To meet the basic qualification for this role, you will have 2 to 5 years of experience in a professional procurement role. In addition, to be a good fit for the Sourcing Agent opportunity, you will have:

• An associate's degree in Business, Materials Management, Finance, Engineering or Operations Management; a bachelor’s degree is preferred Quick question for you - click here
• Experience that includes exposure to a variety of manufacturing processes and commodities
• Working knowledge of business operations, ideally including finance, accounting, legal, materials management, engineering, quality, manufacturing, etc.
• A basic understanding of prepared financial statements

If you complement your procurement experience with solid problem-solving skills and an entrepreneurial spirit, this position offers you some very compelling opportunities. You will:

• Showcase your potential to take on additional responsibilities and advance; depending on our needs and your performance, you might set your sights on a Senior Sourcing Agent role
• Expand your skills and experience, such as learning value analysis/value engineering (VAVE) if you don't already know it Quick question for you - click here
• Take advantage of the flexibility of a hybrid on-site/remote model, offering proven performers the chance to work from home one or two days a week
• Enjoy autonomy and empowerment -- we'll provide guidance and support as necessary, but we're looking for a professional with a strong sense of ownership
• Join at a time of dynamic transformation, marked by new processes, new products, new markets and new opportunities

The Shyft Group (NASDAQ: SHYF), is North America's leader in specialty vehicle manufacturing, assembly, and upfit for the commercial, retail, and service specialty vehicle markets. The Shyft Group rebranded in 2020 to reflect a new focus on high-growth end markets to help ensure long-term profitable growth. Our new name and renewed focus reflects the action, speed, and agility we offer the commercial vehicle industry through our growing roster of dynamic brands -- Utilimaster, Royal Truck Body, DuraMag, Strobes-R-Us, Spartan RV Chassis, and Builtmore Contract Manufacturing.

Pictured: The Foretravel Realm FS6 is one of several RV brands that ride on Spartan chassis.

You will report to the Purchasing Manager that oversees supply chain for the Specialty Vehicles business, and join a team that includes several Buyers, Sourcing Agents and Purchasing Agents. You'll be responsible for identifying, developing, and implementing supplier and product value stream improvement initiatives with assigned suppliers or commodities through the effective use and support of the Strategic Sourcing, Cost Targeting, Supplier Performance Planning, Supplier Development and Value Analysis/Value Engineering (VAVE) processes. Quick question for you - click here
 

Professional development
The broad exposure provided by this role can set you up to pursue opportunities in a variety of areas -- we don't put people in silos. You could set your sights on moving up within the supply chain organization, or move into operations or other areas within The Shyft Group.

Stability and growth
The Shyft Group is financially sound and will continue to be an aggressive market disrupter through strategic acquisitions, relevant product innovations, and aggressive growth models that serve strong and growing end markets. Be assured, our accelerated growth trajectory will create opportunities for strong performers.

Focused transformation
The Shyft Group's family of well-respected brands continues to lead in every segment in which they compete. The Shyft name represents speed, efficiency, agility, and a high-intensity approach, which corresponds with the company's pivot in market focus and the forward momentum garnered in the work truck, specialty service, and delivery vehicle markets.

Driven to deliver
Ever evolving and advancing, The Shyft Group is driven to make an impactful difference in how effectively goods, people, and services are delivered in today's and tomorrow's marketplace. Through our unmatched industry knowledge, engineering expertise, and manufacturing reach, we continue to deliver job-enhancing, efficiency-driving, ever-reliable products and services made for the road ahead.

Excellent compensation
In addition to a competitive salary and bonus, we offer medical, dental, vision, and prescription insurance plans; a health savings account; a flexible savings account; wellness credits; a wellness program; a 401(k) plan with a corporate match; an employee stock purchase program and more.

More about the requirements
In addition to the qualifications listed under The Requirements tab, we're looking for a professional who has:

• Intermediate computer skills, including proficiency in Microsoft Office, with advanced skills in Excel and solid skills in PowerPoint
• Experience with data collecting/mining
• Experience supporting the manufacture of trailers, trucks, buses and/or agricultural equipment is preferred but not required

Just as important will be the following competencies and characteristics:

• Strong interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to interact effectively with a variety of individuals at all organizational levels, both internally and externally
• Self-motivation with the ability to stay on task, including effectively prioritizing and executing tasks in a high-pressure environment
• Strong and consistent attention to detail
• Strong:
  • Verbal and written communication skills
  • Negotiation abilities
  • Organizational, problem-solving, and analytical skills
• Sound judgment with the ability to make timely decisions

You will train and work on-site, and once you have demonstrated initiative and a proactive approach, we will consider a hybrid on-site/remote work arrangement. Our preference is that you are based in the Charlotte area, but we also will consider highly qualified candidates who live outside the area. Typically you will work regular business hours, but we'll also look to you to be flexible and work extended hours as necessary to accomplish objectives. Once it is safe to do so, you may have the opportunity to travel to visit suppliers.

Pictured: You will support the production of Spartan RV Chassis, the only chassis built exclusively for motorhomes. Like all our chassis, the K4 605 shown here is designed, engineered, and made in America with the finest components creating a premier foundation for the most discerning RV makers and owners.

More about the role

More specifically, you will:

• Support and coordinate with the engineering department to implement VAVE improvements
• Lead strategic sourcing for commodities, as identified by SCM leadership
• Assume responsibility for spends less than or equal to $50 million including identifying annual cost savings targets, sustainable cost savings, and total cost analysis impact
• Develop, negotiate and implement contracts with value up to $100k
• Understand and interpret cost breakdowns of suppliers
• Negotiate with suppliers on current cost elements, with supervision
• Understand the philosophy and tools of lean manufacturing
• Apply formal project management principles to work, as needed, including setting and meeting milestones and expectations
• Manage relationships with peers at assigned suppliers to effectively mitigate risk
• Lead and support special projects, as needed
• Communicate quality and engineering information / requirements to internal and external resources, as required
• Utilize critical thinking to make trade-offs / concessions
• Resolve major supply disruptions affecting customers
• Perform cost analysis, as needed
• Support continuous improvement objectives, internally and externally
• Handle other tasks as assigned

More about your success
We understand that there will be a learning curve, and we'll provide onboarding and support. However, with your experience and expertise, you should be able to hit the ground running and start making an impact in short order. In addition, you should take pride in achieving goals independently. As you know, this is a challenging time in the supply chain world, and we're looking for a persistent and flexible professional who can find creative, innovative solutions.

Your interpersonal skills also will be essential, as you will collaborate with multiple internal and external contacts. You should have the ability to build solid relationships, and also influence and motivate others. In addition, to excel in this role you will:

• Take a proactive approach to solving problems
• Be versatile, flexible, and willing to work within constantly changing priorities
• Achieve goals independently and also contribute as a team player
• Develop and maintain strong knowledge of the company’s products and components
• Manage multiple responsibilities and priorities effectively and with a healthy respect for deadlines