Sourcing Specialist

Job Description 3M has a long-standing reputation as a company committed to innovation. We provide the freedom to explore and encourage curiosity and creativity. We gain new insight from diverse thinking, and take risks on new ideas. Here, you can apply your talent in bold ways that matter. Job Description About the Role We are seeking a strategic and technically skilled Sourcing Specialist to lead procurement and supplier development activities for Paper & Liners, Cloth & Fiber categories. This senior role requires a deep understanding of global supply markets, material science, and cost optimization to deliver sustainable value to the business. You will collaborate cross-functionally with Manufacturing, R&D, Engineering, and Quality teams to ensure supplier capability, innovation, and reliability align with business growth objectives. Key Responsibilities Category Strategy & Execution - Develop and implement sourcing strategies for Paper & Liners, Cloth & Fiber categories to drive cost competitiveness, supply continuity, and sustainability. - Conduct detailed market analysis to identify trends, cost drivers, and risk mitigation opportunities. - Partner with global category teams to align local sourcing initiatives with global objectives. Supplier Relationship Management - Identify, evaluate, and develop high-performing suppliers, ensuring compliance with company quality, ethical, and sustainability standards. - Drive supplier innovation through joint development programs and technical collaboration. - Lead supplier performance reviews, manage escalations, and ensure corrective actions are implemented. Cost & Value Optimization - Deliver measurable savings through negotiation, cost modeling, value engineering, and process improvements. - Collaborate with R&D and manufacturing to identify alternate materials and suppliers to enhance flexibility and reduce total cost of ownership. Operational Excellence - Ensure procurement compliance and adherence to corporate sourcing policies and procedures. - Support new product introductions (NPI) by providing sourcing solutions that balance cost, quality, and lead time. - Maintain robust data accuracy in sourcing systems and dashboards for performance tracking. Risk & Sustainability Management - Assess and mitigate supply risks related to geopolitical, environmental, and market factors. - Support the company's sustainability goals through responsible sourcing practices and supplier engagement. Qualifications & Experience - Education: Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Materials Science, Supply Chain, or related field; MBA preferred. - Experience: 1215 years of sourcing or supply chain experience, with at least 5 years in raw materials categories such as paper, liners, nonwovens, cloth, or fiber. - Skills & Knowledge: - Strong negotiation and contract management skills. - Solid understanding of raw material conversion processes (paper coating, lamination, fiber weaving, etc.). - Proven ability to manage complex supplier networks and multi-site sourcing operations. - Analytical mindset with proficiency in cost modeling, data analysis, and market intelligence tools. - Strong cross-functional collaboration and communication skills. Key Competencies - Strategic Thinking & Business Acumen - Supplier Partnership & Influence - Project Management & Execution Excellence - Innovation Mindset - Results Orientation - Stakeholder Management Learn more about 3M's creative solutions to the world's problems at www.3M.com or on Instagram, Facebook, and LinkedIn @3M. Safety is a core value at 3M. All employees are expected to contribute to a strong Environmental Health and Safety (EHS) culture by following safety policies, identifying hazards, and engaging in continuous improvement. Please note: your application may not be considered if you do not provide your education and work history, either by: 1) uploading a resume, or 2) entering the information into the application fields directly. 3M Global Terms of Use and Privacy Statement Carefully read these Terms of Use before using this website. Your access to and use of this website and application for a job at 3M are conditioned on your acceptance and compliance with these terms. Please access the linked document by clicking here, select the country where you are applying for employment, and review. Before submitting your application, you will be asked to confirm your agreement with the terms.