Strategic Sourcing Leader
We are seeking a candidate to assist with the sourcing and purchasing activities related to all business components of Rain for Rent. The role, which is both strategic and tactical, will be integral to Rain for Rent’s initiatives to take our supply chain function to the next level and better support the continued growth of the business.
What we do:
At Rain for Rent, we move water—every day. As the leading provider of temporary liquid handling solutions, we’re recognized for our systems engineering expertise, cost-effective problem solving, and the high value we deliver to organizations facing critical liquid management challenges. Our experienced teams, supported by skilled engineers, are continually redefining what customers expect from a liquid handling provider. We design innovative equipment and harness cutting-edge technology to meet the demands of the toughest environments. From water handling and irrigation to temporary liquid storage, our solutions consistently exceed customer expectations for quality and service. We are committed to completing every project safely, efficiently, on time—and done right the first time.
To learn more about Rain for Rent please check out this short 2 minute YouTube video here. (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IfacXlPz9a8)
Rain for Rent employees take great pride in being part of a family-owned company with a rich and enduring legacy. For over 91 years, we’ve delivered consistent, high-quality products and services to our customers. With more than 70 locations across the U.S., Canada, and the UK, Rain for Rent remains committed to excellence. Honesty and integrity are at the core of everything we do. Our dedicated team strives to exceed expectations through exceptional service and unwavering quality.
Summary:
The Strategic Sourcing Leader is responsible for managing and optimizing a specific product category(s) for the company, ensuring the company has access to the right goods and services at the best possible price and quality. This position handles sourcing, negotiating, and managing suppliers to ensure the best value, quality, performance, and customer service across the designated category(s). This role handles the end-to-end procurement process of assigned areas, including market analysis, supplier selection, contract negotiation, contract management, collaboration with internal stakeholders, and vendor/supplier performance management. The position plays a key role in ensuring cost efficiency, supply continuity, compliance, and supplier innovation aligned with organizational goals and enhanced customer satisfaction.
We are seeking a candidate to assist with the sourcing and purchasing activities related to all business components of Rain for Rent. The role, which is both strategic and tactical, will be integral to Rain for Rent’s initiatives to take our supply chain function to the next level and better support the continued growth of the business.
Qualifications:
To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
Education and/or Experience:
Bachelor’s degree in supply chain management, business administration, finance or related field preferred. A minimum of five (5) years of related work experience in procurement, strategic sourcing, or category management is needed. Professional certifications (e.g. CPSM, CIPS) preferred. An equivalent combination of education and experience may be considered.
- Experience in commodity buying, strategic sourcing, leverage buying, or tactic purchasing
- Understanding of Contract management, reading and negotiations
- Familiarity with the RFP/RFQ writing and evaluation process
- Agricultural business and product knowledge is preferred
- Knowledge of Pumps, Tanks and Filtration is desired
- Experience in operating within an ERP system
- Above average skill with PC based software required to successfully perform in role.
Certificates, Licenses, Registrations:
CPM, CPSM, CIPS preferred
Computer Operations:
- Windows operating system
- Microsoft Office Solutions
- Spreadsheets (Excel, Google Docs, etc.)
- Communication and collaboration tools (Zoom, Microsoft Teams, etc.)
Essential Duties and Responsibilities:
- Maintain category buying and spending strategies for assigned goods and services.
- Conduct market and spend analysis to identify cost-saving opportunities, supplier innovation, and mitigate supply risk mitigation.
- Foster strong and effective supplier relationships to ensure quality, delivery, and cost optimization.
- Monitor supplier performance, ensuring that purchased goods and services meet quality standards and specifications.
- Lead cross-functional teams related to sourcing events such as RFI’s, RFP’s, and contract negotiations.
- Collaborate with internal stakeholders to understand business needs, forecast demand, total cost of ownership analysis, and drive alignment on sourcing decisions.
- Monitor market trends and industry developments to proactively address risks and capitalize on opportunities.
- Ensure compliance with procurement policies, internal controls, and regulatory requirements.
- Track and report on key performance indicators (KPI’s), cost savings, and category performance.
- Support continuous improvement initiatives and identify opportunities for innovation within supply chain base.
Language Skills:
Ability to read, analyze, and interpret general business periodicals, professional journals, technical procedures, or governmental regulations. Ability to write reports, business correspondence, and procedure manuals. Ability to effectively present information and respond to questions from groups of managers, clients, customers, and general public.
Mathematical Skills:
Ability to calculate figures and amounts such as discounts, interest, commissions, proportions, percentages, area, circumference, and volume. Ability to apply concepts of basic algebra and geometry.
Reasoning Ability:
Ability to apply common sense understanding to carry out instructions furnished in written, oral, and diagram form. Ability to deal with problems involving several concrete variables in standardized situations.
Work Environment:
The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those and employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job.
At Rain for Rent, in-person work at our offices and/or branch location is a top priority because it allows us to more effectively collaborate, connect, and builds a workplace culture that drives our continued success. This role requires onsite presence at a Rain for Rent office and/or branch location. Except for limited circumstances, remote and/or hybrid options are not offered at this time.
The employee will be exposed to a well-lighted, heated and/or air-conditioned indoor office setting with adequate ventilation. The employee may occasionally be exposed to working near moving mechanical parts. The noise level in the work environment is moderate.
What we offer:
At Rain for Rent, we take pride in taking care of our team. We offer a comprehensive benefits package and a supportive work environment where employees can thrive both personally and professionally. Our offerings include:
- Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision insurance
- Matching 401(k) retirement savings plan
- Competitive base salary
- Nine paid holidays and a generous paid time off (PTO) program
- Tuition reimbursement to support continued education
- Company-sponsored training and career development opportunities
- And many other valuable perks
We are proud to support those who have served our country. We are honored to share that Rain for Rent has earned the Military Friendly® Employer Gold (MFE) Gold Designation for 2026! This is our fourth consecutive year being recognized, and our second year achieving Gold-level distinction. We are committed to hiring and supporting veterans. Vets - Rain for Rent® (https://www.rainforrent.com/vets/) When you join the Rain for Rent team, you're not just building a career—you’re building meaningful relationships, doing work that matters, and making a positive impact in your community. The choice is easy. Join the Rain for Rent team today.
**Rain for Rent does not accept 3rd party applicants**
Rain for Rent is proud to be an Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action Employer. We evaluate qualified applicants without regard to race, color, national origin, religion, sex, disability, veteran status, gender identity, and sexual orientation, and other statuses protected by law.
Estimated rate of pay - $71,000 - $85,000 annually
#LI-BB1
Required
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5 year(s): Related Category Manager, Procurement, Category Specialist work experience
Preferred
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Bachelors or better in Business Administration or related field
Preferred
Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities
This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws. For further information, please review the Know Your Rights (https://www.eeoc.gov/poster) notice from the Department of Labor.
