The Sourcing Manager is responsible for developing and executing sourcing strategies to support the procurement of material handling equipment, components, and related services. This role ensures supplier quality, cost efficiency, and reliability while supporting product development, operations, and global supply chain initiatives. The Sourcing Manager partners with solutions, engineering, operations, and finance to drive supplier performance, manage risk, and deliver sustainable cost savings.
Key Responsibilities
· Develop and implement sourcing strategies for MHE categories including conveyors, lifts, automated guided vehicles (AGVs), robotics, racking, and related components.
· Identify, evaluate, and qualify suppliers based on cost, quality, delivery, innovation, and compliance requirements.
· Negotiate commercial terms, contracts, and long-term supply agreements with global and regional suppliers.
· Partner with engineering and product management to support new product introduction (NPI) and value engineering initiatives.
· Monitor supplier performance using key metrics (cost, quality, delivery, service, innovation).
· Drive cost reduction programs while maintaining high standards for safety, compliance, and sustainability.
· Develop risk mitigation strategies across the supply base, including dual sourcing and inventory strategies.
· Lead supplier business reviews and manage long-term supplier relationships.
· Stay current on MHE market trends, emerging technologies, and commodity pricing.
· Collaborate with global supply chain, logistics, and operations teams to ensure continuity of supply.
Requirements
Bachelor’s degree in supply chain business, Engineering, or related field; MBA or CPSM preferred.
· 7+ years of progressive sourcing, procurement, or supply chain experience, preferably in MHE, industrial equipment, or automation industries.
· Strong knowledge of global sourcing practices, supplier negotiations, and contract management.
· Experience with cost modeling, total cost of ownership (TCO) analysis, and supplier performance management.
· Proven ability to lead cross-functional projects.
Demonstrated track record of successful contract and commercial negotiations with suppliers and subcontractors.
· Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, project-oriented environment with multiple competing priorities.
· Strong understanding of Incoterms, milestone payment schedules, and supplier risk management practices.
· Experience with ERP systems (NetSuite Preferred) and CRM platforms (Salesforce preferred).
· Excellent communication, presentation, and cross-functional collaboration skills.
· Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
· Ability to travel domestically and internationally (up to 20–30%).
Key Competencies
· Strategic sourcing & negotiation
· Supplier relationship management
· Financial & cost analysis
· Technical acumen in MHE and automation equipment
· Cross-functional collaboration
· Risk management & compliance
Benefits
Created in July 2021 as a result of combination of Kuecker Logistics Group, PULSE Integration and QC Software by private equity firm Ares Management, KPI Integrated Solutions is a systems integrator that seeks out leading technologies within the areas of material handling equipment and information systems and combines them with proven design and operational strategies to help improve our customers’ operations. Our talented group of industry experts combine the powers of scalable material handling systems, innovative software and custom automation engineering for complete, unique solutions that help companies, across a broad spectrum of industry segments, become leaders in their industries. We are equipment agnostic, and our solutions incorporate leading technologies such as mobile robots, automated storage and retrieval systems (ASRS), automated guided vehicles (AGV), goods-to-person technology, sortation, and conveyor. KPI currently has approximately 200 FTEs and $150m revenue with growth expected to double in size (at a minimum) in the next 5 years through organic and acquisitive activities. KPI is backed by Ares Management. Ares Management Corporation (NYSE: ARES) is a leading global alternative investment manager operating integrated groups across Credit, Private Equity, Real Estate and Strategic Initiatives. They provide flexible capital to support businesses and create value for their stakeholders and within their communities. By collaborating across their investment groups, they aim to generate consistent and attractive investment returns throughout market cycles. As of March 31, 2021, Ares Management's global platform had approximately $207 billion of assets under management with more than 1,450 employees operating across North America, Europe, Asia Pacific and the Middle East.
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