Strategic Sourcing Summer Intern (Hybrid)

Who We Are

Highline Warren is the leading national manufacturer and distributor of consumable and maintenance products for the automotive aftermarket. The company was formed through the strategic combination of Highline Aftermarket and Warren Distribution in 2020. With 20 manufacturing and distribution locations and nearly 1,800 employees, Highline Warren carries over 26,000 products for its more than 14,000 customers across North America.

Overview of role

1. Strategic Sourcing Intern will support the Sourcing team by assisting in the identification, evaluation, and selection of suppliers, and contributing to the development of sourcing strategies that drive cost savings, quality improvements, and supply chain efficiencies. This summer internship will equip you with practical skills and marketable experience, while immersing you in Highline Warren’s distinct approach to the Automotive Aftermarket Industry.

Location: Memphis, TN at company’s corporate headquarters

Type: Hybrid

Duration: May 2025 to August 2025

Schedule: Monday through Friday, 40 hours/week

Key Responsibilities:

1. Supplier Research & Analysis: Conduct research on potential suppliers, including market analysis and benchmarking, to support sourcing decisions. Research current market conditions, key cost drivers, the global supply base, and industry terminology, all within the context of Highline Warren's operations.

1. Data Collection & Analysis: Assist in collecting and analyzing data related to pricing, contracts, supplier performance, and market trends. Quantify the benefits of sourcing initiatives, including expected savings and baseline spend, to support data-driven decision-making.

1. RFI/RFP/RFQ Support: Assist in preparing Requests for Information (RFI), Requests for Proposals (RFP), and Requests for Quotations (RFQ) and evaluating supplier responses.

1. Supplier Relationship Management: Support the development and maintenance of strong relationships with suppliers, including coordination of communications, meetings, and performance reviews.

1. Contract Management: Assist in the review and management of contracts to ensure compliance with company policies and support negotiation processes.

1. Process Improvement: Contribute to the identification of process improvements within the sourcing function, including automation opportunities, data management, and workflow efficiencies.

1. Cross-functional Collaboration: Work closely with other departments such as Category Management, Finance, Operations, and Legal to align sourcing strategies and enhance financial outcomes with overall business objectives.

1. Project Support: Participate in special projects as assigned, including cost-saving initiatives, supplier rationalization programs, and sourcing strategy development. Create a timeline, set milestones, measure progress, and report findings to Sourcing team.

Projects To Be Completed:

• Grey Market Vendor Spend
  • Rationalize the vendor base and consolidate
  • Put together Vendor performance evaluation
• Excess & Obsolete Spend

• Manage reduction of excess and obsolete inventory
• Identify raw materials that need to be obsoleted
• Develop the process for relieving E&O inventory
• Work cross-functionally with Sourcing & Procurement teams

• Develop Procurement Automation Tool
  • Build out preferred vendors in tool
  • Set up catalogs of preferred products for users to purchase
  • Educate and disseminate the usage of the tool to the site teams

Required Skills, Knowledge and Abilities

• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, particularly Excel.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• High level of integrity, with the ability to navigate ambiguity and innovate effectively.
• Detail-oriented with strong organizational skills.
• Strong prioritization and multi-tasking skills, with the ability to meet goals in a fast-paced environment.
• Interest in procurement, supply chain management, and strategic sourcing. And involvement in extra-curricular activities or service organizations
• Experience with data analysis tools (e.g., Power BI, Qlik) is a plus.
• Previous internship or coursework related to supply chain or procurement is a plus.
• Familiarity with procurement software or ERP systems is a plus.

Learning Objectives:

• Gain a deep understanding of the strategic sourcing process within a corporate environment.

• Develop skills in supplier evaluation, contract management, and data-driven decision-making.

• Experience working cross-functionally with various departments.

• Enhance problem-solving and project management skills.