Global Sourcing Manager

Global sourcing managers manage their companies' service and material sourcing teams. They frequently travel both domestically as well as internationally. They are accountable for establishing and maintaining the efficiency of the structure of supply chains, and also for ensuring conformity with regulatory bodies and best practices guidelines. They set targets and establish motivations for their teams, and also ensure that they are synchronized starting at the beginning in the process until the end of the supply chain. To ensure continuous supply of services and materials Global sourcing managers must be able to establish close relations with partners and vendors and communicate their contribution to the business. They should give direction and guidance to their employees and take discipline when needed.

Experience with the sourcing process is usually required for this job. At minimum one other language than English is usually required in addition and two or more languages are preferred. A knowledge of other cultures and a high level of interpersonal communication are also required. Global sourcing managers typically are employed full-time in an office environment during normal business hours, however, alternative hours and/or extended hours could be needed, since their responsibilities span across a variety of time zones.

As a Global Sourcing Manager with 9+ years of experience in the United States, your main responsibilities include:

• Collaborating with internal stakeholders to define sourcing strategies, negotiate contracts, and identify cost-saving opportunities. Manage overall sourcing activities and engage in strategic conversations with stakeholders to determine sourcing strategies and objectives.
• Conducting market research, evaluating suppliers, and selecting the most suitable partners for sourcing products or services. Perform market analysis, evaluate supplier capabilities, and conduct supplier audits to ensure compliance and quality standards.
• Managing supplier relationships and implementing performance metrics to drive continuous improvement and optimize costs. Foster strong partnerships with suppliers, monitor performance metrics, and drive initiatives for supplier development and cost optimization.
• Monitoring global market trends, regulatory changes, and industry developments to proactively mitigate risks and optimize sourcing strategies.

For a Global Sourcing Manager job role, the following qualifications are required:

• Extensive experience in strategic sourcing and procurement, preferably in a global setting. This includes a strong understanding of supplier selection and evaluation, contract negotiation, and risk management.
• Proven track record in achieving cost savings and optimizing the supply chain through effective sourcing strategies. This requires a deep understanding of market trends, supplier capabilities, and the ability to identify opportunities for consolidation and process improvement.
• Excellent project management skills to oversee multiple sourcing initiatives simultaneously, from supplier identification to onboarding. This involves setting goals and timelines, coordinating cross-functional teams, and ensuring successful implementation.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills to build relationships with internal stakeholders and suppliers.

The role of a Global Sourcing Manager is crucial in ensuring efficient procurement and supply chain operations on a global scale. For professionals with 9+ years of experience in the United States, there are several alternative roles worth considering. Here are following options:

• Supply Chain Manager: A role that involves overseeing the entire supply chain process, from sourcing raw materials to delivering finished products to customers.
• Strategic Sourcing Director: A position focused on developing and executing sourcing strategies to optimize cost, quality, and supplier relationships.
• International Trade Manager: A role that encompasses managing import/export operations, compliance with customs and trade regulations, and mitigating risks associated with global trade.
• Category Manager: A position responsible for strategic sourcing and category management, driving cost savings, supplier consolidation, and improved supplier performance within specific commodity groups.

Based on recent data and market trends, the role of Global Sourcing Manager in the United States is projected to experience significant growth. Over the past 10 years, this job position has steadily expanded, with a consistent increase in demand. As more companies take a global approach to sourcing and supply chain management, the need for skilled professionals in this area is expected to rise. Employment opportunities in this field are predicted to continue growing, offering numerous job prospects in the future.