Job Description
About the Role
The Sourcing Specialist is a pivotal, high-impact role responsible for strengthening Forza’s supply chain, driving cost reductions, and accelerating the launch of new products. Working closely with Purchasing, R&D, Operations, and Sales/Business Development, this role ensures we have reliable, cost-effective suppliers and the materials and components needed to support growth.
This is a hands-on, ownership-driven role in a fast-moving manufacturing environment. The ideal candidate is resourceful, persistent, highly analytical, and thrives on building strong supplier partnerships while delivering measurable results.
Key Responsibilities
Supplier & Raw Material Sourcing
- Research, identify, and source new equipment required to support production and automation initiatives.
- Ensure secondary suppliers exist for all key raw materials and products to reduce risk and strengthen our supply chain.
- Source all raw materials required to produce new products developed by R&D.
- Source products and components needed for new customer projects, as directed by Sales and Product Development.
- Identify products within the current mix that could be sourced from alternate vendors to improve margins.
- Network with potential vendors and suppliers to identify new product opportunities for the sales team.
Vendor Management & Qualification
- Vet, approve, and onboard new vendors according to Forza’s standards for quality, compliance, cost, and reliability.
- Maintain strong, strategic vendor relationships and negotiate pricing, terms, and lead times.
- Monitor vendor performance and implement corrective actions or supplier changes when needed.
Cross-Functional Testing & Development
- Work closely with R&D to test new raw materials and components, ensuring they meet quality, performance, and regulatory requirements.
- Assist in qualification runs, first production trials, and validation of newly sourced materials/products.
Cost Reduction & Continuous Improvement
- Identify and execute cost-saving opportunities across raw materials, packaging, freight, and other procurement-related areas.
- Analyze market trends, pricing movements, and category risks to guide purchasing strategy.
- Provide cost analysis and sourcing recommendations to leadership and Purchasing.
Documentation & Compliance
- Ensure all sourced materials and suppliers meet Forza and regulatory requirements.
- Maintain accurate records for suppliers, pricing, testing results, contracts, and approvals.
- Support Purchasing with accurate, timely data for ERP updates, purchase orders, and vendor records.
Qualifications
- Strong negotiation, relationship-building, and analytical skills.
- Ability to manage multiple projects with urgency and attention to detail.
- Comfortable working in a high-accountability, performance-driven environment with cross-functional partners.
- Self-starter who thrives in a dynamic, fast-paced manufacturing company.
Success Looks Like
- Secondary suppliers established for all critical raw materials within defined timelines.
- Measurable cost reductions across materials, packaging, and freight.
- On-time sourcing support for all new product developments and sales-driven projects.
- Strong supplier relationships and documented vendor performance.
- Improved margins from alternative sourcing and supply-chain optimization.
Job Tags