Carter Associates Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Dave Carter & Associates is a multi-line national distributor to multiple industries, including manufactured housing, modular builders, recreational vehicles, commercial construction, cargo trailers, and specialty vehicle industries.
Incorporated in September of 1978 as a distributor in the southeastern United States, currently, Dave Carter & Associates has 11 distribution centers that serve all of the United States and Canada, with our international division focusing on handling imports & exports. We are a leader and dominant supplier in the products we sell, with a large market share in most products to the industries.

Dave Carter & Associates has recently strengthened its product portfolio by adding Thetford’s leading sanitation, refrigeration, and cooking product lines. This expansion follows Thetford LLC’s acquisition of DCA, a strategic move that unites a global innovator in RV systems with a highly respected North American distribution network.

Dave Carter & Associates firmly believes our strongest asset is our team of employees who have embodied our company’s culture of prioritizing strong customer service, industry knowledge, continuous training, financial accountability and building both lasting positive personal and professional relationships.

Dave Carter & Associates is seeking a Sourcing Manager to lead the identification, evaluation, development, and management of suppliers across the company’s product portfolio. This position combines strategic sourcing, supplier development, and engineering expertise to identify high-quality, competitive sources and support the continued growth and improvement of the business.

The ideal candidate brings a strong understanding of engineering, manufacturing, materials, and supplier capabilities, along with the commercial skills needed to evaluate suppliers, negotiate competitive terms, and establish long-term strategic partnerships.

This is a highly collaborative role working with suppliers and internal teams to identify new products and sources, evaluate technical requirements, improve costs and quality, and ensure reliable supply.

• Identify, research, and develop new domestic and international suppliers capable of meeting Dave Carter & Associates’ requirements for quality, cost, delivery, capacity, and technical performance.
• Develop and maintain a strong network of qualified suppliers, manufacturers, and strategic partners across relevant product categories and manufacturing processes.
• Use engineering expertise to understand product specifications, materials, manufacturing processes, tolerances, performance requirements, and product applications when evaluating potential suppliers.
• Review drawings, specifications, samples, technical data, and other product requirements to determine supplier capabilities and identify potential manufacturing or design improvements.
• Work closely with engineering, purchasing, sales, operations, and management to identify sourcing opportunities and develop supplier solutions for new and existing products.
• Evaluate supplier capabilities through technical reviews, facility visits, audits, samples, prototypes, testing, quality history, capacity analysis, and commercial evaluation.
• Identify opportunities for cost reduction, value engineering, alternative materials, alternate manufacturing processes, and product improvements while maintaining or improving quality and performance.
• Research and benchmark supplier pricing, raw-material costs, manufacturing methods, market conditions, and competitive sources to establish cost targets and support fact-based negotiations.
• Negotiate pricing, payment terms, lead times, minimum order quantities, tooling, freight, warranty requirements, and other commercial terms with suppliers.
• Lead supplier qualification and onboarding activities, including technical evaluation, commercial analysis, quality requirements, documentation, and initial production approval.
• Develop alternative and dual-source strategies to improve supply continuity, reduce risk, and strengthen the company’s negotiating position.
• Partner with suppliers on new product development, product launches, engineering changes, product transfers, quality improvements, and ongoing product development.
• Identify and introduce new products, technologies, materials, and manufacturing capabilities that can expand Dave Carter & Associates’ product offerings or create competitive advantages.
• Monitor supplier performance and work with suppliers to address issues involving quality, delivery, capacity, pricing, responsiveness, and service.
• Build long-term supplier relationships while maintaining a strong focus on competitive pricing, accountability, innovation, and continuous improvement.
• Travel domestically and internationally as needed to visit suppliers, evaluate manufacturing capabilities, develop new sources, and support strategic sourcing initiatives.

• Bachelor’s degree in engineering, Supply Chain, Business, Manufacturing, or a related field preferred.
• Minimum 8 years in Sourcing, Purchasing, Procurement
• Strong engineering or technical background with the ability to understand products, materials, manufacturing processes, and technical specifications.
• Experience in strategic sourcing, procurement, supplier development, manufacturing, engineering, or a related field.
• Demonstrated ability to identify and develop new suppliers and manufacturing sources.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, including the ability to evaluate technical and commercial information and make sound sourcing recommendations.
• Experience negotiating pricing and commercial terms with suppliers.
• Ability to read and understand engineering drawings, specifications, bills of material, and other technical documentation.
• Strong communication and relationship-building skills with the ability to work effectively with suppliers and cross-functional internal teams.
• Willingness to travel to supplier locations as required.
• A hands-on, entrepreneurial approach to sourcing, with the ability to independently research markets, find opportunities, and turn supplier relationships into measurable business results.

• Effective communication and collaboration abilities
• Customer-focused mindset with a service-oriented approach
• Ability to prioritize and stay organized in a fast-paced environment
• Comfortable working under pressure, especially during critical incidents
• Strategic thinking and decision-making abilities
• Strong negotiation and vendor management skills
• Ability to analyze data and identify purchasing trends
• Self-motivated with the ability to work independently
• Commitment to accuracy, accountability, and customer service excellence

• This position operates Monday through Friday, from 8:00 am to 5:00 pm. However, flexibility is essential.
• This is an onsite role located in Goshen, Indiana.
• Work primarily occurs in an office setting, with desk-based activities such as computer use and occasional light walking and lifting.
• This role will require international and domestic travel.

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential function satisfactorily. The above requirements represent the required knowledge, skills, and/or abilities. Reasonable accommodation will be provided to qualified individuals with disabilities to complete the application process and, if hired, perform the essential functions of their job.

Dave Carter & Associates provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation, and training.

Candidates must pass a background check and drug test after receiving a conditional offer.

Applicants must be authorized to work for any employer in the U.S. We are unable to sponsor or take over sponsorship of an employment visa at this time.

This job description is not intended or designed to change, in any way, your status as an “at-will employee” or to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties, or responsibilities that are required of the employee. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change, or new ones may be assigned at any time, with or without notice.