Vendor Relations & Sourcing Lead (Individual Contributor)
Allegiance Flag Supply
About Allegiance Flag Supply
At Allegiance Flag Supply, we believe American flags should be made in the USA by proud Americans. When you join our team, you become part of a mission-driven company committed to craftsmanship, accountability, and respect for the flag and the people who make it.
Thank You For Your Interest In Joining Our Team At Allegiance Flag Supply. As Part Of Our Hiring Process, We Require Candidates To Complete The Culture Index Assessment. This Tool Helps Us Understand Your Strengths And How You May Fit Within Our Team Culture. Please Note That Only Applicants Who Complete The Culture Index Survey Will Be Considered For The Position. You Can Find The Link To The Assessment Below:
https://go.cultureindex.com/p/suHmfh5IKW6elzKjRFYJ
Role Overview
The Vendor Relations & Sourcing Lead is a hands-on individual contributor role focused on executing supplier negotiations, improving vendor performance, and strengthening Allegiance’s domestic supply base.
This role is designed for a sourcing or procurement professional who has real experience negotiating supplier pricing and terms and is ready for broader ownership and visibility in a growing manufacturing environment. You will work closely with senior operations leadership and play a meaningful role in improving cost, reliability, and supply continuity as the business scales.
This is not a director-level role, and it is not a coordination or administrative position. It is an execution-focused role for someone who wants to grow their scope, sharpen their negotiation skills, and help build a more disciplined sourcing function.
Core Responsibilities
Vendor Execution & Negotiation
- Manage day-to-day relationships with assigned suppliers across key materials and components
- Participate in and lead supplier pricing and terms negotiations within defined cost targets
- Support the negotiation, execution, and ongoing maintenance of Master Purchase Agreements (MPAs) and supplier amendments in partnership with Operations leadership
- Monitor supplier performance related to cost, quality, lead times, and delivery reliability
Sourcing & Supplier Development
- Identify, evaluate, and help onboard new domestic suppliers as needed
- Support the development of alternate or dual-source suppliers for critical materials
- Assist in transitioning away from underperforming suppliers when necessary
- Partner with Operations and Product Development on sourcing for new or updated materials
Cost & Risk Management
- Conduct basic cost analyses and market comparisons to support sourcing decisions
- Identify opportunities for cost reduction or lead-time improvement and support implementation
- Flag supply risks early and assist in mitigation planning
Cross-Functional Collaboration
- Work closely with Operations, Production Planning, Inventory, and Product Development teams
- Communicate vendor issues, risks, or changes clearly and proactively
- Maintain accurate supplier documentation, certifications, and performance records in the ERP
Required Experience & Skills
Must-Have
- 3–5 years of progressive experience in vendor management, sourcing, or procurement
- Hands-on experience participating in supplier negotiations (pricing, terms, service levels)
- Exposure to supplier contracts, MPAs, or long-term agreements
- Experience in a manufacturing, industrial, or consumer products environment
- Comfort working cross-functionally in an execution-focused, fast-moving environment
- ERP experience (Xorosoft or similar preferred)
- Strong Excel or Google Sheets skills
Nice-to-Have
- Experience supporting dual-sourcing or supplier transitions
- Domestic sourcing experience
- Interest in growing into broader sourcing or supply chain ownership over time
What Success Looks Like in the First 12 Months
- You’ve built strong working relationships with key suppliers
- You can independently manage pricing conversations and day-to-day vendor execution
- Supplier issues are surfaced early and handled proactively
- Cost, lead-time, or reliability improvements are measurable
- Leadership trusts you to run vendor execution with minimal oversight
Culture & Fit
This role is a strong fit for someone who:
- Enjoys ownership but values collaboration and guidance
- Is comfortable learning through doing
- Takes pride in execution, follow-through, and accountability
- Wants to grow with a company rather than step into a finished machine
Final candid note
If you are looking for a director-level title, large team ownership, or a purely strategic role, this position will not be the right fit. If you are a hands-on sourcing professional ready to step into broader responsibility and help build something meaningful, we’d love to hear from you.