**Job Description:** **Company Description** Instron is a global organization that designs, manufactures, sells and services mechanical testing systems. Have you ever wondered how a potato chip always has the right crispiness level? Or, how your game controller will survive several drops whether you are excited for your win or upset by a loss? How about eyewear being able to withstand impact forces? Visit Instron’s YouTube Channel (https://www.youtube.com/c/InstronSocial/videos) to see our customer’s applications or watch our Culture video at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1IC97HOKN-Y . Check out Facebook Watch at https://fb.watch/a8ILPde4GP/ for additional videos. Our systems are trusted by 95% of the world’s largest manufacturing companies to gather critical data, informing the design of components and materials. You will find that our established strength, commitment to our core values and team focus provides an engaging work environment and offers exceptional opportunities for personal and career development. **Job Description** The successful candidate will work cross-functionally with Operations, Finance, and Engineering teams, and will explore and source vendors to supply required materials for production. The candidate will be responsible for analyzing supplier performance, negotiating, and establishing Contracts/Purchase orders, ensuring on time delivery and inventory management, and leveraging project management skills to lead sourcing activities for the site. What you will do: + Set up and maintain the procurement and delivery arrangements for the materials needed to meet production requirements + Ensure cost-effective procurement arrangements are in place for all suppliers and materials + Conduct complex vendor negotiations and contract set-up + Analyze supplier performance and drive supplier accountability + Lead initiatives to support sourcing savings and cost reduction + Maintain ideal inventory levels using Kanban practices, Microsoft Excel, and a material management / ERP system What we are looking for: + Excellent negotiation and decision-making skills + Expert knowledge of sourcing practices with proven results in the field + Manufacturing equipment product knowledge, preferably in metal fabrication, machined parts, plastics, power components, PCBA. + Focus on cost reduction and efficiency + Ability to manage projects and influence cross-functional stakeholders + Technical understanding of supply chain management and manufacturing principles + Relationship-building and communication skills + High sense of urgency to meet required timelines + Data analysis and presentation skills + Passion for solving problems **Education and experience:** + Bachelor’s degree in business, Supply Chain Management, or related field + 5+ years of strategic sourcing/procurement experience + MS Office application proficiency and experience analyzing data in Excel + Understanding of Kanban methodology, and experience using MRP and ERP systems + Experience working in a manufacturing environment + Experience negotiating directly with suppliers and vendors + Experience negotiating pricing and delivery for lower-volume orders, preferred + Ability to apply the ITW Toolbox to achieve improved efficiency and cost savings **Compensation Information:** This position has a starting salary range of $80,000 to $100,000 per year. Pay is determined by several factors, including a candidate’s experience, relevant skills, and qualifications