Strategic Sourcing Manager - Indirect (Marketing, Brand & Sales Services)

Herman Miller - Zeeland, MI

Full-time - Mid Level

Zeeland, MI

Furniture and Related Product Manufacturing

About the position

The Strategic Sourcing Manager - Indirect (Marketing, Brand & Sales Services) at MillerKnoll is responsible for managing the total cost and performance of selected categories and contracts related to key indirect goods and services. This role is pivotal in executing effective strategic sourcing, supplier performance management, and supplier development to continually improve the total cost of ownership through value stream improvement. The manager will conduct strategic sourcing for various services, items, or commodities, developing specifications and requirements, performing market and cost analysis, and managing supplier performance with appropriate supervision and coaching. In this position, the manager will draft moderately complex contracts that carry moderate risk to the company, which may require review by the Director of Strategic Sourcing. The role also involves influencing others to meet milestones and coordinating the work of cross-functional project teams. The manager will lead and negotiate complex agreements that may pose high risks to the company, requiring minimal or no supervision. Additionally, the manager may need to understand lean manufacturing principles and successfully solve small to medium lean office problems using the Plan, Do, Check, and Act (PDCA) process with coaching. The role includes relationship management with assigned suppliers, understanding how their operating plans must adapt to meet MillerKnoll's objectives, and effectively influencing suppliers to implement necessary changes. The manager will also support and coordinate with business partners to identify and implement Business Process Outsourcing (BPO) and improvements as required. The position requires the ability to perform all essential functions with or without accommodations, ensuring a commitment to inclusivity and equal opportunity employment.

Responsibilities

• Manage the total cost and performance of selected categories/contracts of key indirect goods and services.
• Conduct strategic sourcing for services, items, or commodities with supervision and coaching.
• Develop specifications/requirements, conduct market analysis, cost analysis, RFx, implement solutions, and manage supplier performance, with supervision and coaching.
• Draft moderately complex contracts with moderate risk to the company, which may need to be reviewed by the Director of Strategic Sourcing.
• Influence others to meet milestones and coordinate the work of others, potentially leading cross-functional project teams.
• Lead and negotiate complex agreements that are potentially high risk to the company, with minimal or no supervision.
• Understand lean manufacturing philosophy and tools via the Herman Miller Performance System (HMPS) and solve small to medium lean office problems using the PDCA process with coaching.
• Manage relationships with assigned suppliers and influence them to align with company objectives.
• Support and coordinate with business partners to identify and implement Business Process Outsourcing (BPO).
• Identify and implement improvements in collaboration with business partners.

Requirements

• Bachelor's Degree in Business, Materials Management, Finance, Engineering, or Operations Management; Certified Purchasing Manager (CPM) preferred.
• 4 years in a professional procurement role with exposure to a variety of manufacturing processes and commodities.
• Working knowledge of all aspects of business operations, including Finance, Accounting, Legal, Materials Management, Engineering, and Quality.
• Understanding of prepared financial statements and ability to interpret income statements, cash flow statements, and balance sheets.
• Ability to analyze complex cost elements in various situations.
• Demonstrated ability to perform cost analysis and apply HMPS thinking to supplier processes and value streams.
• Proven negotiation skills and successful problem-solving abilities.
• Highly developed verbal and written communication skills.
• Demonstrated cross-functional leadership skills.
• Understanding of formal project management principles and ability to apply them as appropriate.
• Ability to work with individuals at various organizational levels within and outside of the company.
• Demonstrated ability to influence and lead others without formal authority.
• Proficient in using office automation/communication software and tools.

Nice-to-haves

• Experience with lean manufacturing principles and practices.
• Familiarity with Business Process Outsourcing (BPO) strategies.

Benefits

• Equal opportunity employment including veterans and people with disabilities.
• Reasonable accommodations for applicants and employees with disabilities.
• Participation in E-Verify Employment Eligibility Verification.