Strategic Sourcing Specialist (Direct Material)

Are you ready to build something new and make a tangible impact on manufacturing operations through the procurement process? 
 

Join us as a Strategic Sourcing Specialist and own the charge in scaling and optimizing the procurement process focused in Direct Material categories, collaborating across functions to improve supplier performance and impact business continuity here at LEGO® Manufacturing Virginia. 

Core Responsibilities: 
 

• Conduct Materials Requirement Planning: Execute weekly blanket purchase orders and utilize MRP tools to support production plans. 

• Support Supplier Performance Management: Partner across functions to score supplier performance, drive improvements, and ensure supply continuity. 

• Conduct Risk Assessments: Map risk exposure, identify bottlenecks, and build mitigation plans to support business continuity. 

• Support Supplier Relationship Management (SRM): Conduct assessments, monitor capacity, and organize performance meetings to maintain healthy partnerships. 

• Support Day-to-Day Operations: Partner with suppliers and stakeholders on continuous improvement projects, responding to non-conformance events and service failures. 

• Maintain Data and Reporting: Use systems like Coupa, SAP, and PowerBI to establish supplier performance governance and align KPIs across regions. 

• Support End-to-End Sourcing Activities: Engage in bids, negotiations, evaluations, and contract adherence to support a total cost view. 

• Drive Cost Management and Productivity Initiatives: Evaluate demand versus supply plans to mitigate material scrap and obsolescence, identify localized supplier options to enhance cost efficiency, and engage in supplier partnerships for root cause analysis and cost savings. Implement financial productivity reporting and shop floor control plans to deliver measurable cost reductions and improve outcomes for LEGO Group and Supplier Partners. 

Play your part in our team succeeding: 
 

The Procurement Department is integral to our organization's success, ensuring that our manufacturing operations run smoothly and efficiently. By leading sourcing, contracting, and supplier relationships, the department plays a vital role in maintaining operational continuity and supporting plant expansion projects. It focuses on strategic category management to optimize costs and mitigate supply risks, thereby contributing to overall business objectives. 
 

As a Strategic Sourcing Specialist, you will be at the forefront of these efforts, aligning procurement activities with operational priorities and driving continuous improvement initiatives. Your role will support the broader organization by ensuring reliable sourcing of direct materials enabling production reliability. By partnering closely with cross-functional teams, you will help deliver procurement strategies that improve manufacturing performance and business continuity. 
 

Do you have what it takes? 
 

A bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience in Supply Chain, Logistics Business, Operations Management is preferred.  Experience in strategic sourcing, materials planning, procurement processes, and supplier performance management. 
 

Must Have: 
 

• Knowledge of packaging material procurement, such as corrugated and printed packaging. 

• Strong analytical and problem-solving capabilities with the ability to develop strong relationships across both internal and external partners. 

• Experience using ERP and procurement systems such as SAP, Ariba, Oracle, or similar platforms. 

• High level of proficiency in data analytics using data analysis tools such as Microsoft Excel and PowerBI.
   

Nice to Have: 
 

• Supporting manufacturing, industrial, or production environments are strongly preferred. 

• Leading supplier performance programs and procurement process improvement projects is desired. 
   

Additional: 

• Best of Both (3 days on-site & 2 days from home). 

• Regional travel required with some international travel will be required. 

• No relocation will be available.