Remote Graduate Program Manager Jobs in Nebraska

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This role is a critical partner to customers and internal stakeholders, responsible for developing and executing sourcing strategies that enable on-time delivery, quality performance, and cost/risk optimization. The Sourcing Manager leads supplier identification, qualification, and commercial negotiations, while providing supplier execution support to ensure supplier readiness and alignment to customer and regulatory requirements.

The position requires the ability to work effectively across locations-including manufacturing operations in Thailand and customers in the USA-with flexibility for remote and on-premise support as needed. Opportunities exist for domestic and international travel to collaborate with customers, suppliers, and manufacturing facilities.

Success in this role is defined by measurable improvements in supplier performance, cost outcomes, risk management and stakeholder satisfaction in support of Kimball Electronics' Vision and Guiding Principles and KEI business plans.

Key Performance Objectives

Within 0-6 months

Build strong working relationships and operating cadence with the current supply base, customer contacts and internal partners (Engineering, Quality, Operations, Program Management, Global Supply Chain, Legal, Finance). Assess and baseline current supplier landscape, risks (single-source, allocation, obsolescence, geopolitical), and performance (OTD, quality/DPPM, responsiveness, lead time). Execute priority sourcing project actions (identify/shortlist suppliers, initiate qualification plans, and align supplier deliverables to near-term project milestones) Implement supplier performance governance (regular reviews, variance analysis, corrective action ownership and closure). Stabilize supply continuity by defining escalation paths, mitigation/recovery plans, and clear handoffs across sites and functions.

Within 6-12 months

Lead initial commercial negotiations (pricing, lead times, key terms) and support contracting activities in partnership with Legal/Finance. Develop and deploy longer-term category/sourcing strategies that improve total cost of ownership (TCO) while balancing quality, capacity, and risk. Enhance the supplier selection/qualification process (capability, capacity, quality system maturity, regulatory requirements) in partnership with Supplier Quality. Advance supplier evaluation and material strategy rigor by applying strong data analysis, cost modeling, and supplier evaluation methods to drive better sourcing and qualification decisions. Drive sustained improvements in supplier performance (OTD, DPPM, lead time) through structured business reviews and continuous improvement plans. Advance cost modeling and market intelligence (cost drivers, should-cost, market trends) to identify value opportunities (VA/VE, alternate sourcing, bundling). Improve cross-functional execution velocity by proactively removing constraints, aligning decision rights, and ensuring supplier readiness for launches and transitions. Ensure smooth transition from project sourcing to production purchasing and ongoing supply continuity.

Key Knowledge / Experience Required (from the document)

• Experience deploying supply chain processes and improvements
• Leading supplier contract negotiations
• Strong grasp of data, cost modeling, and supplier evaluation tools
• Understanding of manufacturing processes and operations value streams
• Project scheduling, prioritization and organization skills to manage tasks across multiple locations (suppliers, plants, and customer sites)
• Communication skills to provide clear direction, accurate handoffs, and consistent standards to a diverse, multilingual group with varying English proficiency
• Coaching and mentoring supply chain professionals to build organizational capability
• Flexibility to support Thailand manufacturing facility hours and USA customer needs; remote and on-premise attendance as necessary.
• Domestic and international travel as needed to work with customers, suppliers, and manufacturing facilities.

Core Capability Areas (from the document)

Technical

• Material sourcing and qualification, electro-mechanical and/or plastics molding experience preferred
• Requirements planning
• Performance management
• Contracting and Total Cost of Ownership (TCO)
• Working knowledge of quality systems within medical device manufacturing or similarly regulated industries

Interpersonal / Leadership / Communication

• Team-oriented; strong drive for success; customer-centric; integrity; relationship building; positive attitude
• Executive presence; proactive leadership style; strong decision making; adaptability and change management; visionary skills
• Strong verbal/written communication; ability to communicate at all levels; strong listening and presentation skills; ability to provide candid feedback respectfully

Business Skills

• Sound financial competence; prioritization; deadline execution; ability to manage multiple tasks; results focused

Don't meet every single requirement? Studies have shown underrepresented groups are less likely to apply to jobs unless they meet every single qualification. At Kimball Electronics we are dedicated to building a diverse and inclusive work environment. If you think you might be a good fit for a role but don't necessarily meet every requirement, we encourage you to apply. You may be the right candidate for this role or other roles!

We're proud to be an equal opportunity employer and consider qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, ancestry, age, genetic information, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital or family status, veteran status, medical condition or disability or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law.

We will consider for employment qualified candidates with arrest and conviction records, consistent with applicable law (including, for example, the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance for roles based in San Francisco).

The typical pay range for this role is: $90,000 - $110000

the actual wages offered will vary based on multiple factors, including experience, education, geography, and other relevant factors.