Hybrid Head of Strategic Sourcing & Vendor Relations at Shearer Supply Inc.

Description

The Head of Strategic Sourcing & Vendor Relations leads sourcing strategy, vendor performance, and product line management across the Parts & Supplies business. This role drives value through cost optimization, supplier development, and new product introduction—while ensuring alignment with sales, operations, and finance. A strong focus is placed on cross-functional collaboration, data-driven decision-making, and building a resilient, high-performing supply base.

Key Responsibilities

Strategic Sourcing & Vendor Strategy

• Develop and lead sourcing strategies across Parts & Supplies to optimize total cost of ownership—including price, logistics, quality, and lead times.
• Collaborate with cross-functional partners (Sales, Branch Staff, Field Service, Category Leaders) to drive sourcing plans and execution.
• Oversee supplier development and onboarding to build a balanced, resilient vendor base.

Vendor Relationship & Performance Management

• Own vendor onboarding, development, and segmentation strategies.
• Lead vendor scorecard management, including KPI design and quarterly performance reviews.
• Oversee dispute resolution, performance improvement plans, and corrective action as needed.

Contract Negotiation & RFP Oversight

• Lead contract negotiations including terms, pricing, and performance expectations.
• Manage and execute the full Request for Proposal (RFP) process to ensure transparency, competitiveness, and total value evaluation.
• Maintain market intelligence to anticipate cost drivers, supply chain shifts, and sourcing opportunities.

Cost Savings & Data-Driven Insights

• Lead cost-reduction and value-improvement initiatives through spend analysis and benchmarking.
• Partner with Finance to model commodity-based strategies (e.g. copper), optimize supplier mix, and track financial outcomes.

Leadership, Cross-Functional Alignment & Product Line Card Management

• Serve as a key liaison between the procurement team, sales, corporate functions, and operations to ensure aligned sourcing strategy and execution.
• Maintain and optimize the product line card in collaboration with sales and category leaders.
• Identify and evaluate new products and suppliers to support growth and differentiation.
• Analyze product performance, margin contribution, and market fit; rationalize low-value SKUs.
• Ensure product decisions reflect both customer needs and company margin expectations.

Data Governance & Decision Modeling

• Own and maintain the sourcing intelligence model, consolidating supplier, pricing, rebate, performance, and contract data.
• Leverage sourcing data models across teams to improve visibility, collaboration, and planning.
• Ensure systems support timely decision-making, stakeholder transparency, and audit-readiness.
• Partner with IT and operations to enhance data quality, automation, and reporting capabilities.

Sales & Field Engagement

• Provide clear, consistent communication to sales staff on sourcing decisions and product additions.
• Serve as a strategic partner to sales by providing vendor support materials, product positioning insights, and supply chain updates.
• Coordinate training and regular updates with the sales organization to reinforce product strategy and sourcing rationale.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain, Business, Engineering, Finance, or related field.
• 10+ years of progressive experience in strategic sourcing, procurement, vendor management, or category leadership—preferably within HVAC, industrial distribution, or manufacturing.
• Proven track record in leading RFP processes, vendor negotiations, contract structuring, and supplier relationships.
• Demonstrated success in managing supplier performance and scorecards, conducting quarterly business reviews, and driving improvements through KPIs.
• Experience in new product introduction (NPI) and managing product line card strategies that directly impact revenue growth and margin expansion.
• Strong analytical, benchmarking, and financial modeling skills, with experience collaborating with Finance on commodity strategies and supplier mix optimization.
• Demonstrated leadership and team management experience, including mentoring or supervising procurement or sourcing professionals.
• Broad knowledge of supply chain disciplines—planning, logistics, quality, materials, and operations—with familiarity in lean or continuous improvement environments.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, capable of influencing internal and external stakeholders and maintaining strong cross-functional collaboration.
• Professional certifications such as CPSM, CPSC, CSCP, or Six Sigma training are highly desirable.