Sourcing Specialist

We are looking for a Sourcing Specialist for our Dayton, OH or Mequon, WI facilities. In this role you will be responsible for all Friction Systems and Thermoelectrical Insulation Systems, Americas procurement related topics, responsible for the Business Unit Indirect Material (IM) and Direct Material (DM) spend under the direction of the Global Head of Procurement CS & PL Eldim.

The Sourcing Specialist is engaged in procurement for Friction US as well as crossing over and aligning with other business units in the Americas. This individual has the ability to develop and implement sourcing strategies to manage and control complex spend and product portfolio. The ideal candidate will have demonstrated procurement experience across both Direct and Indirect Materials categories, along with strong interpersonal skills to build effective relationships and secure stakeholder buy-in from the start. This individual will identify, source, and negotiate contracts in the best interest of the project and Oerlikon.

For certain Direct and Indirect Categories this individual will work under the guidance of our Global Category Leaders, such as Global Procurement, Professional Services, Business Travel, Logistics, IT/Telecommunications, Real Estate & Facilities or Capex.

Your Responsibilities:

• Manage bidding processes for direct, indirect materials and services ensuring a fair and efficient bidding process, clear communication, and optimum bidder selection.
• Negotiate and manage Service Agreements for assigned direct or indirect procurement categories.
• Utilize Strategic Sourcing methodology (standardization, reduce demand, etc.) to identify, communicate and execute cost reduction opportunities, and achieve inventory targets.
• Effectively develop the supplier base and manages supply chain partner performance and relationships.
• Ensure contract compliance. Participate in improvement of direct and indirect procurement policy and guidelines. Work to educate internal customers on these policies and guidelines.
• Work in close alignment with Global Procurement and Regional Procurement Heads to leverage existing supply contracts.
• Effectively communicate with stakeholders to ensure site continuity and deliver results in line with the organization’s Business Plan.
• Manage Strategic Sourcing on assigned Direct Materials, and Indirect Materials and Services.
• Locate new sources of supply and negotiate supply agreements, that ensure required quality and competitively priced goods and services, including all aspects related to foreign trade (goods and services import and export).
• Indirect Category Management for all key Indirect and Direct categories (including supporting Global categories like, CapEx/MRO, Professional Services, Business Travel, Technical Gases etc.)
• Ensure On time and cost-effective supplies of Indirect and Direct material requirements. MRO, Professional Services, all Non inventory Items. Use Global, regional and local supply agreements and work with Regional & Global IM Team on this aspect.
• Develop and manage cost reduction programs through the introduction of new suppliers and alternate materials; coordinate the qualification process for these new suppliers and materials.
• Support the NOBS (Non-Order Based Spend) process by securing multiple bids in consideration of Corporate policies to get the maximum value for the spend.
• Manage possible disputes with vendors, so they are resolved to the complete satisfaction of Oerlikon.
• Participate regularly in local Management and working meetings with Operations, Product Line Management, Demand Planning ,R&D and Distribution to have an aligned plan of priorities for Procurement.
• Planning – Utilize MRP function to determine demands and issue delivery schedules for critical materials
• Compile analysis and statistics for superiors, establish reports for effective Sourcing, Cost Reductions and Savings and tracks the results via KPIs.
• Responsible for creating the agreed savings and improvements in line with business case.
• Responsible for driving synergies across Oerlikon business units and sites.

Your Profile:

• Bachelor’s Degree in Supply Chain or Technical/Financial Area preferred.
• An MBA is a plus.
• Minimum of 5+ years of experience in procurement (proficiency in key sourcing and purchasing processes, management of tenders & contracts, etc.), with preferred experience in Operations (Manufacturing Environment) or Engineering, or Category Management.
• Knowledge of sourcing policies and best practices in procurement.
• Knowledge of SAP or other ERP system, and Proficient User of MS Office Suite is preferred.
• Assertive and strong team player with ability to develop and sustain positive and productive partnerships with local and regional Oerlikon Teams
• Intercultural adaptability.
• Ability to understand the complexity of the needs from multiple Oerlikon sites/facilities/stakeholders.
• Presentation and persuasion skills to effectively articulate difficult ideas and concepts and build cross-department collaborations.
• Excellent negotiating skills with emphasis on handling confrontational situations with suppliers.
• Data driven, strategic thinker, addresses partner and internal / external customer needs.
• Excellent written/verbal/presentation communication skills.
• Willing to travel as needed during projects or assignments.

We offer:

Aside from a dynamic global culture and leading market position, we are proud to offer our employees development opportunities, competitive salary and a robust benefit program ALL available on first day of employment!

The perks and benefits of working at Oerlikon include the following:

• Comprehensive medical and prescription drug plan with low premiums, company sponsored HSA contributions and without cumbersome waiting periods to keep you going strong.
• Excellent Dental and Vision coverage.
• Employee Assistance, Financial and Wellness programs to help improve all aspects of your life journey.
• 401(k) retirement savings plan with significant company match and financial planning and education options to help you achieve your retirement goals
• Tuition reimbursement and internal education resources to satisfy your love of learning so you can continue to grow with us!
• Generous paid time off to support your physical and mental wellbeing.
• 10 observed company holidays and 2 floaters, to occasionally extend your weekends or time off.
• 100% company paid life insurance and disability insurance
• Employee Referral Bonus program because why not to bring your friends to work everyday!

Why Oerlikon:

As a global leader in engineering solutions that enhances the performance of products and services, Oerlikon is known for the quality of our technological advances. We maintain equally high standards in identifying talent, investing in professional development and empowering our people to pursue rewarding careers.

#joinoerlikonus #joinourteam

Are you curious? Then release your passion to succeed and APPLY to discover how you can help us build a better world and realize how you can make a personal difference by joining our global team! Our commitment is your success!

About us

Oerlikon is a global leader in surface technologies and advanced materials. With a unique portfolio spanning surface engineering, high‑performance materials, coating equipment and components, we make products better by enhancing performance, efficiency and sustainability. Oerlikon serves a wide range of industries, including aerospace, automotive, energy, medical, luxury, semiconductors and tooling. Head‑quartered in Pfäffikon, Switzerland, Oerlikon operates in 38 countries with approximately 9,500 employees, achieving sales of CHF 1.6 billion in 2024.

Equal Opportunity Employment

Oerlikon is an Equal Opportunity Employer. If you’d like more information on your EEO rights under the law, please click here: Know Your Rights.

If you are unable to complete an application or respond to a job opening because of a disability, please contact us at [email protected] or [email protected]. This contact information is for accessibility requests only and is not intended for inquiries about the status of applications or for third-party vendor/agency requests.

Oerlikon will not discharge or in any other manner discriminate against employees or applicants because they have inquired about, discussed, or disclosed their own pay or the pay of another employee or applicant. However, employees who have access to the compensation information of other employees or applicants as a part of their essential job functions cannot disclose the pay of other employees or applicants to individuals who do not otherwise have access to compensation information, unless the disclosure is (a) in response to a formal complaint or charge, (b) in furtherance of an investigation, proceeding, hearing, or action, including an investigation conducted by the employer, or (c) consistent with the contractor’s legal duty to furnish information. 41 CFR 60-1.35(c)

Agencies

Oerlikon only accepts agency resumes for positions that have been explicitly approved by HR for third-party support. We work exclusively with our approved vendors who have agreed to Oerlikon’s terms and conditions and have an executed contract in place. Any resumes or profiles submitted to Oerlikon employees for roles not approved and requested by HR will be considered unsolicited, and Oerlikon will not be obligated to pay a placement fee.