Strategic Sourcing Specialist

As the leading transit bus manufacturer in the United States, GILLIG buses play a critical role in the environmental and social initiatives in communities across our nation.  GILLIG is on the forefront in the transition to zero-emission vehicles and has an unmatched reputation in the industry for quality, reliability, durability, service, and support.  From initial design through final assembly, each GILLIG bus is designed and built in Livermore, CA. 

WHY GILLIG

• Leader in environmentally friendly mobility solutions including battery electric, hybrid electric, near-zero CNG and clean diesel transit buses
• Renowned for its inclusive team/family-oriented culture
• Stable, successful, and growing organization – a Bay Area business for over 132 years!
• Flexible schedules (*depending on project needs)
• Excellent compensation including company paid medical premiums, generous retirement plan and other comprehensive benefits

ABOUT THE ROLE

In this role, you will be responsible for developing, managing, and optimizing supplier relationships across a diverse range of commodities. You will lead the full sourcing lifecycle, including supplier identification, RFP management, cost analysis, and contract negotiation to deliver measurable value in quality, cost, and delivery performance. The Sourcing Specialist will also play a key role in the New Product Engineering process by planning, negotiating, and procuring components critical to GILLIG’s OEM production.

This position requires strong analytical and communication skills, strong business acumen, and the ability to build effective cross-functional alignment. The ideal candidate demonstrates strategic thinking, proactive initiative, and the ability to execute  sourcing strategies that support  GILLIG’s long-term operational and financial objectives.

IN THIS ROLE YOU WILL

• Develop a strong understanding of the current supply base; assess supplier performance to select optimal partners and identify, evaluate, and onboard new suppliers and technologies to support current and future product requirements.
• Develop, issue, and manage RFPs; review proposals, analyze quotations, and recommend sourcing decisions.
• Negotiate and execute supplier contracts, including terms related to pricing, rebates, delivery, and quality standards.
• Support New Product Engineering (NPE) initiatives by planning and purchasing materials aligned with project timelines and cost targets.
• Serve as the Supply Chain representative in cross-functional project meetings, ensuring alignment on sourcing activities and timelines.
• Collaborate across Engineering, Production, Sales, and Product Planning and Strategy, and Production Procurement to optimize sourcing strategies and address supplier performance gaps
• Build and maintain strategic supplier relationships, acting as the primary point of contact for supplier performance, issue resolution, and continuous improvement for new Suppliers.
• Conduct market analysis, evaluate cost structures, research part usage and PCO’s, and utilize data-driven insights to support negotiation, inventory impact assessment, and risk mitigation.
• Perform other related duties as assigned.

BASIC QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain Management, Business Administration, or a related field, or equivalent work experience.
• 5+ years of experience in sourcing, purchasing, or supply chain management.
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and organizational skills with a high attention to detail.
• Excellent communication, negotiation, and interpersonal skills.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Excel, Word, PowerPoint) and experience with ERP systems.
• Demonstrated ability to manage multiple priorities and meet deadlines in a dynamic manufacturing environment.
• Proven ability to translate data insights into sourcing decisions.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

• Ability to lift 30 lbs.
• Prolonged periods of sitting/standing at a desk and working on a computer
• Working environment includes office settings, manufacturing floor, and warehouse
• Regularly required to sit, stand, and walk and occasionally kneel or squat
• Must be able to navigate manufacturing environment, comfortable around heavy machinery, tools, etc.
• Must be able to wear Personal Protective Equipment, (i.e. safety glass, etc.)
• Occasional travel will be required
• Standard start time: 6:00 am

EXPECTED COMPENSATION

$75,000 - $275,000*/annual salary + bonus + premium benefits  

*Pay offered may vary depending on multiple individualized factors, including market location, job classification, job-related knowledge, skills, and experience. The total compensation package for this position may also include other elements dependent on the position offered. Details of participation in these benefit plans will be provided if a candidate receives an offer of employment.

Other Duties

Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities and activities may change at any time with or without notice.

GILLIG is committed to providing equal opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment. We are committed to creating an inclusive and diverse workplace that values and respects the unique talents, experiences, and perspectives of our employees and the people we serve. As an equal opportunity employer, we do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, sexual orientation, pregnancy, gender identity or any other characteristic protected by law.

GILLIG is an equal employment opportunity and affirmative action employer.