Strategic Sourcing Lead

Company: Granite Microsystems Inc
Location: Mequon
Posted on: February 14, 2026

Job Description:

Job Description Job Description Description: SUMMARY The NPI - Strategic Sourcing Lead is a pivotal role that involves developing and managing the supply chain for all new and, when needed, existing run rate programs with heavy emphasis on strategic supplier selection, supplier contract negotiation and managing supplier relationships to support successful project launches. By collaborating closely with our Business Development Managers, Project Management, Launch Engineers, and NPI -Quality, this position will be instrumental in driving the organization's growth through data driven supplier assessment for best fit partners, coupled with risk management. Reporting directly to the NPI - Manager will leverage their supply chain expertise and supplier management to ensure seamless coordination and execution of quoting activities and new suppliers into the GMI Solutions business model. This role demands a proactive and strategic mindset, solid business acumen, and excellent communication skills to effectively communicate the needs of our end customers to potential new suppliers to drive projects from initiation to quick and successful implementation. The ideal candidate for this position should possess a strong background in supplier management and supplier risk mitigation, as well as a track record of successfully selecting, quoting and onboarding new suppliers that meet the needs of new programs and commercial needs for the business. The NPI – Strategic Sourcing Lead must demonstrate the ability to identify potential supplier risks and develop mitigation plans to ensure smooth and efficient program execution. Overall, this challenging yet rewarding role offers a unique opportunity for an experienced professional to make a significant impact on the organization's growth and success, while fostering collaboration and innovation across various departments. ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES This role bridges the gap between engineering, quality and operations by ensuring suppliers are identified, evaluated and qualified early in the NPI lifecycle to ensure individual project success, with extensive external and internal communication throughout entire project implementation, with continued, indirect support of run rate production. As the responsible individual, you wil l be tasked with understanding the current GMI supply chain GAPs for new programs, developing a plan for investigation, quoting and review of onboarding new suppliers. You will lead this effort, collaborating with key engineering and quality partners to ensure suppliers meet all customer requirements. You will also lead quoting and risk mitigation of the supply chain and ensure commercial agreements are in place for GMI Solutions. Collaboration with the Business Development Managers, Project Management, Launch Engineers, and NPI -Quality will be a key aspect of your role, as you will be required to collaborate and share supply chain strategy, onboarding timeline and expectations of new suppliers to those cross functional teams. Travel will be required for supplier onsite assessments. This role relies heavily on strong leadership and interpersonal skills, ability to problem solve and make decisions quickly and accurately, clearly communicate to all parties and operate in a solid time management and urgent state. PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITES - Identifying and selecting suppliers based on customer programs, technical capabilities, cost, quality, and capacity. - Negotiating contracts with suppliers for development and/or purchase agreements, utilizing GMI’s Statement of Work (SOW) procedure. - Ensuring supplier costing meets needs of overall Customer Program, and identifying future cost reduction opportunities. - Building and maintaining strong relationships with strategic suppliers to ensure quality, timely delivery, and optimal performance. - Identifying and mitigating risks associated with supplier capabilities, capacity, and potential disruptions. - Supporting quoting and project management activities, including tracking deliverables, resolving issues, and ensuring timely prototype/pilot part delivery. - Working closely with cross-functional teams, including business development managers, engineering, project management, and finance to ensure alignment and smooth execution of NPI processes. SECONDARY RESPONSIBILITES - Lead, define, and implement continuous improvement activities for NPI – Strategic Sourcing role. - Utilize data analytics for decision-making and process optimization. - Support make vs buy decisions in collaboration with engineering - Support NPI team in customer facing meetings for sourcing insights on project - Support Run Rate business needs when required - Contribute and support Key Performance Indicators for Sourcing and NPI Please note that this list of duties and responsibilities is not exhaustive and may be subject to expansion as deemed necessary by management to meet the evolving needs of the organization. Requirements: QUALIFICATIONS To be successful in this role, the individual must be capable of performing each essential duty satisfactorily. The following requirements represent the necessary knowledge, skill, and abilities for the position. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to fulfill the essential functions. - Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain Management, Engineering or related field with minimum of 7 years of experience in sourcing, procurement or supply chain with focus on new product development - Additional certifications in the area of expertise and experience in medical industry are preferred KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES REQUIRED - Ability in understanding and interpreting accurate specifications from drawings/prints for a variety of components. - Strong communication skills for effective interactions with suppliers, co-workers, and customers. - Excellent multitasking ability with a positive and proactive attitude for program success. - Highly adaptable to changing requirements and proactive in problem-solving. - Demonstrates leadership, project management skills, and exceptional organizational capabilities. - Proficient in MS Office, especially Excel, and able to work closely with cross-functional teams. - Excellent oral and written communication skills for professional interactions. - Willingness to provide assistance to other projects and departments as needed, utilizing strong supply chain skills. - Open to learning and developing new competencies for personal and organizational growth. - Experience in developing onboarding supplier plans, with risk mitigation noted. - Occasional willingness to travel domestically and internationally, as required. PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS AND WORKING CONDITIONS Must possess mobility to work in a standard office and lab setting and to use standard office equipment, including a computer, and to attend meetings at various sites within and away from the office. Strength to lift and carry materials weighing up to 80 pounds. Vision to read printed materials and a computer screen. Hearing and speech to communicate in person and over the telephone. Work is normally performed in a typical interior/office work environment; this position is factory based, in Mequon, WI GMI offers a competitive compensation and benefits package that includes: Compensation with Annual Profit Sharing Medical, Dental & Vision Insurance Life Insurance, Long and Short term Disability, and AFLAC 401k plan with company match Paid Vacation, Holidays, Sick time, plus 2 personal days annually Generous Employee Referral program Corporate sponsored Luncheons and Happy Hours Company Events, Competitions and Group Volunteer Opportunities We’re a medium size, family-oriented company that values our associates and are looking for your help to make a difference to the company’s overall success. If this sounds interesting, we want to hear from you!

Keywords: Granite Microsystems Inc, Lombard , Strategic Sourcing Lead, Engineering , Mequon, Illinois