MTS Systems where we encourage employees to act like entrepreneurs. We embrace autonomy, make decisions and take ownership to create innovative solutions for our customers all over the world.

We offer full benefit package, including 401K matching, generous time off and sick leave and more.

Primary Objective:

Develops strategic sourcing plans for Custom/ETO or New Product Development (NPD) projects to achieve highest quality and value, while maintaining schedule to enable overall project success.

Major Areas of Accountability:

• Partners with project management in the pre-sale phase of projects to proactively prepare sourcing plans that yield the most effective cost, schedule, and quality solution for purchased materials and purchased services.

• Validates technical specifications and informs design engineering of new emerging technologies and alternative processes and material s to develop the most cost effective and high-quality solution.

• Monitors the schedule for all purchased parts and takes action on exception messages by expediting, delaying or canceling orders.  Tracks project material cost savings and develop target costing models for purchased parts in conjunction with PEs and Finance.

• Identifies, selects and contracts with vendors to procure materials and components for Custom/ETO or NPD projects. Ensures supplier qualifications for project-specific purchases meet requirements by performing comprehensive onsite supplier assessments that ensure sound operational processes (e.g. quality system, purchasing practices), capability (e.g. facilities, equipment, and knowledge) and adequate financial position for project or SPD/R&D specific materials.

• Advises internal customers on purchasing processes; provides information on products and suppliers; anticipates and mitigates problems; and, resolves supplier and purchased product related issues.

• Conducts bid processes including preparation of RFQ packages for custom project parts in conjunction with respective materials category teamswhich ensure product and service requirements are appropriately documented and comprehensively assesses supplier proposals for price, requirement satisfaction, terms and conditions, schedule, risk, supplier performance and best value. (e.g., lifecycle, reliability, maintainability, cost reduction potential).

• Negotiates complex contracts with suppliers by developing negotiation strategies based upon the proposal analysis including price / cost factors, terms and conditions, and technical issues.

• Creates purchase orders for complex purchase requests for project specific custom parts (e.g. Custom/ETO project specific products or services or developmental/R&D products) which clearly define all requirements, pricing, terms and conditions.

• Documents, authorizes within parameters and maintains contractual agreements that address all elements (e.g., terms and conditions, statement of work, additional and/or value-added service requirements, pricing).

• Understands and applies defined processes and methodologies to plan contracting activities and support internal customer project activities.

• If working on New Product Development (NPD) projects, the following apply:
  • Collaborate with internal and external customers to establish processes for monitoring new product development and new product industrialization configuration release for purchased parts.
  • Work with product development teams to negotiate and resolve scheduling conflict and materials issues.
  • Leverage internal and external resources to drive Design for Manufacturing and Design for Cost initiatives through engineering and product development teams.

Physical Demands (US only):

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.  Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to sit; use hands to finger, handle, or feel; reach with hands and arms; and talk or hear.  The employee is occasionally required to stand; walk; and stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl.  The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds.  Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and ability to adjust focus.

ITW is an equal opportunity employer. We value our colleagues’ unique perspectives, experiences and ideas and create workplaces where everyone can develop their careers and perform to their full potential. 

As an equal employment opportunity employer, ITW is committed to equal employment opportunity and fair treatment for employees, beginning with the hiring process and continuing through all aspects of the employment relationship. 

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, religion, national origin, age, disability, protected Veteran status or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local laws.