inclusive workplace, and a strong culture of innovation. With more than 30,000 bold leaders across the globe, we’re driving meaningful change in our mission to help people live gracious, healthy, and sustainable lives.

About Us

It is Kohler’s policy to recruit, hire, and promote qualified applicants without regard to race, creed, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, marital status, national origin, disability or status as a protected veteran. If, as an individual with a disability, you need reasonable accommodation during the recruitment process, please contact [email protected] . Kohler Co. is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer.