Company Overview

Wherever you work and whatever role you fill, when you represent the Bridgestone name you know that you are a valued teammate who is part of our larger mission to Serve Society with Superior Quality. We start by offering each teammate more than just a salary. We provide formal training, competitive performance incentives, paid vacation and holidays, healthcare packages for full-time and part-time employees, and a 401k plan to help build your future. We believe people can only provide superior service and quality to others when they are allowed to bring their whole selves to work and know they are supported. We believe in championing all perspectives, individuals and teams because we understand the importance of seeing the world and our business through many different lenses. We are building a team as diverse as the world we serve. So, show us what you are made of. Show us the smart stuff, the tough stuff, the bold, beautiful and brave stuff. Because who you are is what we need. Bridgestone Americas, Inc. is headquartered in Nashville, Tennessee and is the U.S. subsidiary of Bridgestone Corporation headquartered in Japan. Bridgestone Americas and its subsidiaries develop, manufacture and market a wide range of Bridgestone, Firestone and associate brand products to address the needs of a broad range of customers and industries.

Position Summary

We are seeking a highly skilled Procurement and Supplier Relationship lead within our Indirect procurement team leading the sourcing of goods and services critical to our organization’s operations. This role is accountable for leading a team, managing supplier relationships, negotiating contracts, supporting internal stakeholders across various functions and optimizing supplier performance to meet organizational needs, with a particular focus on HR services, contingent labor, talent acquisition, IT, and consulting.

At Bridgestone Americas we value Diversity. We are building a team as diverse as the world we serve. We believe in championing all perspectives, individuals, and teams. We are creating a workplace that fosters a culture of acceptance where you are free to be your true self because what we need is who you are. We offer a variety of experiences to help you build the career that matters to you. Apply and join one of our teams to begin a career at Bridgestone Americas. Trust your talent; trust the journey. Be Bridgestone.

Procurement Management:
• Lead sourcing, supplier selection, and procurement processes for goods and services.
• Negotiate pricing, terms, and contracts to align with organizational objectives.
• Support operational activities as needed

Supplier Relationship Management:
• Build and maintain strong relationships with suppliers and service providers.
• Establish supplier relationship management processes, focusing on continuous improvement.
• Monitor and evaluate supplier performance against defined goals and standards.

Strategic Sourcing:
• Develop and execute strategic sourcing plans to mitigate risks, optimize costs, and enhance supplier resilience.
• Collaborate with internal teams to identify sourcing requirements and market trends.
• Analyze market dynamics to anticipate impacts on availability and pricing of goods and services.

Internal Collaboration:
• Partner with internal stakeholders to define service levels and ensure alignment with organizational needs.
• Facilitate supplier integration plans and provide ongoing support to internal clients.

Qualifications:
• Demonstrated leadership experience.
• Proven experience in procurement, Supplier management, and strategic sourcing.
• Strong negotiation and contract management skills.
• Ability to analyze market trends and develop actionable insights.
• Excellent communication and stakeholder management abilities.

ResponsibilitiesThe Procurement Manager will provide leadership to the procurement team for all aspects of the sourcing process (RFPs/RFQs, supplier evaluation, negotiations, contracting) as well as leading strategic initiatives to reduce cost and improve supply chain performance.This role will be responsible for managing key relationships with internal stakeholders and external suppliers.The ideal candidate will have strong communication skills, experience working in a manufacturing environment, and knowledge of lean principles. Lead and develop a high performing procurement team focused on delivering savings and value to the business through operational excellence and innovation.Develop and implement category strategies for indirect spend. Support development and implementation of the company’s long term strategic plan by developing and executing procurement strategies aligned with the overall strategy. Lead the development and negotiation of master agreements.Negotiate pricing, delivery, quality, and service levels with suppliers. Provide guidance and support to cross functional teams during project execution. Collaborate with internal customers and external suppliers to resolve issues.Prepare monthly management reports and analyze data to identify trends and recommend actions. Stay abreast of market trends and regulation changes that may affect the business. Bachelor's degree; 6 y+ years of relevant experience including 3-5 years management or direct/indirect leadership experience.Or Master's degree; 4+ years of relevant experience including 2-4 years management or direct/indirect leadership experience.Strong analytical and problem-solving skills required. Ability to effectively communicate ideas through verbal and written channels.Demonstrated ability to lead and influence at all levels of the organization. Strong negotiation and influencing skills required. Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Excel, Word, PowerPoint). Excellent organizational and time management skills.

Bridgestone is proud to be an Equal Employment Opportunity / Affirmative Action employer. It is our policy to consider for employment all individuals regardless of age, color, national origin, citizenship status, physical or mental disability, race, religion, gender, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity and/or expression, genetic information, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local law.

Employment Eligibility

If hired, a Form I-9 Employment Eligibility Verification must be completed at the start of employment. Temporary work authorization or the need for sponsorship may disqualify you from employment.