Director – Strategic Sourcing (MRO)

Carpenter Technology Corporation is a leading producer and distributor of premium specialty alloys, including titanium alloys, nickel and cobalt based superalloys, stainless steels, alloy steels and tool steels. Carpenter’s high-performance materials and advanced process solutions are an integral part of critical applications used within the aerospace, transportation, medical and energy markets, among other markets. Building on its history of innovation, Carpenter’s wrought and powder technology capabilities support a range of next-generation products and manufacturing techniques, including novel magnetic materials and additive manufacturing.
Director, Strategic Sourcing (MRO)
Position Summary
Carpenter Technology is seeking an experienced and results-driven Director, Strategic Sourcing (MRO) to lead the development and execution of enterprise-wide sourcing strategies across a complex, high-value Maintenance, Repair, and Operations (MRO) spend portfolio of approximately $500 million. This strategic leadership role is responsible for driving cost transformation, supplier performance, supply continuity, operational reliability, and total cost of ownership (TCO) improvements across manufacturing and maintenance operations.
The Director will collaborate closely with Operations, Maintenance, Engineering, Finance, Supply Chain, EHS, Legal, and Plant Leadership to optimize sourcing strategies, deliver measurable business value, strengthen supplier partnerships, and support operational excellence. The successful candidate will combine deep MRO category expertise with strong commercial acumen, financial rigor, and leadership capability in a complex industrial manufacturing environment.
Key Responsibilities
Strategic Category Management & Sourcing Leadership

• Develop and execute multi-year sourcing strategies for MRO materials, spare parts, OEM and aftermarket components, maintenance consumables, facility services, and maintenance engineering services.

• Lead complex sourcing initiatives including RFIs, RFPs, RFQs, e-auctions, negotiations, and supplier selection processes.

• Identify opportunities to standardize specifications, consolidate spend, optimize supplier networks, and reduce total cost of ownership.

• Utilize spend analytics, market intelligence, benchmarking, and should-cost modeling to develop data-driven category strategies.

• Align sourcing strategies with plant reliability, production requirements, maintenance schedules, and operational objectives.

Value Creation & Cost Optimization

• Lead large-scale sourcing programs including:

• Multi-year strategic agreements

• Global supplier selection initiatives

• Dual-sourcing and risk mitigation strategies

• Integrated service contracts and performance-based agreements

• Drive measurable cost savings and cost avoidance through:

• Demand management

• Specification optimization

• Supplier consolidation

• Inventory optimization

• Vendor Managed Inventory (VMI) and consignment programs

• Develop and execute initiatives that improve working capital, productivity, and procurement ROI.

Supplier Relationship Management

• Build and manage strategic relationships with distributors, OEMs, service providers, contractors, and engineering partners.

• Establish supplier performance scorecards focused on cost, quality, service, delivery, innovation, lead time, and risk management.

• Lead supplier reviews, corrective action programs, and continuous improvement initiatives.

• Evaluate supplier capabilities, financial health, geographic coverage, and business continuity preparedness.

Financial Performance & Governance

• Deliver annual savings, cost avoidance, and value creation targets.

• Partner with Finance to validate, track, and report realized savings and procurement impact.

• Develop sourcing levers and commercial strategies that maximize long-term value creation.

• Ensure contract compliance, procurement governance, and adherence to company sourcing policies.

Cross-Functional Leadership

• Partner with Operations and Plant Leadership to support reliability and uptime objectives.

• Collaborate with Maintenance and Engineering teams to optimize spare parts strategies and maintenance service models.

• Work with Supply Chain teams to improve inventory performance and working capital efficiency.

• Partner with EHS and Legal teams to ensure contractor compliance and risk management standards are met.

• Serve as a trusted business advisor for strategic sourcing and supplier selection decisions.

Continuous Improvement & Digital Transformation

• Drive sourcing process improvements and procurement best practices across sites and business units.

• Leverage ERP, procurement, and analytics platforms to improve spend visibility and sourcing effectiveness.

• Champion digital procurement initiatives, supplier performance management tools, and automation opportunities.

• Promote preferred supplier programs and category management excellence.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain Management, Engineering, Business Administration, Finance, or a related field.

• Minimum of 8–12 years of progressive procurement and sourcing experience.

• Proven experience managing large and complex sourcing portfolios, preferably exceeding $200 million in annual spend.

Extensive experience sourcing:

• MRO materials and consumables

• Maintenance engineering services

• Industrial service contracts

• Capital equipment support and spare parts

• Demonstrated success leading complex negotiations and strategic supplier partnerships.

• Strong financial, analytical, and contract management skills.

• Experience working within manufacturing, industrial, metals, aerospace, energy, chemical, or heavy industry environments.

Preferred Qualifications

• MBA or advanced degree

• Professional certifications such as:

• CPSM (Certified Professional in Supply Management)

• CPM (Certified Purchasing Manager)

• CSCP (Certified Supply Chain Professional)

• Experience with SAP, Coupa, Ariba, Oracle, or other large-scale procurement and ERP platforms.

• Experience leading global sourcing initiatives and supplier transformation programs.

• Knowledge of reliability-centered maintenance (RCM), asset management practices, and maintenance operations.

Carpenter Technology Company offers a competitive salary and a comprehensive benefits package including life, medical, dental, vision, flexible spending accounts, disability coverage, 401k with company contributions as well as many other options to employees.
Carpenter Technology Corporation’s policy is to fully and effectively maintain a program of equal employment opportunity and nondiscrimination for all employees, to employ affirmative action for all protected classes, and to recruit and develop the best qualified persons available regardless of age, race, color, religion, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, marital status, national origin, political affiliation or any other characteristic protected by law. The Company also will recruit, develop and provide opportunities for qualified persons with disabilities and protected veterans.
Originally posted on Himalayas