Supplier Relationship Specialist Full Time

Rockwell Automation is a global technology leader focused on helping the world’s manufacturers be more productive, sustainable, and agile. With more than 28,000 employees who make the world better every day, we know we have something special. Behind our customers – amazing companies that help feed the world, provide life-saving medicine on a global scale, and focus on clean water and green mobility – our people are energized problem solvers that take pride in how the work we do changes the world for the better.

We welcome all makers, forward thinkers, and problem solvers who are looking for a place to do their best work. And if that’s you we would love to have you join us!

Job Description

We are seeking a highly motivated and experienced Supplier Relationship Specialist to join our dynamic Services & Solutions Supply Chain team. The ideal candidate will be a skilled communicator and relationship builder proficient in fostering collaborative partnerships with key suppliers. This individual will play a vital role in optimizing supplier performance, driving continuous improvement, and ensuring a robust and reliable supply chain.

Your Responsibilities

• Supplier Relationship Management (SRM): Develop and maintain strong, collaborative relationships with key suppliers, acting as the primary point of contact for all communication and issue resolution.
• Performance Management: Monitor supplier performance against agreed-upon KPIs (Key Performance Indicators), identifying areas for improvement and working with suppliers to develop corrective action plans. This includes tracking metrics such as on-time delivery, quality, cost, and innovation.
• Issue Resolution: Proactively identify and resolve supply chain disruptions, quality issues, and other challenges, working collaboratively with internal teams and suppliers to find timely and effective solutions.
• Negotiation: Negotiate pricing and payment terms with suppliers, leveraging market knowledge to secure the best possible deals for the company.
• Continuous Improvement: Collaborate with suppliers and stakeholders to identify and implement standard work and processes to improve efficiency, quality, cost, and innovation within the supply chain. This includes facilitating Kaizen events, lean initiatives, or other improvement methodologies.
• Communication & Collaboration: Effectively communicate with suppliers and Rockwell functional areas (including Engineering, IT, Marketing, Regional Service Delivery, Customer Care, and Finance/Accounting) across various levels, actively soliciting feedback, addressing concerns, and fostering transparency and trust.
• Strategy Development: Contribute to the development and implementation of strategic sourcing plans for assigned commodities or suppliers, ensuring alignment with company objectives.
• Risk Management: Identify and assess potential risks related to supplier performance, geopolitical events, or other factors that could impact the supply chain, developing mitigation strategies to minimize business disruption.
• Data Analysis & Reporting: Track key performance indicators (KPIs), analyze data, and prepare regular reports on supplier performance, cost savings, and supply chain metrics. Leverage data analytics to identify trends and opportunities for improvement.
• Innovation & Collaboration: Foster a culture of collaboration and innovation with suppliers, encouraging them to share best practices, new technologies, and ideas that benefit both parties.
• Compliance: Ensure all supplier interactions and agreements comply with company policies, procedures, and regulatory requirements.

The Essentials – You Will Have

• Bachelor’s degree in business administration, Engineering, Materials Management, Purchasing, Supply Chain Management or a related technical discipline.
• Minimum of 5 years of experience in supplier relationship management, procurement, or a related field.
• Native or fluent in English
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (especially Excel), and ideally experience with supplier relationship management software.
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making skills.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Excellent communication, negotiation, and interpersonal skills.

The Preferred – You Might Also Have

• Experience with lean methodologies or other continuous improvement initiatives.
• Six Sigma Yellow Belt certification or higher.
• SAP experience.
• Demonstrated experience building and managing strong relationships with key suppliers.
• Strong understanding of supply chain principles, procurement processes, and performance metrics.
• CPSM (Certified Professional in Supply Management) or similar certification.

What We Offer

Our benefits package includes …

• Comprehensive mindfulness programs with a premium membership to Calm
• Volunteer Paid Time off available after 6 months of employment for eligible employees
• Company volunteer and donation matching program – Your volunteer hours or personal cash donations to an eligible charity can be matched with a charitable donation.
• Employee Assistance Program
• Personalized wellbeing programs through our OnTrack program
• On-demand digital course library for professional development
• and other local benefits!

At Rockwell Automation we are dedicated to building a diverse, inclusive and authentic workplace, so if you’re excited about this role but your experience doesn’t align perfectly with every qualification in the job description, we encourage you to apply anyway. You may be just the right person for this or other roles.

Rockwell Automation’s hybrid policy aligns that employees are expected to work at a Rockwell location at least Mondays, Tuesdays, and Thursdays unless they have a business obligation out of the office.