Jobs › Xylem

Sourcing Program Manager

Xylem · Morton Grove, IL · $95,000–$112,000 a year · Full time

Posted Aug 24, 2026 · We last checked this listing on Oct 6, 2026

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Likely interview questions for this role

Written from this job description, not a generic list. Each one notes what the interviewer is really checking.

About your past

Tell me about a supplier you selected for a new product introduction. How did you judge whether they could scale?

What they are checking: Whether they check capability and capacity early, since a weak NPI supplier causes launch delays later.

Describe a tough contract negotiation. What did you give up, and what did you hold firm on?

What they are checking: Whether they negotiate with clear priorities instead of chasing price at the cost of the relationship.

How have you delivered cost reduction without hurting quality or delivery?

What they are checking: Whether their savings were real and lasting, not shifted onto quality or the production line.

Tell me about a time you had to move a part to a new supplier quickly. What went wrong and what did you learn?

What they are checking: Whether they understand the qualification steps a resourcing needs and are honest about mistakes.

What would you do

How do you explain total cost of ownership to an engineer who only wants the lowest piece price?

What they are checking: Whether they can make the case for freight, quality, lead time and risk costs that do not show up on a quote.

A strategic supplier keeps sending parts with quality escapes. What would you do in the first month?

What they are checking: Whether they work with supplier quality on containment and corrective action before jumping to resourcing.

Engineering wants a supplier you think is a poor fit. How do you handle that?

What they are checking: Whether they can disagree with data and still keep a working partnership with engineering.

About the work

Walk me through a sourcing strategy you built for a category, from spend analysis to supplier award.

What they are checking: Whether they can run the full strategic sourcing lifecycle rather than just place purchase orders.

How do you assess risk in a supply base, like single sourcing or geographic concentration?

What they are checking: Whether they think ahead about supply disruption instead of reacting when a supplier fails.

How do you measure supplier performance, and what do you do with the scorecard once you have it?

What they are checking: Whether they use supplier metrics to drive improvement conversations, not just to file reports.

Practice this interview out loud.

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The full job description

As published by Xylem.

