Johnson Outdoors – Sourcing & Purchasing Intern (1-Year Term)
Internship Objective
Provide structured, hands-on exposure to Johnson Outdoors (JO) Sourcing and Purchasing operations while delivering tangible value through data management, process documentation, supplier support, and analytics. This role supports Fishing Business Units (MK & EDC) and Shared Services under Strategic Sourcing.
Overall Scope (12 Months)
- Support sourcing and buying operations
- Support supplier data integrity and performance tracking
- Support process documentation and standardization
- Support KPI reporting and automation initiatives
Phase 1 – Foundation & Transactional Support (Months 1–3)
Primary Focus: Learning JO systems, buying processes, and supplier fundamentals
- Purchase order follow-ups, shipment tracking, and receipt confirmations
- Supplier master data validation (lead time, pricing, MOQ, Incoterms)
- JDE / ERP data accuracy checks
- Maintain supplier onboarding documentation (NDA, audits, packaging)
- Attend sourcing and cross-functional meetings
Key Deliverables:
- Cleaned supplier master data tracker
- Shipment follow-up log
- Supplier onboarding checklist
Phase 2 – Analytics, KPI & Supplier Performance Support (Months 4–6)
Primary Focus: Data analytics, reporting, and supplier performance visibility
- Maintain sourcing KPI trackers (cost, delivery, lead time, quality)
- Support supplier scorecard development and rollout
- Coordinate with IT/digital teams on KPI automation
- Prepare management-ready reports and dashboards
Key Deliverables:
- Supplier scorecard templates
- Monthly KPI reports
- Automation improvement recommendations
Phase 3 – Process Documentation & Continuous Improvement (Months 7–9)
Primary Focus: Process standardization and knowledge capture
- Document standard work instructions (SOPs) for sourcing and buying
- Support process mapping (current vs future state)
- Assist with Supplier Collaboration / Quality platform setup
Key Deliverables:
- Documented SOPs
- Process flow diagrams
- Supplier collaboration playbook
Phase 4 – Strategic Support & Capstone Project (Months 10–12)
Primary Focus: End-to-end sourcing exposure and strategic contribution
- Support cost savings and resourcing initiatives
- Assist lead-time risk and supplier risk analysis
- Deliver final capstone presentation to leadership
Key Deliverables:
- Lead-time and risk analysis file
- Sourcing analytics summary deck
- Final intern presentation
Skills Developed
- ERP / JDE exposure
- Sourcing and purchasing fundamentals
- Supplier performance management
- Excel analytics and dashboards
- Process documentation and continuous improvement
Value to Johnson Outdoors
- Improves sourcing data accuracy and reporting bandwidth
- Accelerates supplier scorecard and KPI maturity
- Reduces administrative workload for buyers
- Builds early-career procurement talent pipeline
Ideal Candidate Profile
- Background in Supply Chain, Business, Engineering, or Analytics
- Strong Excel and analytical skills
- Detail-oriented with interest in sourcing operations
- Comfortable working cross-functionally