Job Type: Full-Time (Exempt)
Location: Remote with Travel
Reporting to: Procurement Director
About Us
At Tate we are passionate about everything we do. As an independent brand operating within Kingspan Group, a global plc group of companies, Tate has been recognized worldwide as an industry leader in the development and manufacture of data center infrastructure solutions and commercial office raised access floors, for over 60 years. With revenues of over $420m and growing, Tate plays a pivotal role in offering expertise in cutting edge design engineering in order to craft solutions, by working collaboratively with clients as a trusted partner.
Tate continues to grow and expand, operating multiple manufacturing and commercial sites across the US, Europe, the Middle East, Asia, and Australia. We are excited about our fresh, dynamic, and inclusive team of experts working on new innovations and forward-thinking designs, as we remain a market leading player within our industry. We continue to invest heavily in the best available manufacturing tools and equipment needed to adhere to Tate’s world class standards and in keeping with our Planet Passionate sustainability strategy, our focus is on having minimal climate impact.
We are excited to potentially welcome you as part of our team as we continue to grow on a worldwide scale.
About the Role
This individual will lead the identification, selection, and management of external manufacturing partners, specializing in steel fabrication, painting, and project delivery. Acting as the primary liaison between our business and suppliers, this mid-senior role bridges project management, operations, and design engineering.
The role influences sourcing strategy and manages multiple vendors across several states as an in-house representative. They will ensure suppliers meet quality standards, material sourcing requirements, and ship dates while supporting logistics coordination. Success relies on strong technical expertise, cross-functional collaboration, and driving accountability across outsourced manufacturing operations.
What You’ll Do
- Outsourcing Strategy Ownership– Develop and execute outsourcing and sourcing strategies for fabricated steel, painting, and related manufacturing services, aligning partner capabilities with project and business requirements.
- Technical & Operational Leadership– Serve as the subject matter expert in outsourced manufacturing, guiding project management, operations, and design engineering teams without direct people management responsibility.
- Vendor Selection & Management– Identify, qualify, onboard, and manage multiple manufacturing partners across several states. Lead commercial discussions, establish agreements, and drive continuous supplier performance improvement.
- Project Execution & Supplier Accountability– Act as the in-house representative to outsourced partners, owning supplier delivery against ship dates, quality standards, material sourcing, and production readiness.
- Cross-Functional Integration– Bridge communication between suppliers and internal teams including project management, engineering, operations, quality, and logistics to ensure seamless project execution.
- Risk Management & Capacity Planning– Monitor supplier capacity, market risks, and supply chain constraints; implement mitigation strategies such as dual sourcing, schedule recovery plans, and alternate manufacturing solutions.
- Logistics & Supply Coordination– Support logistics planning and coordination to ensure efficient material flow, production timelines, and on-time delivery from external partners.
- Supplier Engagement & Travel– Conduct regular supplier site visits and project reviews (up to ~40% travel) to strengthen partnerships, resolve issues, and maintain alignment with operational and quality expectations.
Additional Expectations
- Remain compliant with the Code of Conduct and Policies which includes the Kingspan Group Compliance Policy.
- Ensure that all duties related to product compliance are adhered to in accordance with the Product Compliance Policy, Laws, Regulations, and market demands.
- Responsible for all tasks to achieve compliance goals and demands of the Compliance Management System.
- Must raise concerns related to the Compliance Management System to their supervisor, manager, or any member of the Leadership Team, or through the confidential whistle blower service.
What You’ll Bring
- Technical Education– Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Industrial Engineering, or a related technical discipline (required).
- Relevant Experience– 5+ years of experience in manufacturing, outsourced fabrication, or project management within industrial or steel manufacturing environments, with strong exposure to steel fabrication and coating/painting processes.
- Outsourced Manufacturing Expertise– Demonstrated success identifying, qualifying, and managing external manufacturing partners, acting as the technical and operational interface between internal teams and suppliers.
- Project & Supplier Leadership– Proven ability to manage multiple vendors across different locations, driving accountability for quality, schedule adherence, material sourcing, and production execution without direct reporting authority.
- Technical & Commercial Acumen– Strong understanding of fabrication drawings, manufacturing processes, cost drivers, and supplier capabilities, with experience supporting negotiations, project execution, and risk mitigation.
- Cross-Functional Collaboration– Experience working closely with engineering, operations, project management, quality, and logistics teams to deliver complex manufactured products on time and to specification.
- Core Skills– Excellent communication, problem-solving, and relationship management skills with the ability to influence stakeholders, resolve technical challenges, and deliver measurable results in delivery performance, quality, and operational efficiency.
What You’ll Get
- Pay range: $130,000 USD to $150,000 USD. This role is eligible for a discretionary bonus.
- Career Scope and Advancement: As we grow, new positions and career opportunities arise, offering accelerated paths for the right candidates, locally and globally.
- World of Wellness Philosophy: We empower you to take charge of your health and well-being. You’ll have access to a wide range of medical, dental, and vision benefits, along with personalized guidance from a “Health Advocate.” We also offer other supplemental options, including 401k, legal, disability, and theft insurance, to ensure your financial wellness.
- Corporate Social Responsibility: Through Planet Passionate we are determined to reduce our manufacturing carbon (CO2e) emissions to as close to zero as technically possible, together with halving carbon intensity in our primary supply chain. We are very involved in our community, and you will have ample opportunities to support us in creating a better world.
- Skills Development: Given the dynamic pace of our business and a strong collaborative environment, your new role will be diverse and multifaceted – allowing you to be more versatile and develop a broader skill set.
- Mentorship and development: At Tate, we don’t believe in hierarchy, we work together as one team for one common goal. You will have access and exposure to our senior leaders and experts for learning in your role, and additionally mentorship for the future.
- Culture: We have a great team culture, highly collaborative, supportive, and social. Together we innovate, collaborate, take ownership, and strive for excellence.
Stay connected with us on LinkedIn for insights into life at Tate. Join us in our mission to make a difference through exceptional solutions.
Tate Inc. is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to legally protected characteristics. We are committed to providing reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities. Employment may be contingent upon completion of post-offer requirements in accordance with applicable law.
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