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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: 12–15 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.

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