Strategic Sourcing Specialist/Buyer

Job Description

Brand: Kalmar

Team: Supply Chain & Sourcing

Job Location: Ottawa, USA

Information at a Glance

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Strategic Sourcing Specialist/Buyer

At Kalmar, we are moving goods in critical supply chains around the world. As the forerunner in sustainable material handling equipment and services, we set the industry benchmark for a zero-emission future. We are driven by teamwork, innovation, and taking ownership to deliver results. With our global reach and local expertise, our success starts with a strong focus on the customer, ensuring their needs guide our daily work. We are dedicated to respecting others and fostering an inclusive culture where all voices are heard, empowering us to succeed together. With us, your work has an impact. Your work moves the world!

Join us and take your career to the next level

A Strategic Sourcing Specialist is accountable for representing the Kalmar Ottawa plant in working with category leaders to optimize spend and support the overall category strategies for Steel Fabrication. Spend is a forecasted average of $20 Million per year and the number of suppliers is expected to be between 25 and 30. The Strategic Sourcing Specialist is an important member on the sourcing team and must work well with operations (Quality, Planning, Finance, etc.) as well as the engineering team on projects or new product development. Essentially this position is leading all supplier related activities, both for ongoing production as well as new product introduction. The position requires excellent leadership and negotiation skills to manage supplier relationships. The Strategic Sourcing Specialist needs to select suppliers based on strategy as well as to clearly communicate priorities and expected results from their suppliers.

What are your key responsibilities:

• Drive profits using cost saving strategies and project management skills to effectively lower component & manufacturing costs.
• Implement cost improvement strategies by suppliers to achieve cost targets.
• Demonstrate teamwork with colleagues to achieve results.
• Optimize the supplier base for their respective category group and spend responsibilities.
• Develop & implement category strategies and negotiate with suppliers with heavy emphasis on quality, delivery and cost. Collaborate strategies with global category managers.
• Select and develop suppliers to achieve world-class results on quality, delivery and cost.
• Demonstrate a business mindset with sustainable results.
• Develop and implement action plans to continuously improve their suppliers.
• Complete project work for the Ottawa plant or other parts of Kalmar.

Implement and maintain proactive supplier management that continually improves a small, high performing supply base through a supplier performance measurement and development program

• Collaborate with R&D, Project Management and Operations

What we offer you:

"Green business is good business - it's not just a slogan; we're investing in fossil-free steel and real change."

• Rewards that truly count: We offer meaningful development opportunities through varied assignments, fair and gender-neutral pay, and flexible working conditions - all within a culture that values your growth and celebrates success.
• Work-Life Balance: Our generous time-off policy includes vacation time, personal/sick time, paid/floating holidays, and paid parental leaves, supporting a healthy balance between your professional and personal life.
• Safety that moves us forward: Build your career with a company rooted in safety since the 1940s, ensuring stability and an environment that empowers you to speak and be heard.
• Purpose that drives change: You'll contribute to solutions that transform global trade, creating environmental and operational innovations. You'll be in the driver's seat of ideas, developing digital technologies that set industry standards and position us as the forerunner.
• People who move together: You'll collaborate with people who build lasting relationships through global expertise, connections, and a commitment to sustainability.
• Become part of our global network of 5,200 professionals across 120+ countries, where your work drives innovation, sustainability, and meaningful impact around the world.

What you bring to the role:

Education:

• Minimum bachelor degree in business, finance, or engineering.
• MBA a plus but not required.

Experience;

• Minimum of 3 years of purchasing experience preferably in a manufacturing environment.
• Experience working with Steel commodities is a plus
• Experience launching new products is a plus

Competencies:

• Sourcing, negotiation, excellent contract management and negotiation skills. Proven and documented cost reduction skills. This person should exhibit collaborative communication skills.
• Ideal candidate will bring purchasing/sourcing/supply chain experience with an in-depth knowledge of people and processes, preferably with an OEM or tier 1 supplier environment.
• Value Engineering/Cost Reduction & Standardization experience highly preferred.
• Project Management experience.
• Fluent in English, other languages are a plus.
• Experience with an ERP system. Preference given to those with INFOR LN system experience.Domestic and possible international travel requirements are estimated to be 5% - 10%.
• Excellent communication and presentation skills.
• Knowledge in Total Quality Management, Lean Manufacturing, ERP/MRP systems andSupply Chain optimization is valued.Proficient in the use of Google Suite, including Sheets, Slides & Microsoft office software, including Excel, Word, PowerPoint, and MS Project.
• Professional ISM affiliation/certification strongly desired.

Ready to elevate your career? Apply today!

Please submit your resume/CV to be considered!

About Kalmar

Kalmar (Nasdaq Helsinki: KALMAR) is moving goods in critical supply chains around the world, with the vision to be the forerunner in sustainable material handling equipment and services. The company offers a wide range of industry shaping heavy material handling equipment and services to ports and terminals, distribution centres, manufacturing and heavy logistics. Headquartered in Helsinki, Finland, Kalmar operates globally in over 120 countries and employs approximately 5,300 people. In 2025, the company's sales totalled approximately EUR 1.7 billion. www.kalmarglobal.com

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