Seeking remote Director or senior leadership roles in procurement, strategic sourcing, and supply chain. Open to senior manager or category leadership roles with broad, multi-site responsibility. I bring 20+ years of manufacturing experience improving supplier performance, cost, and supply continuity.
Looking for a job
Travis Nickels
@travisnickels
Supply chain and sourcing leader with 20+ years in manufacturing, driving supplier strategy, cost savings, and continuity across global operations.
United StatesWhat I'm looking for
At WEST BEND COMPANY, I led a 14-person organization across sourcing, purchasing, logistics, warehouse operations, inventory management, and supplier quality. I reduced raw-material inventory by 40% while maintaining service levels.
I negotiated supplier agreements and tariff-sharing strategies that generated $400K+ in annual savings. I also led outsourced-manufacturing sourcing and a supplier transition for a ceramic-coated stainless-steel cookware line, delivering the launch on time and under budget.
At SPX FLOW, I developed category, supplier, market, and continuity strategies for a $90M portfolio supporting 14 manufacturing facilities. I delivered $2M+ in annual casting savings and generated $800K+ in annual savings through additional sources and alternate foundry-material sourcing.
Across procurement and supply chain roles, I managed portfolios of up to $175M in annual direct spend and contributed to $16M+ in documented career savings. I hold an MBA and a B.S. in Mechanical Engineering, and I’m an inventor on three U.S. patents.
Experience
Work history, roles, and key accomplishments
WC
Global Sourcing Director
West Bend Company
Jun 2023 - Jun 2026 (3 years)
Led a 14-person organization spanning sourcing, purchasing, logistics, warehouse operations, inventory management, and supplier quality for a manufacturer with approximately $50M in annual spend. Reduced raw-material inventory by 40% and negotiated supplier agreements generating $400K+ in annual savings.
SF
Global Category Sourcing Manager
SPX Flow
May 2021 - Jun 2023 (2 years 1 month)
Developed category, supplier, market, and continuity strategies for a $90M portfolio supporting 14 manufacturing facilities. Delivered $2M+ in annual casting savings and $800K+ in annual savings through additional sourcing.
RC
Global Commodity Manager
Rexnord Corporation
Aug 2019 - May 2021 (1 year 9 months)
Led category strategy, supplier relationships, contracts, market analysis, and continuity for $70M in direct materials across 20+ global manufacturing facilities. Negotiated a $9M sole-source European stainless-steel mill agreement and implemented five supplier consignment agreements.
Managed $150M+ in metal component and raw material spend, including $50M in annual die-cast aluminum. Directed supplier performance, contracts, and supply continuity for North American manufacturing.
Managed portfolios up to $175M in annual direct spend across metals, castings, stampings, electrical and fuel systems, and other components. Delivered $11M+ in cumulative first-year savings through 130+ initiatives.
Procurement lead for new engine programs, including supplier selection, early involvement, cost modeling, negotiations, and product launch execution. Sourced 110+ new components and managed $10M+ in tooling and development purchases.
Education
Degrees, certifications, and relevant coursework
KM
Keller Graduate School of Management
MBA, Business Administration
Activities and societies: Obtained while working at Briggs and Stratton
Earned an MBA at Keller Graduate School of Management.
MU
Marquette University
Bachelor of Science, Mechanical Engineering
Activities and societies: Triangle Fraternity (Risk Manager) Interfraternity Council (President, VP Programming) Part-Time Job
Earned a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering from Marquette University.
Tech stack
Software and tools used professionally
Availability
Looking for a job
Location
United StatesAuthorized to work in
Salary expectations
160k-225k USD
Social media
Job categories
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