Sourcing Specialist - Direct

Job Details: Job Location: Mebane - Mebane , NC, Position Type: Full Time, Education Level: 4 Year Degree, Salary Range: Undisclosed, Job Shift: Day, Job Category: Supply Chain, Power a Sustainable Future with Us       At Sunlight Batteries USA, we are driven by a shared purpose: to deliver innovative energy solutions that improve lives and protect the environment. Our team is passionate about advancing battery technology and energy storage systems that power industries and communities around the world.Your ImpactThe Sourcing Specialist – Direct Materials supports strategic sourcing and procurement activities for materials and components used in manufacturing operations. This role focuses on supplier performance, cost management, material availability, and supply continuity while supporting business objectives related to quality, delivery, and operational efficiency.Working collaboratively with Supply Chain, Planning, Engineering, Quality, Operations, and Finance teams, the Sourcing Specialist leverages ERP systems, data analysis, and supplier partnerships to drive informed sourcing decisions, improve procurement processes, and support organizational performance.What You’ll DoStrategic Sourcing & Supplier Management Execute sourcing strategies for direct materials, components, and commodities to support quality, cost, delivery, and supply continuity objectives. Manage sourcing activities including supplier identification, RFIs, RFPs, RFQs, bid analysis, supplier evaluation, and supplier selection. Participate in commercial discussions related to pricing, lead times, payment terms, service levels, and sourcing agreements. Support supplier onboarding, qualification, performance management, and continuous improvement initiatives.Procurement & ERP Management Utilize SAP S/4HANA, SAP ECC, or related ERP systems to maintain purchasing information, supplier records, material data, contracts, and pricing. Support purchase order, contract, and sourcing-related activities to ensure procurement requirements are met. Maintain accurate supplier, sourcing, pricing, and material master data.Data Analysis & Cost Optimization Analyze spending, supplier performance, pricing trends, material consumption, and procurement data. Identify opportunities for cost savings, supplier consolidation, risk reduction, and process improvement. Support cost modeling, total cost of ownership evaluations, pricing analysis, and supplier benchmarking activities. Develop reports and dashboards that support sourcing and procurement decision-making.Cross-Functional Collaboration Partner with Engineering, Planning, Quality, Operations, and Finance teams on new product introductions, supplier transitions, product modifications, and material qualifications. Coordinate with suppliers and internal stakeholders to address material shortages, capacity constraints, and supply risks. Support initiatives that improve material availability, supplier responsiveness, and operational efficiency.Continuous Improvement & Compliance Monitor supplier performance using key metrics such as quality, delivery, responsiveness, cost, and supply reliability. Support continuous improvement efforts across sourcing, procurement, and supply chain processes. Ensure compliance with company policies, procurement procedures, contractual requirements, and internal controls.  Qualifications: What You’ll Bring Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain Management, Business, Engineering, Finance, Operations Management, or a related field, or an equivalent combination of education and experience. Experience in sourcing, procurement, purchasing, or supply chain functions within a manufacturing or industrial environment. Experience using SAP or comparable ERP systems for purchasing and materials management activities. Knowledge of supplier sourcing, RFQ processes, supplier evaluations, and contract negotiations. Strong analytical skills with the ability to interpret purchasing, pricing, supplier, and operational data. Effective communication, problem-solving, organizational, and collaboration skills. Ability to work effectively with cross-functional teams and external suppliers.Preferred Experience with SAP S/4HANA or SAP ECC Materials Management (MM). Experience sourcing direct materials, components, raw materials, or manufactured products. Knowledge of manufacturing supply chains, inventory management, MRP, production planning, and bill-of-material structures. Experience supporting supplier performance programs, cost reduction initiatives, and continuous improvement efforts. Advanced Microsoft Excel and data analysis capabilities. Professional certifications such as CPSM, CSCP, CIPS, or equivalent. Ability to travel occasionally, approximately 20%, based on business needs.