Project/Program Manager (Non-IT) 3

This role focuses on managing sourcing and supply chain projects, with particular emphasis on supplier selection, development, and approval for new and existing programs. You lead purchasing and program management activities from initial source identification through qualification, ensuring that suppliers meet quality, cost, and delivery requirements. You collaborate closely with cross-functional teams to introduce new sources, drive process improvements using 6 Sigma methodologies, and support overall supply chain performance. Responsibilities

• Lead supplier source selection activities, including identifying potential suppliers, evaluating capabilities, and recommending the most suitable sources for specific projects and programs.
• Coordinate and manage source approval processes to ensure new and existing suppliers meet required quality, cost, and delivery standards before full integration into the supply chain.
• Drive supplier development initiatives by working with suppliers to improve performance, implement corrective actions, and support continuous improvement efforts.
• Manage Production Part Approval Process (PPAP) activities, ensuring all documentation, testing, and validation requirements are completed accurately and on time.
• Oversee new source introduction projects, from initial planning and risk assessment through implementation and stabilization within the supply chain.
• Apply project and program management best practices to plan, execute, and monitor sourcing and supply chain projects, including defining scope, timelines, milestones, and deliverables.
• Collaborate with purchasing and supply chain teams to align sourcing strategies with business objectives and to resolve supplier-related issues.
• Use 6 Sigma and other process improvement methodologies to analyze performance data, identify root causes of issues, and implement sustainable solutions.
• Prepare and maintain project documentation, reports, and presentations using MS Office 365 tools to communicate status, risks, and recommendations to stakeholders.
• Act as a buyer when needed, supporting purchasing activities such as negotiations, purchase order management, and supplier communication.
• Work closely with internal teams in an office environment to ensure effective coordination, clear communication, and timely completion of project objectives.

• Minimum 5 years of relevant experience in purchasing, supply chain, or program/project management; or 7+ years of experience with an associate degree; or 3+ years of experience with a masters degree preferred.
• Bachelors degree required for candidates with 5 years of experience; associate degree considered with 7+ years of experience; masters degree preferred with at least 3 years of experience.
• Demonstrated expertise in purchasing, including supplier negotiations and management of buying activities.
• Strong supply chain knowledge, including supplier management, logistics coordination, and performance monitoring.
• Proven program and project management experience, with the ability to plan, execute, and oversee multiple sourcing and supply chain initiatives.
• Hands-on experience with 6 Sigma or similar process improvement methodologies applied within supply chain or operations environments.
• Proficiency with MS Office 365, including Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook, for documentation, analysis, and communication.
• Ability to function effectively in a buyer role, handling purchasing tasks and supplier interactions.
• Willingness to count internships as relevant job experience, with demonstrable responsibilities related to purchasing, supply chain, or project management., * Background in roles such as Buyer or similar positions that provide comparable experience in purchasing and supplier management.
• Experience working directly with suppliers on development initiatives, performance improvement, and corrective action plans.
• Familiarity with PPAP processes, documentation requirements, and quality assurance practices in a production or manufacturing context.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to use data to drive decisions and improvements.
• Effective communication and collaboration skills for working with cross-functional teams in an office setting.
• Organizational and time management skills to handle multiple projects and priorities simultaneously.
• Ability to adapt to changing project requirements and maintain focus on quality, cost, and delivery objectives.

Work Environment

This position is based in an office environment and requires working on-site five days per week. You collaborate closely with a local team and leadership at the Peoria location, engaging in regular in-person interactions to manage projects and supplier-related activities. The role relies heavily on MS Office 365 and other standard office technologies for communication, documentation, and analysis. The work setting is structured, professional, and focused on cross-functional collaboration to support purchasing, supply chain, and program management objectives. Job Type & Location, Individual compensation offered for this position within this range will depend on many factors, including qualifications, skills, relevant experience, job knowledge, geographic location, internal equity, and other pertinent job-related factors.

Actalent is a global leader in engineering and sciences services and talent solutions. We help visionary companies advance their engineering and science initiatives through access to specialized experts who drive scale, innovation and speed to market. With a network of almost 20,000 consultants and 5,000 clients across the U.S., Canada, Asia and Europe, Actalent serves many of the Fortune 500. We are proud to be an Engineering News-Record (ENR) Top 500 Design Firm for our engineering design services and a ClearlyRated Best of Staffing® winner for both client and talent service.