**Overview** **GCG Automation & Factory Solutions** is currently seeking a **Director of Strategic Sourcing & Vendor Management** to lead **supplier performance, sourcing strategy, and procurement operations** . This senior leadership role is responsible for **driving vendor management initiatives** , optimizing supplier relationships, and ensuring **operational efficiency across the supply chain** . Working closely with **executive leadership** , this role will shape **strategic sourcing initiatives** , strengthen **vendor partnerships** , and implement **cost-saving measures** that support business objectives. The ideal candidate will have extensive experience in **procurement strategy, supplier negotiation, and change management** within a **distribution supply chain environment** . **This role offers a hybrid work arrangement with a preference for candidates located in one of the following markets:** + **Pittsburgh, PA** + **Dayton, OH** + **Detroit, MI** + **St Louis, MO** **This role will require occasional travel to facilitate in person meetings with both suppliers and with the leadership team at our facilities in the listed locations.** **What You’ll Do** **Strategic Leadership** + Develop and maintain **strong relationships** with key vendor partners to support business growth + Align **sourcing strategies** with company-wide **growth initiatives and market positioning** + Lead supplier **selection, onboarding, and performance management** to drive quality, cost-effectiveness, and innovation + Oversee the development of **strategic vendor scorecards** to measure **KPI fulfillment** + Analyze **market trends** and supplier performance to identify opportunities for **cost savings and operational improvements** **Organizational Leadership** + Build and mentor a **high-performing sourcing and procurement team** , fostering accountability and continuous improvement + Optimize **supplier management workflows** and enforce best practices for **sourcing policies and compliance** + Serve as the **primary escalation point** for addressing supplier performance issues and driving **corrective action** + Lead **cross-functional initiatives** to enhance sourcing efficiency and improve collaboration across departments **Financial Stewardship & Impact** + Drive **cost reductions** through negotiation, value engineering, and strategic sourcing initiatives + Oversee **large-scale vendor contracts** and procurement budgets to achieve financial goals while maintaining supply chain stability + Partner with **Finance leadership** to manage **supplier rebates, incentives, and contract renegotiations** + Monitor and report on **supplier financial performance** , tracking key metrics and cost savings **Vendor & Supplier Relationship Management** + Develop **mutually beneficial supplier partnerships** , ensuring **high-quality standards, cost-effectiveness, and timely delivery** + Manage **supplier compliance** with quality and technical specifications, ensuring consistent performance + Conduct **regular business review meetings** with critical suppliers, addressing **performance gaps and driving continuous improvements** + Implement **risk mitigation strategies** for key suppliers to address **potential disruptions proactively** **Innovation & Digital Transformation** + Lead **digital transformation efforts** within the **supply chain** , leveraging automation, analytics, and emerging technologies + Utilize **advanced sourcing tools** to drive data-driven **decision-making and process optimization** + Promote **innovation** within supplier management, encouraging the **adoption of new technologies and methodologies** **What You’ll Bring** **Education & Experience** + **Bachelor’s degree** in **Business Administration, Supply Chain Management, or a related field** (required); **Master’s degree preferred** + **15+ years** of experience in **vendor relations, strategic sourcing, and procurement** , with **5+ years in a senior leadership role** within **distribution supplier networks** **Skills & Qualifications** + Expertise in **distribution supply chain management, procurement strategy, and vendor negotiation** + Strong background in **supplier management platforms, sourcing tools, and digital transformation initiatives** + Proven experience leading **cost reduction strategies, supplier risk mitigation, and change management** + Ability to **influence cross-functional teams** and **drive operational improvements across supply chain functions** **What we offer** + Competitive annual salary and bonus plan + Excellent health, vision, dental, short and long-term disability, and life insurance benefits + PTO plan with company paid holidays (7) + 401K with employer contribution + An employee-centric company that values and truly appreciates our most important asset: You! **About GCG AFS** GCG Automation & Factory Solutions is dedicated to advancing the growth of light industry automation and factory solutions across key verticals in North America. With a comprehensive product and service offering that spans the entire automation value chain, our customers trust us as a reliable partner to meet their diverse needs. Our strength lies in our deep technical expertise and specialized knowledge of the products we offer. This enables us to support customers in deploying and delivering high-quality, efficient solutions tailored to their specific requirements. Our commitment to providing an exceptional customer experience—marked by responsiveness, reliability, and personalized service—sets us apart as the supplier of choice in the industry. _GCG is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees._ _All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, status as a protected veteran, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation and training._ _These duties and responsibilities listed above are judged to be "essential functions" in terms of the Americans With Disabilities Act, or ADA. To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed above are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. Furthermore, the above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by a person in this position. They are not to be construed as an exhaustive list of all duties that may be performed by such a person._ _\#LI-Hybrid_ _\#LI-AS1_ **Job Locations** _US-PA-Pittsburgh | US-MO-Chesterfield_ **ID** _2025-1673_ **Category** _Purchasing_ **Position Type** _Regular Full-Time_