Position Description: The main responsibility of the Sourcing Specialist is to search for the highest quality merchandise at the lowest possible purchase cost for Infinite Electronics. He or she evaluates suppliers based on cost, quality, service, availability, reliability, and selection variety, establishing foreign and domestic suppliers. Examines sales records and inventory levels as well as catalogs, commerce publications and directories in order to find the right supplier. Consider all aspects that may influence purchasing decisions. This position reports to Supply Chain Manager. General Duties and Responsibilities: + Support Sales/Business development and Product Line Managers for quote requirements + Develop and administer contract administration policies, systems, procedures, and methods + Interpretation of terms and conditions of contractual obligations and may negotiate modifications + Research, prepare and issue bid specifications and requests to potential vendors and suppliers + Determine the positioning of a product category to maximize value and optimize spend + Track projects to ensure the achievement of cost projections and completion timelines + Participates in new product development teams as a subject matter expert. Has strong communication skills + Be responsive to requests (internal & external) and participate in meetings with supply, engineering, production, purchasing and PLM (Product Line Management) departments to identify and resolve issues + Manage non-conforming/discrepant materials issues with suppliers, including management of root-cause corrective-action activity + Investigate and cultivate new sources for supplies and products + Use the competitive bid process to solicit capable sources to obtain favorable pricing, quality and delivery + Facilitate supplier selection, qualification, assessment and development processes + Provide ongoing business review with suppliers, including supplier report card data + Create tactics & strategies for changes in cost, lead-time, demand, supply base, new products, and customer needs + Foster long-term, mutually beneficial business relationship with preferred suppliers, and have an executed supply agreement with all preferred and key suppliers + Study sales records and inventory levels of current stock, identify foreign and domestic suppliers, and keep track of changes affecting both the supply of, and demand for, needed products and materials + Keep track of inventories and sales levels through computer software + Make sure the supplier is capable of delivering the desired goods or services on time, in the correct quantities without sacrificing quality Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities: + Must have a working technical knowledge of the goods or services to be purchased + Proficiency in harmonized tariff schedule classification on materials and equipment for Imports/Exports + Will attend meetings, trade shows, seminars and conferences to learn of new industry trends and make contacts with suppliers + Ability to forecast the cost of parts or materials, availability, and suitability for its intended purpose + Often work closely with other employees in their own organization when deciding on purchases + Communicates with people outside the organization. This information can be exchanged in person, in writing, or by telephone or e-mail + Develops specific goals and plans to prioritize, organize, and accomplish work + Provides information to supervisors, co-workers, and subordinates by telephone, in written form, e-mail, or in person + Uses computers and computer system, set up functions, enter data, or process information + Keeps up-to-date technically and applies new knowledge accordingly + The ability to analyze technical data in suppliers’ proposals; good communication, negotiation, and mathematical skills; knowledge of supply-chain management; and the ability to perform financial analyses + Good at planning and decision making and have an interest in merchandising + Anticipates consumer preferences and ensuring that goods are in stock when they are needed + Requires resourcefulness, good judgment, and self-confidence + Gives full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times + Talks to others to convey information effectively + Uses mathematics to solve problems + Manages own time and the time of others + Understands written sentences and paragraphs in work-related documents + Communicates information and ideas in speaking so others will understand + Identifies and understands the speech of another person + Understands when something is wrong or is likely to go wrong. It does not involve solving the problem, only recognizing there is a problem + Read and understand information and ideas presented in writing Familiar with the merchandise sold and with wholesaling and retailing practices + Learn the specifics of employer’s business. Training periods vary in length + Enroll in company training programs and spend a considerable amount of time learning about their firm’s operations and purchasing practices + Work with experienced purchasers to learn about commodities, prices, suppliers, and markets + Learn about the material requirements system and the inventory system the company uses to keep production and replenishment functions working smoothly + Continuing education is essential. Participate in seminars offered by Company and take college courses in supply management + Knowledge of administrative and clerical procedures and systems such as word processing, outlook, managing files and records, and other office procedures and terminology + Knowledge of arithmetic, statistics, and their applications + Know how to use word processing and spreadsheet software and the Internet. Other important qualities include the ability to analyze technical data in suppliers’ proposals; good communication, negotiation, and mathematical skills. + Knowledge of computer operations sufficient to coordinate all record keeping requirements with vision sufficient to read computer screen and printed materials Required Education: + College degree – B.A. or B.S. plus 3 years Sourcing/Purchasing experience preferred or- 7 years job related experience in the Sourcing/Purchasing field. CPSM or C.P.M. certification desired + Strong expertise in U.S. government, International, and commercial procurement practices + Knowledge of government Small Business Program requirements. + Ability to research and interpret contract and regulatory flow downs and incorporate into PO terms and conditions + Thorough knowledge of FAR/DFARS Personal Traits and Characteristics: + Reliable, dependable, diligent Highly organized with good time management skills + Excellent work attendance record + Task oriented + Attention to detail + Able to work under pressure and deadlines + Ability to multi-task and prioritize + Effective communication skills + Exhibit the Infinite Electronics Hedgehog behaviors: Sense of Ownership, Sense of Urgency, and Responsiveness to co-workers, customers and suppliers, solution oriented and collaborative Accommodation: Candidates for the position should be able to perform essential job duties in described work environment with or without accommodation. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. Equal Employment Opportunity Infinite Electronics is proud to be an Equal Employment Opportunity and Affirmative Action employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, marital status, age, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law. We are committed to building a diverse workforce and we actively encourage women, minorities, people with disabilities and veterans to apply.