Strategic Sourcing Analyst - DEF and Fuel Systems

Inside the Role

The DTNA Procurement and Supply Department is one of the most international and strategically impactful organizations within Daimler Truck North America. As a member of the Procurement Trucks team, you will play a key role in driving strategic sourcing decisions and optimizing supplier performance across cost, quality, delivery, technology, and innovation. This position is responsible for the strategic procurement of Diesel Exhaust Fluid (DEF) and Fuel Systems components within the TTGN 2-5 organization. The successful candidate will lead supplier negotiations, develop commodity strategies, manage strategic supplier relationships, and collaborate cross-functionally with Engineering, Quality, Manufacturing, Supply Chain, Finance, and Product Strategy teams to support DTNA's business objectives. The role offers significant visibility with senior leadership, opportunities to influence global sourcing strategies, and the ability to make a direct impact on the future success of Daimler Truck products and technologies.

Our employees receive annual training in professional negotiation tactics, as well as training courses on internal DTNA functions. A position in procurement provides visibility to senior executive management within DTNA and other companies.

Our vision is the establishment of a global, sustainable and value added procurement organization with highly trained employees.

Posting Information

We provide a scheduled posting end date to assist our candidates with their application planning. While this date reflects our latest plans, it is subject to change, and postings may be extended or removed earlier than expected.

We Take Care of Our Team

What You Drive at DTNA

This position is responsible for the strategic procurement of Diesel Exhaust Fluid (DEF) & Fuel systems and components in the Mechatronics Purchasing team.

• Negotiate or renew supplier agreements to purchase critical materials, parts components, tooling or services for DTNA production for a wide variety of DEF & Fuel systems and components with large strategic/global suppliers. 

• Negotiate the most effective long term programs for DTNA - including supplier commitments for production pricing that will differentiate DTNA in the marketplace.

• Manage supplier relationships, including long term strategic partners.

• Work with suppliers to achieve DTNA cost goals.

• Negotiate long term agreements with suppliers.

• Negotiate for exclusive products and services for DTNA.

• Evaluate alternative materials, methods, and technologies and alternative suppliers as necessary.

• Act as mentor for team members and operational support staff.

• Lead strategic sourcing activities for DEF and Fuel Systems commodities and components.

• Negotiate and renew supplier agreements for production materials, tooling, components, and services.

• Develop and execute long-term commodity strategies aligned with DTNA and Daimler Truck global objectives.

• Build and maintain strong relationships with strategic suppliers while driving continuous improvement in cost, quality, delivery, and innovation.

• Lead commercial negotiations for long-term agreements, pricing programs, and supplier commitments.

• Identify and evaluate alternative suppliers, materials, technologies, and manufacturing methods to improve competitiveness and mitigate risk.

• Partner with Engineering, Quality, Manufacturing, Logistics, Finance, and Controlling teams to support sourcing decisions and product development initiatives.

• Support and monitor supplier performance metrics and business results through global procurement systems and reporting tools.

• Drive cost reduction initiatives and support achievement of annual purchasing targets.

• Lead cross-functional projects and sourcing initiatives from concept through execution.

• Analyze market trends, supplier capabilities, and industry developments to support procurement strategies.

• Prepare and present business cases, sourcing recommendations, and executive-level presentations.

• Ensure compliance with company policies, procurement procedures, and applicable regulatory requirements.

Knowledge You Should Bring

• Bachelor’s degree in business, Supply Chain Management, Finance, Engineering, or a related technical field.

• Minimum of 3 years of experience in procurement, purchasing, strategic sourcing, supply chain management, or a related business or technical field.

• Experience negotiating commercial agreements, supplier contracts, pricing arrangements, and sourcing strategies.

• Ability to evaluate and select suppliers using analytical tools and business data.

• Knowledge of supplier manufacturing processes, materials, and technologies.

• Experience managing supplier relationships and improving supplier performance.

• Ability to communicate complex business and technical topics across multiple organizational levels.

• Strong negotiation, problem-solving, and project management skills.

• Intermediate to advanced proficiency with Microsoft Office applications, particularly Excel and PowerPoint.

• Experience working independently, managing competing priorities, and meeting deadlines in a fast-paced environment.

• Demonstrated ability to identify root causes and implement sustainable solutions to complex problems.

• Experience collaborating with cross-functional and global teams.

• Strong analytical skills with the ability to interpret data and support fact-based decision making.

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.

Exceptional Candidates Might Have

• 5+ years of experience in strategic sourcing, procurement, or supply chain management.

• Knowledge of DEF systems, fuel systems, mechatronics, or related component technologies.

• Experience with SAP, procurement analytics tools, Tableau, Power BI, or similar systems.

• Experience developing and implementing global commodity strategies.

• Demonstrated success leading complex negotiations with global suppliers.

• Experience presenting sourcing strategies and business cases to executive leadership.

• Strong business acumen and understanding of market dynamics, cost drivers, and industry trends.

• Ability to build relationships and influence stakeholders without direct authority.

• Passion for continuous improvement, innovation, and operational excellence.

• Experience working with international teams and global supplier networks.

• Multi-language capabilities are a plus.

Where We Work

This position is open to applicants who can work in (or relocate to) the following location(s)-

Portland, OR US. Relocation assistance is not available for this position.

Schedule Type:

Hybrid (4 days per week in-office / 1 day remote). This schedule builds our #OneTeamBestTeam culture, provides an unparalleled customer experience, and creates innovative solutions through in-person collaboration.

At Daimler Truck North America, we recognize our world is changing faster than ever before. By listening to the needs of today, we’re building to solve with cutting-edge solutions in sustainability and future driving technology across electric, hydrogen and autonomous. These solutions, backed by years of innovative success and achievement, continue DTNA’s legacy as the undisputed industry leader. Our evolving brand portfolio is second to none, including Freightliner Trucks, Western Star, Demand Detroit, Thomas Built Buses, Freightliner Custom Chassis, and Financial Services. Together, we work as one team towards our envisioned future – building a cleaner, safer and more efficient tomorrow for all.

That is what we are working toward - for all who keep the world moving.

Additional Information

• This position is not open for Visa sponsorship or to existing Visa holders
• Applicants must be legally authorized to work permanently in the country the position is located in at the time of application
• Final candidate must successfully complete a criminal background check
• Final candidate may be required to successfully complete a pre-employment drug screen
• Contractors, professional services, or other contingent workers should confirm with their local agency if they are eligible to apply for FTE positions
• EEO - Disabled/Veterans

Daimler Truck North America is committed to workforce inclusion and providing an environment where equal employment opportunities are available to all applicants and employees without regard to race, color, sex (including pregnancy), religion, national origin, age, marital status, family relationship, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression (including transgender and transitioning status), genetic information, or veteran status.

For an accommodation or special assistance with applying for a posted position, please contact our Human Resources department at 503-745-8982 or toll free 800-206-3369. For TTY/TDD enabled call 503-745-2137 or toll free 866-355-6935.