Strategic Sourcing Engineer

Location: Urbana OH

Job Title: Strategic Sourcing Engineer

About Rittal
Rittal is a leading global provider of solutions for industrial enclosures power distribution climate control and IT infrastructure as well as software and services. The company is a member of the Friedhelm Loh Group a successful international player with 18 production plants 80 subsidiaries and 12000 employees.

Rittal LLC has built a strong tradition of innovation and takes pride in a progressive approach to engineering. We design and manufacture the worlds leading industrial and IT enclosures racks and accessories including high-efficiency high-density power management and climate control systems for industrial data center outdoor and hybrid applications.

Primary Activities/Duties

• Lead and manage Value Analysis/Value Engineering (VA/VE) initiatives to identify and implement cost reduction opportunities while improving quality or performance.
• Collaborate with design and manufacturing teams to evaluate alternative materials processes and suppliers.
• Act as the sourcing lead for New Product Introduction (NPI) projects ensuring timely supplier selection cost validation capacity/utilization and procurement readiness.
• Support cross-functional teams in early supplier involvement and design-for-cost strategies.
• Perform detailed cost breakdowns and should-cost modeling for components and assemblies using the Cost Data system.
• Benchmark supplier pricing and identify cost drivers to support negotiation strategies.
• Serve as the primary point of contact for departmental cost savings initiatives.
• Track report and validate savings metrics in alignment with company goals.
• Develop and maintain a pipeline of sourcing-related cost reduction opportunities.
• Collaborate with Commodity Managers to identify and qualify new suppliers to meet outsourcing requirements.
• Work closely with suppliers to gather technical and commercial data.
• Support supplier development and qualification efforts as needed.
• Partner with Engineering Quality and Operations to ensure sourcing strategies align with business objectives.
• Communicate project status risks and opportunities to stakeholders.

Requirements

• Bachelors degree in Engineering Supply Chain or related field.
• Minimum 3 years of experience in sourcing procurement or engineering roles.
• Strong analytical skills with experience in cost modeling and data analysis.
• Familiarity with manufacturing processes and materials.
• Excellent project management and communication skills.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Excel SAP and cost analysis tools.

Preferred Skills

• Experience with VA/VE methodologies.
• Knowledge of NPI processes and product lifecycle management.
• Exposure to global sourcing and supplier negotiations.
• Lean/Six Sigma certification is a plus.

Safety Requirements

• Must wear safety-toed footwear safety glasses with side shields hearing protection and additional personal protective equipment when on the shop floor or warehouse.

If you require reasonable accommodation for any part of the application or hiring process due to a disability you may contact the companys Human Resources Department at .

This option is reserved for individuals who require accommodation due to a disability.

Rittal LLC and Eplan are proud to be an affirmative action/equal opportunity employer. EEO including Disability/Vets.