Project Manager - Sourcing

Working at Watlow

Watlow is a global technology and manufacturing leader who provides world class engineering expertise through innovative thermal products and systems, enabling our customers to thrive. We are making a positive impact every day as our solutions enrich the lives of people everywhere. We have been providing breakthrough thermal solutions for over 100 years! Our corporate values guide us uncompromisingly to always do the right thing, continually learn and improve, respect everyone, and lead with service and humility.

At Watlow's Global Headquarters in St. Louis, Missouri, we combine a rich legacy with forward-thinking innovation. Founded in 1922 in the heart of St. Louis, Watlow has grown from a small heating element manufacturer into a global leader in thermal systems. Our headquarters is more than just an office, it's a hub for collaboration, advanced engineering, and customer focused solutions.

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We are hiring a: Project Manager, Sourcing

St. Louis, MO (Onsite)

Watlow is seeking a proactive, detail-oriented Project Manager to lead supplier transition projects for our North America sites. Reporting to the Global Supply Chain Manager, you will manage and track sourcing initiatives worldwide, working closely with suppliers, project teams, and cross-functional partners across leadership, operations, engineering, supply chain, product/account management, and quality. You'll bring structured project management discipline together with strategic sourcing and supplier quality expertise to ensure components are released to production on schedule.

What you'll do:

• Sourcing project leadership: Lead end-to-end sourcing project management for supplier transition initiatives worldwide (buy-vs-buy, make-vs-buy), using structured methodologies such as Stage-Gate and APQP to ensure alignment with cost, quality, and delivery targets.
• Project planning & execution: Develop and execute detailed project plans, including scope definition, timelines, resource allocation, and stakeholder alignment across Engineering, Quality, Operations, and Supply Chain, to approve supplier components across categories such as machining, stamping, plastic injection, and PCBA.
• Supplier qualification & development: Drive supplier qualification, industrialization, and development activities across categories like machined parts, ensuring successful completion of FAI/PPAP, capability improvements, and on-time release to production.
• Cost reduction leadership: Lead cost reduction initiatives and supplier development requirements across assigned sourcing categories.
• Performance tracking & reporting: Use project management tools to track and report project performance against defined KPIs (cost savings, on-time delivery, PPAP approval, launch readiness), communicating progress to leadership and stakeholders.
• Cross-functional partnership: Partner closely with project teams and functions across leadership, operations, engineering, supply chain, product/account management, and quality to ensure components are released to production on schedule.

What you'll need to succeed?

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering (Mechatronics, Mechanical, Electronics, Industrial, or a related field)
• 5+ years of experience in supply chain functions such as supplier development, supplier quality, sourcing, procurement, or project management within a manufacturing environment
• Experience using ERP/MRP systems
• Strong business judgment, integrity, and financial acumen
• Well organized with a detail-oriented mindset; able to lead through influence and coach cross-functional teams toward shared goals
• Ability to travel 20-30% to suppliers and Watlow sites

Preferred qualifications:

• Intermediate-advanced proficiency in project management software, Microsoft Excel, and Power BI
• Familiarity with Stage-Gate or APQP methodologies
• Experience qualifying suppliers across machining, stamping, plastic injection, or PCBA categories

Benefits: The Watlow Total Compensation Plan

The health, well-being and financial stability of you and your family is a high priority to us.The Watlow Total Rewards Plan includes competitive compensation and a full range of life and career enhancing benefits:

• Annual Incentive Program
• 401(k) plan that includes a company match on your contribution and an annual company contribution that is tied to company performance
• Wellness incentives
• Employee Personal Assistance Program
• Dental, medical, vision and short-term and long-term disability insurance
• Paid holidays, personal time, and vacation
• Parental leave
• Tuition reimbursement

Diversity & Inclusion

We proactively embrace diversity in all its dimensions across our company and cultivate a culture of inclusion and forward thinking that respects and reflects each team member's individual strengths, views, and experiences. Watlow takes pride in being an inclusive equal opportunity employer and considers for employment qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or protected veteran status.

Please let us know confidentially if you need or require any special accommodations to participate in our recruiting process by emailing us at accommodations@Watlow.com.