Strategic Sourcing Specialist

Job Title: Sourcing & Inventory Specialist Department: Logistics, Distribution & Supply ChainLocation: Raleigh, NCStatus: W2 Part-Time 20-30 hours per week (flexible scheduling available)Schedule: Monday-Friday (8:00 am - 2:00 pm); (11:00 am - 5:00 pm) or Wednesday-Friday (8:00 am - 5:00 pm) or Monday-Wednesday (8:00 am -5:00 pmHourly Rate: $18–$23 per hour + $500 Bonus Per Critical Part Supplier EstablishedReports To: Inventory & Logistics ManagerAbout The Hybrid GeekThe Hybrid Geek is a rapidly growing hybrid battery remanufacturing and mobile installation company founded in 2016. Our mission is to provide affordable, reliable hybrid battery solutions while maintaining a strong focus on sustainability, technical excellence, and customer trust.As we expand nationwide, we are strengthening our supply chain and supplier network. This role directly supports that effort through sourcing, vendor outreach, inventory reporting, and purchasing support.About the RoleThe Sourcing & Inventory Specialist is responsible for identifying, researching, contacting, and developing relationships with new suppliers for a mission-critical manufacturing component. This role requires curiosity, persistence, resourcefulness, and a “hunter” mentality — someone who actively searches for suppliers, follows up consistently, asks good questions, and builds professional vendor relationships.Alongside sourcing responsibilities, this role provides support in procurement activities, BOM updates, inventory accuracy, cycle counting audits, reconciliations, and basic supply chain reporting. It is a hands-on, research-driven role ideal for someone who enjoys independent work, supplier communication, and helping a small business scale its supply chain infrastructure.Sourcing Mindset RequiredSuccess in this role requires an active, persistent sourcing approach. We are looking for someone who:Proactively researches suppliers using online tools, industry sources, and unconventional methodsMakes outbound calls and emails to suppliersFollows up consistently until information is obtainedAsks insightful questions and evaluates vendor capabilitiesBuilds rapport and maintains ongoing vendor relationshipsDemonstrates curiosity about materials, manufacturing, and pricingTreats sourcing as a search mission — not a clerical taskThis role is ideal for someone who enjoys finding answers, solving sourcing challenges, and taking initiative.Key ResponsibilitiesSupplier Sourcing & Vendor DevelopmentIdentify, research, and contact prospective suppliersConduct cold outreach, request quotes, evaluate pricing and lead timesBuild and maintain supplier relationshipsTrack supplier responsiveness, performance, and capabilitiesDevelop a diversified supplier list to reduce single-source dependencyMaintain organized supplier documentation and communication logsSource and establish at least three more critical part suppliers ($500 bonus for each new supplier established)Procurement & Purchasing SupportCreate and manage purchase orders under direction of the Inventory & Logistics Manager or Plant ManagerConfirm pricing, lead times, and delivery datesFollow up on delayed or incomplete shipmentsAssist with vendor pricing discussions and basic negotiationEnsure purchases align with budget and cost-per-unit targetsMaintain procurement records and pricing logsBOM & Documentation SupportAssist in updating Bills of Materials (BOMs)Ensure component lists and BOM costs remain accurateTrack and document part substitutions and cost changesInventory Data Analysis & ReportingAssist with monthly inventory reportingAnalyze part usage, purchasing trends, and supplier performanceSupport creation or maintenance of basic supply chain dashboardsInventory Reconciliations & Cycle CountingSupport cycle count audits and variance investigationsIdentify and help resolve inventory discrepanciesMaintain documentation for audit accuracy and complianceAdministrative & Operational SupportAssist with supplier KPI tracking and vendor scorecardsMaintain organized procurement and sourcing filesSupport additional tasks assigned by the Inventory & Logistics ManagerParticipate in special sourcing or supply chain improvement projectsMust-Have QualificationsExperience in procurement, sourcing, purchasing, vendor outreach, or supply chain supportDemonstrated persistence and follow-through in outreach, follow-up, and supplier communicationStrong verbal and written communication skillsAbility to research suppliers, compare quotes, evaluate capabilities, and analyze pricingProficiency with Excel or Google SheetsStrong attention to detail and documentation accuracyUnderstanding of basic purchasing workflows (quotes, POs, lead times, invoices)Ability to work independently in a lean, fast-paced environmentHigh school diploma or equivalentPreferred QualificationsAssociate or bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain, Business, Operations, or related field (or equivalent experience)Experience sourcing or purchasing technical, automotive, or manufacturing-related partsFamiliarity with BOMs, component lists, or engineered materialsExperience with cycle counts, reconciliations, or inventory accuracy investigationsExposure to supplier scorecards or vendor evaluation methodsExperience cold-calling or performing outbound supplier outreachExperience in a small-business or startup environmentHiring Manager’s Note"We operate as a lean, fast-moving small business. This role is ideal for someone who can seamlessly shift between high-level sourcing work and detailed execution. You may spend part of your day researching new suppliers, part of your day calling and emailing vendors, and part of your day supporting inventory reporting or BOM updates.We’re looking for someone who enjoys taking initiative, solving sourcing challenges, pursuing leads persistently, and working independently without needing constant direction. If you thrive in a fast-paced environment and enjoy contributing directly to building scalable supply chain systems, you'll fit well here.This is a mission-critical role, and we are being thoughtful and selective in our hiring process. Feel free to message us with details about your sourcing experience, vendor relationships you’ve built, or transferable skills that would help during our first-round review." - Adrian Castillo, General Manager