Xylem is a Fortune 500 global water solutions company dedicated to advancing sustainable impact and empowering the people who make water work every day. As a leading water technology company with 23,000 employees operating in over 150 countries, Xylem is at the forefront of addressing the world's most critical water challenges. We invite passionate individuals to join our team, dedicated to exceeding customer expectations through innovative and sustainable solutions. About Xylem: Xylem, Inc. is a global leader in water technology, committed to creating sustainable solutions that address the world’s most complex water challenges. We develop innovative and efficient systems that improve how water is managed, conserved, and reused—across the globe. Position Summary: We are hiring a Sourcing Manager. As a Sourcing Manager, you will play a pivotal role in strengthening Xylem’s supply base, optimizing total cost of ownership, and delivering materials and services that enable manufacturing excellence and long-term competitiveness. The Sourcing Program Manager is responsible for developing and executing sourcing strategies that align with business objectives and support new product introduction (NPI), cost reduction, supplier quality and capability. This role manages the end-to-end strategic sourcing lifecycle, including supplier evaluation, contract negotiation, supplier development, and performance improvement. This individual will lead cross-functional initiatives with Engineering, Operations, Quality, and Procurement teams to ensure a best-in-class, risk-mitigated, and value-driven supply base. Key Responsibilities: Sourcing Strategy • Develop and implement commodity sourcing strategies aligned with global supply chain and product roadmap objectives. • Drive sourcing projects and ensure they are completed on time, within scope, and within • • Monitor industry trends and identify sourcing opportunities that support cost competitiveness and innovation. Supplier Development • Identify and onboard high-performing suppliers to support business growth and mitigate risk. • Collaborate with Quality and Operations to elevate supplier capabilities and ensure alignment with Xylem’s performance standards. Supply Base Optimization • Rationalize and consolidate the supplier base to reduce complexity and leverage economies of scale. • Support dual-sourcing strategies and risk mitigation plans across key commodities and regions. Negotiations & Agreements • Lead supplier negotiations on pricing, terms, lead times, and contracts to drive favorable commercial outcomes. • Develop, execute, and manage supplier agreements, including long-term supply and development contracts. Pricing Maintenance & Cost Reduction • Provide accurate pricing data for ERP systems and ensure alignment with contracts and forecasts. • Lead cost reduction initiatives through value engineering, volume leverage, and alternative sourcing. Supplier Selection & Assessment • Responsible for awarding business to qualified suppliers to meet business need in alignment with engineering, quality and supply chain strategies and policies • Execute fair and competitive sourcing processes (RFQ/RFP) and facilitate award decisions based on TCO (Total Cost of Ownership). • Align sourcing strategy with financial, operational and risk mitigation goals. • Collaborate with suppliers and Category Management to ensure production capacity meets current and forecast demand. • Lead supplier assessments, audits, and qualifications for new and existing suppliers. Existing supplier capacity assessment • Collaborate with suppliers and Category Management to ensure production capacity meets current and forecast demand. • Anticipate and resolve bottlenecks or constraints that may impact delivery timelines. Technology Roadmaps & Benchmarking • Align supplier capabilities with product and technology roadmaps to drive innovation. • Conduct benchmarking studies to evaluate market competitiveness of supplier pricing and services. High-Level Expediting • Support the procurement team in escalated material delays by driving quick-turn supplier engagement and recovery planning. • Support Operations and Logistics on mission-critical supply continuity. RFQ for New Parts & NPI Support • Lead sourcing activities for new components, prototypes, and early-phase production tied to New Product Introductions (NPIs). • Engage early with Engineering and Program Management to align sourcing plans with product timelines. Supplier Business Reviews & Improvement • Participate in periodic supplier business reviews focused on performance, risk, capacity, and collaboration opportunities. • Support continuous improvement plans for underperforming suppliers and manage corrective actions. Approved Supplier List & Preferred Part List • Maintain and enforce compliance with the Approved Supplier List (ASL) and Preferred Part List (PPL). • Partner with Engineering and Quality to update supplier and part approvals as needed. Supplied Material Quality • Work with suppliers and Quality to mitigate critical supplier quality events. • Maintain the tooling and equipment asset management database. Qualifications Required: • Bachelor’s degree in supply chain, Engineering, Business, or a related field. • 5+ years of strategic sourcing or procurement experience in a manufacturing environment. • Experience with ERP systems (SAP preferred) and sourcing analytics tools. • Strong contract negotiation and supplier relationship management skills. • Solid understanding of cost modeling, value engineering, and total cost of ownership. Preferred: • Master’s degree or professional certifications (e.g., CPSM, CSCP, CPIM). • Prior experience in sourcing engineered products, castings, electronics, or machined components. • Experience supporting sustainability, compliance, and responsible sourcing initiatives. Key Competencies: • Strategic thinking and execution • Strong analytical and financial acumen • Cross-functional collaboration and influence • Supplier engagement and development • Problem-solving and decision-making under pressure • Excellent communication and interpersonal skills The estimated salary range for this position is $95,000 to $112,000 plus bonus.   Starting pay is dependent on multiple factors, such as skills, experience and work location, and is not typically at the top of the range.  At Xylem we offer a competitive compensation package with a generous benefit package, including Medical, Dental, Vision plans, 401(k) with company contribution, paid time off, paid parental leave and tuition reimbursement. Xylem does not provide visa sponsorship for this position. #LI-TM1 Join the global Xylem team to be a part of innovative technology solutions transforming water usage, conservation, and re-use. Our products impact public utilities, industrial sectors, residential areas, and commercial buildings, with a commitment to providing smart metering, network technologies, and advanced analytics for water, electric, and gas utilities. Partner with us in creating a world where water challenges are met with ingenuity and dedication; where we recognize the power of inclusion and belonging in driving innovation and allowing us to compete more effectively around the world. At Xylem, you'll not only contribute to solving water issues but also have the chance to make a difference through our paid Volunteer Program, Xylem Watermark. We prioritize our employees' well-being through inclusion and belonging as well as our Employee Resource Groups (ERG). Proud to be an Equal Employment Opportunity (including disability and veterans) and Affirmative Action workplace, Xylem fosters an inclusive environment free from discrimination or harassment. Please note that the information in this job description outlines the general nature of the position and is not an exhaustive list of duties. Xylem is dedicated to providing reasonable accommodations to enable all employees to perform their essential job functions. We reserve the right to modify this job description and assign additional duties as needed. Embrace the opportunity to be part of Xylem's transformative journey in shaping the future of water technology! #XylemCareers #GlobalImpact #WaterInnovation

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