Strategic Sourcing Manager

Manatt Phelps & Phillips•Chicago, IL

6d•Hybrid

About The Position

The Strategic Sourcing Manager plays a critical role within the Procurement team, leading end‑to‑end sourcing initiatives and building strong, value‑driven vendor partnerships. This role is heavily focused on identifying sourcing opportunities, developing and executing category strategies, and negotiating favorable commercial terms while ensuring quality, service, and risk considerations are met. The Strategic Sourcing Manager will collaborate closely with internal stakeholders to understand business needs, manage vendor relationships throughout the contract lifecycle, and drive continuous improvement, cost optimization, and long‑term supplier performance.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Business, Supply Chain Management, Finance, or a related field
5+ years of progressive experience in strategic sourcing, procurement, or vendor management
Proven expertise in end‑to‑end sourcing processes, including RFP/RFQ development, supplier evaluation, negotiation, and contract award
Strong experience building, managing, and optimizing vendor relationships to drive performance, value, and long‑term partnerships
Demonstrated ability to lead complex commercial negotiations and achieve cost savings and favorable terms
Experience developing and executing sourcing strategies across multiple spend categories
Strong analytical skills, with the ability to evaluate supplier proposals, cost models, and total cost of ownership
Ability to collaborate effectively with cross‑functional stakeholders (legal, finance, operations, IT, etc.)
Solid understanding of contract terms, risk management, and compliance considerations
Excellent communication and influencing skills, with confidence working with senior leaders and external vendors
Proficiency with procurement systems, sourcing tools, and Microsoft Office (Excel and PowerPoint in particular)
Highly organized and detail-oriented, with the ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment
Strong project management and prioritization skills
Strong team player who can work collaboratively with colleagues to achieve department and firm goals
Superior client service skills and ability to form effective working relationships with stakeholders and colleagues at all levels
Self-starter who is deadline driven, with an excellent work ethic and a positive, proactive style
Demonstrated reliability and the ability to work both independently and collaboratively within a hybrid (remote and in-office) team environment.

Nice To Haves

Professional certification (e.g., CPSM, CIPS) preferred

Responsibilities

Lead end‑to‑end strategic sourcing initiatives, including spend analysis, RFP/RFQ development, supplier evaluation, and award recommendations
Develop and execute sourcing strategies that align with business objectives and drive cost savings, value creation, and supplier performance
Serve as the primary point of contact for key vendors, fostering strong, collaborative relationships and managing ongoing performance
Negotiate commercial terms, pricing structures, and service level agreements to achieve optimal outcomes for the organization
Partner closely with internal stakeholders to understand business needs and ensure sourcing solutions meet operational and strategic requirements
Monitor vendor performance, manage issues and escalations, and drive continuous improvement initiatives
Identify and assess risk within the supply base and implement mitigation strategies as needed
Track and report on sourcing outcomes, cost savings, supplier performance metrics, and compliance
Stay informed of market trends, supplier capabilities, and industry best practices to inform sourcing strategies
Supervise one employee whose primary responsibilities include spend analysis and budget support, forecasting; train to run small bid opportunities