The Senior Strategic Sourcing Specialist – EMS & OEM Systems is responsible for optimizing and executing our global sourcing strategy for active products, while identifying and securing appropriate suppliers to support new product development initiatives. This role is critical to ensuring a reliable, scalable, and cost-effective supply chain aligned with the needs of our fast-paced, technology-driven organization.
We are seeking a highly experienced and driven professional with a strong background managing Electronic Manufacturing Services (EMS) and third-party systems or OEM equipment sourcing. Additional expertise in mechanical components—including sheet metal, plastic injection, casting, and extrusion—is essential. The ideal candidate has a proven track record in proactively managing component and system lifecycles to mitigate End-of-Life (EOL) risks while maintaining alignment with product roadmaps through close collaboration with internal stakeholders. Strong vendor relationship management skills, including performance tracking through KPIs, conducting regular business reviews, and ensuring regulatory compliance, are also critical. Strong category knowledge, effective project management skills, and the ability to implement scalable vendor management processes are key success factors for this role.
Duties and Responsibilities
- Serve as the primary sourcing liaison to Engineering, Product Management, and Operations teams, supporting both New Product Introduction (NPI) and sustaining product lines.
- Evaluate and select third-party systems or OEM equipment that meet defined product, performance, and certification requirements, ensuring alignment with technical and business objectives.
- Reinforce a common and modular strategy that supports the growth and adaptability of our appliance-based solution.
- Proactively manage component and system lifecycles to mitigate End-of-Life (EOL) risks, maintaining alignment between sourcing plans and product roadmaps through collaboration with internal stakeholders.
- Enforce proper execution processes, particularly for new platform releases, by ensuring that all required stakeholders are involved, activities follow the correct sequence, and deliverables are completed on time.
- Lead global sourcing activities with a focus on EMS suppliers and third-party systems or OEM equipment, ensuring alignment with cost, quality, delivery, innovation, and scalability goals.
- Manage the complete supplier lifecycle—including identification, qualification, contract negotiation, onboarding, and performance management—ensuring compliance with regulatory and corporate requirements (e.g., Conflict Minerals, Modern Slavery, etc.).
- Influence early-stage product design by promoting Design for Manufacturability (DFM) and Supply Chain principles to reduce lead times, minimize sourcing risks, and optimize lifecycle costs.
- Drive and manage sourcing operations including RFQ processes, make-vs-buy analysis, cost benchmarking, and alternative component recommendations to support cost optimization and risk reduction.
- Lead continuous improvement initiatives across the sourcing function by leveraging KPIs, supplier data, market trends, and stakeholder feedback to enhance sourcing efficiency and supplier performance.
Qualifications
- 10+ years of experience in strategic or tactical sourcing, procurement, or supply chain management, ideally in a technology or electronics manufacturing environment.
- Deep expertise in EMS sourcing with strong knowledge of SMT processes, PCB manufacturing, and electronic assembly suppliers.
- Demonstrated expertise in the selection, qualification, and lifecycle management of third-party systems and OEM equipment, including integration into product platforms and alignment with product, performance, and certification requirements.
- Proven ability to manage a diverse, global supplier base, including high-mix, low-volume environments, and to build strong, collaborative vendor relationships.
- Experience supporting both prototype and mass production procurement cycles.
- Demonstrated success in developing and implementing SOPs for sourcing and vendor management processes.
- Strong understanding of supplier performance metrics and governance requirements, including KPI tracking and compliance frameworks (e.g., Conflict Minerals, Modern Slavery, RoHS/REACH).
- Exceptional project management and organizational skills, with the ability to lead multiple complex initiatives concurrently.
- Proficiency with ERP systems and sourcing analytics tools (e.g., Excel, Power BI; SQL knowledge is a plus).
- Bachelor’s degree in supply chain management, Engineering, Business, or a related field; APICS/ISM certification is an asset.
- Bilingual fluency in French and English is preferred.
- Willingness and ability to travel up to 20% of the time, including occasional international travel.