<p>The Strategic Sourcing and Procurement Assistant Manager is responsible for leading negotiations, managing MRO procurement, overseeing inventory strategies, and developing strong vendor relationships to ensure cost-effective, secure, and reliable supply. This role drives sourcing strategies that reduce total delivered cost, mitigate supply chain risks, and support business growth through collaboration with operations, engineering, and executive leadership. </p><p><br></p><p>Key Responsibilities include: </p><p><br></p><p>Strategic Sourcing and Procurement</p><ul><li>Identify, develop, and implement sourcing strategies to reduce Total Delivered Cost (TDC), mitigate market headwinds, and improve security of supply.</li><li>Create and implement best-in-class procurement vision, strategy, policies, processes, and procedures to enhance overall business performance.</li><li>Ensure purchasing strategies and processes deliver optimized costs while meeting operational requirements and business objectives.</li></ul><p>Negotiations and Vendor Management</p><ul><li>Lead contract negotiations with suppliers to achieve favorable pricing, terms, and service levels. Establish, develop, and manage strategic supplier relationships to drive long-term value, innovation, and performance improvement.</li><li>Set up and onboard new vendors in alignment with sourcing strategies, compliance requirements, and operational needs. MRO and Inventory Management Assist in overseeing MRO sourcing and inventory strategies to ensure uninterrupted operations while minimizing carrying costs and excess inventory.</li><li>Collaborate with operations and supply chain teams to align inventory levels with production, maintenance, and business demands. Identify opportunities for standardization, consolidation, and process improvement within MRO procurement.</li></ul><p>Cross-Functional Collaboration</p><ul><li>Maintain close working relationships with supply chain leaders, operations leadership, and engineering teams to support strategic growth objectives. Identify and implement cost-savings, productivity, and efficiency initiatives that improve gross margin performance.</li><li>Act as a strategic business partner, balancing cost, quality, risk, and service considerations.</li><li>Communicate critical supply chain developments, risks, and opportunities to Executive Management.</li><li>Provide data-driven insights and reporting on cost savings, supplier performance, and sourcing initiatives.</li></ul><p>Qualifications</p><ul><li>Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain Management, Business, Engineering, or a related field (Master’s degree or detail-oriented certifications preferred).</li><li>Proven experience in strategic sourcing, procurement, negotiations, and vendor management.</li><li>Strong knowledge of MRO procurement and inventory management best practices.</li><li>Demonstrated ability to lead cross-functional initiatives and influence at all organizational levels. Excellent analytical, communication, and negotiation skills.</li></ul><p><br></p><p>This role will offer a salary between 80K-90K with medical, dental, vision, paid time off. This role is located in Kankakee, IL and is an on-site role. </p><p><br></p><p>Our specialized recruiting professionals apply their expertise and utilize our proprietary AI software to find you great job and candidate matches faster.</p>
<p>We are looking for a skilled Purchase Specialist to join our team on a contract basis in Naperville, Illinois. In this role, you will play a pivotal part in ensuring our manufacturing operations run seamlessly by sourcing quality materials and managing supplier relationships. Your expertise in procurement and negotiation will support our commitment to delivering exceptional products to our customers.</p><p><br></p><p>Responsibilities:</p><p>• Source and secure raw materials, components, and equipment that align with manufacturing specifications and quality standards.</p><p>• Negotiate competitive pricing, delivery terms, and contracts with suppliers to maximize cost efficiencies.</p><p>• Maintain and manage purchase orders in procurement systems, ensuring timely updates and accuracy.</p><p>• Collaborate with engineering, production, and quality teams to anticipate material needs and troubleshoot supply challenges.</p><p>• Assess supplier performance using key metrics such as quality, on-time delivery, and responsiveness.</p><p>• Identify and onboard new suppliers to enhance supply chain resilience and diversity.</p><p>• Monitor market trends, pricing, and material availability to mitigate potential supply risks.</p><p>• Utilize project management tools and systems to streamline procurement activities and improve workflow efficiency.</p><p><br></p><p>The salary range for this position is $25.00 to $30.00 an hour. Benefits available to contract/temporary professionals, include medical, vision, dental, and life and disability insurance. Hired contract/temporary professionals are also eligible to enroll in our company 401(k) plan. Visit Robert Half Benefits Website for more information.</p>
Robert Half is looking for an Inventory Manager for a client in Northwest Indiana. The Inventory Manager oversees and optimizes all inventory control activities, ensuring the availability of required materials while minimizing excess and obsolete stock. This role is pivotal in supporting operational efficiency, cash flow management, and overall profitability.<br><br>Key Responsibilities:<br><br>Lead and manage all aspects of inventory control, including receiving, storage, tracking, and distribution of materials.<br>Develop and implement inventory policies and procedures that align with operational and financial goals.<br>Analyze inventory levels, identify trends or discrepancies, and implement corrective actions to optimize stock levels.<br>Coordinate with procurement, production, and logistics teams to ensure just-in-time inventory availability and reduce excess inventory costs.<br>Maintain accurate records in inventory management systems and generate regular inventory reports for management.<br>Monitor and resolve inventory discrepancies, conduct regular cycle counts, and oversee annual physical inventory audits.<br>Identify and execute cost-reduction initiatives related to inventory, such as reducing carrying costs and excess stock.<br>Collaborate in system improvement projects, such as WMS or ERP implementations, to enhance inventory processes.<br>Train and supervise inventory team members, fostering best practices and compliance with company standards.<br><br>Qualifications:<br>• Bachelor’s degree in supply chain, operations, business, engineering, or related field (or equivalent experience).<br>• 3–7 years of experience in MRO inventory management, maintenance planning, or industrial warehousing.<br>• Strong knowledge of CMMS/ERP systems (SAP, Maximo, Oracle, Infor, etc.).<br>• Understanding of maintenance practices, reliability principles, and industrial equipment.<br>• Excellent analytical, organizational, and problem-solving skills.<br><br>This role offers a salary range of $110,000-$120,000 plus bonus and comes with a full benefits packing including medical, dental, vision, 401k, paid time off. <br><br>If interested please contact Brian Keating at 331-264-5688.