Strategic Sourcing Specialist

Strategic Sourcing Specialist

We are a fast-growing U.S. firearms manufacturer seeking an experienced Strategic Sourcing Specialist to lead end-to-end sourcing and supplier management for critical components and materials used in firearm production. This role develops and executes global category strategies that reduce total cost of ownership, improve lead times, and ensure supply-chain resilience.

The ideal candidate combines deep knowledge of strategic sourcing, category management, and supplier risk mitigation within regulated manufacturing environments (firearms, defense, aerospace, or precision machining).

Key Responsibilities :

• Develop and execute category and sourcing strategies to achieve cost savings, mitigate risk, and improve supplier performance.
• Conduct make-vs-buy, cost modeling, and total landed cost analyses to guide sourcing decisions.
• Identify, evaluate, and qualify suppliers across domestic and international markets, manage supplier onboarding and performance improvement plans (PIPs).
• Negotiate and implement long-term supply agreements that optimize pricing, quality, delivery, and payment terms.
• Collaborate with engineering and operations teams to ensure sourcing aligns with design intent, manufacturability, and new product introduction timelines.
• Drive supplier relationship management and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Conduct supplier performance reviews using measurable KPIs (cost, quality, delivery, responsiveness).
• Work cross-functionally to address supplier non-conformance and drive corrective action.
• Support supplier development initiatives and dual-sourcing strategies to mitigate risks.
• Ensure compliance with all applicable regulations, including ITAR, and maintain ethical sourcing practices.
• Analyze spend data to identify sourcing opportunities and track savings initiatives.
• Maintain and update supplier scorecards, dashboards, and procurement KPIs.

Qualifications & Requirements :

As part of our hiring process, Walther Manufacturing requires all candidates to undergo a background check and drug screening. Employment offers are contingent upon the successful completion of these screenings.