Job Information
Whirlpool Corporation Sourcing Innovation Manager in Benton Harbor, Michigan
ABOUT WHIRLPOOL CORPORATION
Whirlpool Corporation (NYSE: WHR) is a leading kitchen and laundry appliance company, in constant pursuit of improving life at home and inspiring generations with our brands. The company is driving meaningful innovation to meet the evolving needs of consumers through its iconic brand portfolio, including Whirlpool, KitchenAid, JennAir, Maytag, Amana, Brastemp, Consul, and InSinkErator. In 2023, the company reported approximately $19 billion in annual sales, 59,000 employees, and 55 manufacturing and technology research centers. Additional information about the company can be found at WhirlpoolCorp.com.
The team you will be a part of
The Procurement team identifies researches and evaluates suppliers that meet the organization's standards of price, quality, timing, and reliability of supply. Recognizes and evaluates sales, promotional campaigns, and other opportunities to secure reduced prices. Assesses supplier's products to ensure that they comply with specifications and meet the organization's quality standards.
This role in summary
Whirlpool is currently seeking a qualified candidate to fill a critical Sourcing Innovation Manager role on our Procurement team. This position is located at our Riverview Campus in Benton Harbor Michigan. The Sourcing Innovation Manager acts as a liaison between Global Product Organization (engineering), Global Consumer Design, Product Marketing, and the Commodity Management / Finished Product Sourcing (Global Strategic Sourcing) to drive Early Supplier Engagement in projects requiring Innovation. The main objective is to deliver fast-to-market innovation through Supplier Engagement early in the development process in alignment with the commodity supplier roadmaps and within the legal contractual framework. #LI-DD1
Your responsibilities will include
Primary liaison between Procurement and Product Development, Marketing, or IoT areas for Advanced Development
Translates R&D (Research & Development) / platform needs into commodity directives
Scouting for new technologies and sources when not covered by current commodity strategy
End-to-end accountability for innovation projects within the procurement
Strategic thought partner for GSS (Global Strategic Sourcing), GPO (Global Product Organization), IoT (Internet of Things), and Marketing relative to new technologies, innovation trends, and suppliers
Acts as procurement expert to identify "what's possible"
The Innovation Manager will work across commodities and platforms aligned to their areas of expertise/background.
Domestic travel less than 20% of the time (potential international travel as needed)
Minimum requirements
Bachelor's or Master's degree in Finance, Economics, Business, Procurement, Supply Chain or Engineering
5+ years of Project Management Experience
3+ years of Buying or Purchasing Experience across strategic commodities, raw materials, or finished product sourcing
3+ years of Negotiation Experience
Preferred skills and experiences
Ability to negotiate contractual terms and conditions including development agreements covering Intellectual Property provisions
Experience with Whirlpool product development processes, advanced development, and business categories
Intellectual Curiosity - is knowledgeable and seeks new information about future trends in technology, materials, and supply landscape across components, industries, and consumer products
Influencing without authority - possesses the right functional expertise, communication, and project management skills to lead cross-functional teams and suppliers toward a common objective in a rapidly changing and highly ambiguous environment
Self-driven, highly motivated individual with strong leadership characteristics
What we offer
Generous benefits package (https://www.whirlpoolcareers.com/work-with-us-ca-experienced/) , Whirlpool employee discount, fitness & educational reimbursement programs, kitchenettes, and more! Saint Joseph/Benton Harbor locations: Beautiful, recently renovated office space, free coffee, biking/walking trails, and access to The Eddy - Early Childhood Center (depending upon availability - additional costs required).
Additional information
Whirlpool’s Ways of Working
Our goal is to provide an environment that helps you bring your best to Whirlpool every day. While employees in this role work in-person Monday through Friday. We offer flexibility and industry-leading time-off benefits that will help you balance what’s important at work and at home, including:
Always On Flexibility - You will have the autonomy to manage personal, family, and outside-of-work commitments as needed.
Two-Week Work from Anywhere - Minimum of one-week increments for a total of two weeks per year.
Sabbatical - Four weeks paid leave after every five years of service.
Connect with us and learn more about Whirlpool Corporation
See what it's like to work at Whirlpool by visiting Whirlpool Careers (http://www.whirlpoolcareers.com/) . Additional information about the company can be found on Facebook (http://www.facebook.com/WhirlpoolCorp/) , Twitter (http://twitter.com/whirlpoolcorp) , LinkedIn (http://www.linkedin.com/company/whirlpool-corporation/life/) , Instagram (http://www.instagram.com/whirlpoolcorp/) and YouTube (http://www.youtube.com/user/WhirlpoolCorporation) .
At Whirlpool Corporation, we value and celebrate diversity. Whirlpool Corporation is committed to equal employment opportunity and prohibits any discrimination on the basis of race or ethnicity, religion, sex, pregnancy, gender expression or identity, sexual orientation, age, physical or mental disability, veteran status, or any other category protected by applicable law.