Description:
The Project Manager – Strategic Sourcing & Contract Manufacturing is responsible for leading sourcing-driven projects with contract manufacturers in an industrial manufacturing environment. This role owns the execution of supplier-related initiatives, including supplier onboarding, manufacturing transfers, cost reduction initiatives, capacity expansion, and supply continuity projects. The Project Manager acts as a strategic partner to Sourcing, ensuring contract manufacturers execute in alignment with commercial strategies, operational requirements, and long-term supply objectives.
Core Accountability
This role sits within Strategic Sourcing and is accountable for delivering supplier-related projects that improve cost, quality, delivery, capacity, and risk across the contract manufacturing network.
Requirements:
Strategic Sourcing & Supplier Ownership
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Own the execution of sourcing strategies related to contract manufacturing partners
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Lead cross-functional supplier projects that support sourcing objectives, including dual sourcing, localization, reshoring, and supplier consolidation
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Translate sourcing agreements, contracts, and commercial terms into executable project plans
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Partner with Strategic Sourcing Managers to ensure supplier capabilities align with category strategies
Contract Manufacturing Project Management
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Manage end-to-end project execution for contract manufacturers, including:
o New supplier introduction and onboarding
o Manufacturing site transfers and capacity expansions
o Process changes, tooling launches, and industrialization efforts
o Cost reduction, productivity, and VA/VE initiatives
Cross-Functional Leadership
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Lead coordination between Sourcing, Engineering, Operations, Quality, Supply Chain, Finance, and Legal
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Facilitate decision-making to resolve supplier-related risks, constraints, or performance gaps
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Serve as the escalation point for project-related supplier issues
Commercial, Cost & Performance Management
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Track and manage project financials including:
o Quoted vs. realized costs
o Tooling investments and payback
o Cost savings, avoidance, and year-over-year productivity targets
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Ensure suppliers meet contractual obligations, pricing agreements, and service-level expectations
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Support negotiations by providing fact-based project data and supplier performance insights
Risk, Quality & Supply Continuity
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Identify and mitigate risks related to supplier capacity, lead time, quality, and geographic exposure
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Support supplier audits, readiness reviews, and industrial capability assessments
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Drive corrective actions with suppliers when performance deviates from plan
Reporting & Continuous Improvement
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Provide regular project status updates and KPI reporting to Strategic Sourcing and Operations leadership
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Standardize project management tools, templates, and best practices for sourcing-led initiatives
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Capture lessons learned and drive continuous improvement across the supplier base
Qualifications
Required
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Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain, Engineering, Operations, Business, or related field
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5+ years of experience in project management, strategic sourcing, supplier management, or industrial manufacturing
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Direct experience managing contract manufacturers or external production suppliers
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Demonstrated ability to lead complex, cross-functional initiatives with external partners
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Strong commercial and analytical skills related to cost, contracts, and supplier performance
Preferred
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PMP or equivalent project management certification
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Experience in industrial, heavy equipment, automotive, or discrete manufacturing environments
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Familiarity with manufacturing processes (machining, fabrication, assembly, castings, etc.)
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Experience supporting global or multi-site supplier networks
Benefits
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401(k) with company matching
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Medical, dental, and vision insurance
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Disability and life insurance
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Flexible Spending Account (FSA)
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Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
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Paid Time Off (PTO)
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Tuition reimbursement
Equal Opportunity Employer
EPC Power is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees and interns.
