Principal, Supply Chain Operations 

THE FIRM

The Sterling Group is an operationally focused middle market firm focused on the industrial sector. Founded in 1982, Sterling is one of the longest standing private equity firms in North America. Sterling has ranked consistently in the top quartile of private equity firms by virtue of its strong returns. Further, 80% of its returns have been driven by organic EBITDA growth as opposed to financial engineering, a result of Sterling’s operational investing style. Sterling’s investor base is comprised by some of the largest and most respected global institutional investors.

AREAS OF EXPERTISE AND IMPACT:

Working with the deal teams, portfolio company executives and third party consultants, this role will be responsible for supporting the portfolio companies in the identification and execution of 2 to 3 major Strategic Sourcing projects at any given time. In addition, the Principal, Operations in driving other supply chain projects – such as transportation and logistics, inventory mgmt. and warehouse mgmt. The Operations Principal will work closely and collaborate with other 7 Levers resources.

1. Lead Portfolio Company Value Creation

• Support post-close value creation planning processes across our portfolio companies for specific direct and indirect strategic sourcing projects (Procurement)
• Through the PMO processes, assist the team evaluate and assess the appropriate strategic sourcing initiatives and more broadly Supply Chain Management projects.
• Support PMO execution within the Operation lever for all procurement and SCM projects.

2. Support New Deal Diligence  

• Support new deal diligence across multiple operations improvement levers but with a focus on Procurement and Supply Chain for 1-2 deals simultaneously
• Translate successful operations improvement specifically procurement and SCM thesis into post-close value-creation planning

3. Lead Portfolio-wide programs

• Lead the Sterling Leveraged Procurement Program, including roll-out of Wave 2 categories and onboarding of new portfolio companies
• Support development of Sterling functional standards in key levers: Strategic Sourcing and SCM
• Develop and lead portfolio wide SCM counsel of experts across the portfolio of companies.
• Lead identification and selection of consultants
• Ensures effective communication between cross functional teams.
• Consult and drive purchasing functions and strategic sourcing at our portfolio companies.
• Ensure effective demand planning and inventory control systems are developed, optimized, and monitored.
• Responsible for inventory demand planning and managing OTC’s supply chain while working to reduce costs and improve quality and productivity.
• Perform annual analysis to evaluate overall cost savings after implementation of new strategies.
• Follow industry professionals and organizations to maintain an awareness of best practices.
• Ensure that all practices are consistent with industry guidelines and regulations.
• Monitor commodity market trends to identify new emerging opportunities and risk.

ENGAGEMENT MODEL, INFLUENCE AND IMPACT:

• Bias to get out in the field with management teams to build relationship, monitor and advise.
• Ability to influence the executive teams to drive the desired business outcomes.
• Align functional areas of the company to meet strategic objectives.

PROFESSIONAL CHARACTERISTICS:

• Bachelor-level degree in Engineering, Business Administration, or other field supplemented with relevant experience.
• 3-8 years experience as Procurement or Strategic sourcing management in an industrial, distribution or manufacturing company.
• 3-8 years of consulting experience across relevant strategic and operational topics, specifically leading procurement projects in the industrial market.
• Experience working with industrial firms (e.g., manufacturing, distribution and industrial services)
• Ability to drive 2-3 simultaneous value creation engagements on a stand-alone basis, working directly with deal and management teams.
• Competency in executing multiple projects simultaneously.
• Ability to lead and influence across portfolio companies Procurement professionals.

COMPETENCIES:

• Excellent communication skills, able to effectively engage and influence portfolio company teams.
• Strong problem-solving skills, able to be a thought leader across multiple levers.
• Alignment with Sterling values of partnership, discipline and passion.