Strategic Sourcing Manager

Maker's Pride Talent Acquisition Team•Downers Grove, IL

1d•$97,210 - $133,663•Remote

About The Position

This role involves leading end-to-end procurement activities, including sourcing, negotiations, supplier selection, and contract management. A key aspect of the role is commodity and market risk management, which includes monitoring global and regional commodity markets to identify risks and opportunities impacting pricing and supply availability. The manager will assess the effects of market volatility, geopolitical events, and supply chain disruptions on procurement strategies and business performance, and develop/implement risk mitigation strategies. This includes building and maintaining analytical models to forecast commodity trends and generating reports for senior leadership. The role also requires managing international and cross-border sourcing, driving cost control, developing annual operating plans and budgets, owning standard cost development, and leading corporate and regional procurement initiatives. Collaboration with various cross-functional teams (Finance, Operations, Sales, R&D, etc.) is essential, as is developing and maintaining strong supplier relationships and managing supplier performance. The role also promotes innovation, sustainability, and continuous improvement across the supply base, partnering with the Sustainability team to advance responsible sourcing practices.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree in finance, supply chain management, economics, or a related field.
3+ years of experience in commodity risk management, procurement, or related fields.
Strong analytical and quantitative skills, including data analysis and modeling proficiency.
Knowledge of commodity markets, pricing mechanisms, and supply chain dynamics.
Familiarity with risk management tools, such as hedging and derivatives.
Excellent communication and negotiation skills.
Proficiency in relevant software tools and systems.
Experience with SAP.
Proficiency in MS Office, particularly Word, PowerPoint, and advanced Excel skills.
Minimum of 5 years of strategic procurement experience in manufacturing, MRO, facilities, corporate services, or indirect categories.
Conflict resolution experience.
Prioritization skills based on short and long-term objectives.
Data analysis and presentation to multiple organizational levels.
Influence management skills.
Change management skills.
Project management skills.
Effective verbal and written communication.
Multi-tasking capability.
Collaborative relationship-building with industry, trade, associations, regulatory agencies, and cross-functional staff.
Demonstrated leadership in safety, quality, and policy adherence.
Adaptability to a fast-paced environment.

Nice To Haves

Familiarity with the food industry and manufacturing practices is an asset.
Experience with sustainability programs is an asset; this role partners with the Sustainability team to advance responsible sourcing practices and support environmental and corporate sustainability objectives.

Responsibilities

Monitor and analyze global and regional commodity markets to identify risks and opportunities impacting pricing and supply availability.
Assess the effects of market volatility, geopolitical events, and supply chain disruptions on procurement strategies and business performance.
Develop and implement risk mitigation strategies including hedging, forward contracts, and supply chain diversification.
Build and maintain analytical models to forecast commodity trends and evaluate key cost drivers using market intelligence and historical data.
Generate and present regular reports and dashboards summarizing commodity exposure, procurement performance, and mitigation actions to senior leadership.
Partner cross-functionally with Finance, Operations, and other stakeholders to align risk management strategies with overall business objectives.
Lead end-to-end procurement activities including sourcing, negotiations, supplier selection, and contract management.
Manage international and cross-border sourcing activities, including logistics coordination for materials and services outside of the US and Canada.
Develop and execute procurement strategies that optimize costs, improve supplier performance, and support organizational goals.
Implement strategic sourcing processes including RFIs, RFQs, and RFPs, ensuring supplier selection aligns with defined criteria and business needs.
Drive cost control and cost reduction initiatives while maintaining uninterrupted supply of goods and services.
Partner with Finance and Continuous Improvement teams to develop annual operating plans, budgets, and cost savings pipelines; track performance and implement corrective actions as needed.
Own standard cost development and analyze spend, market trends, and historical data to support financial planning and decision-making.
Lead corporate and regional procurement initiatives from strategy development through execution.
Collaborate cross-functionally with Operations, Supply Chain, Sales, R&D, Finance, Regulatory, and Quality teams to ensure alignment of procurement strategies with business objectives.
Develop and maintain strong supplier relationships, represent the organization in negotiations, and identify new sources of supply to strengthen the supply base.
Establish and manage supplier performance programs using KPIs, scorecards, and regular business reviews; drive continuous improvement and resolve supplier issues effectively.
Maintain procurement policies, procedures, and best practices to ensure efficiency, compliance, and continuous improvement.
Promote innovation, sustainability, and continuous improvement across the supply base.
Partners with the Sustainability team to advance responsible sourcing practices and support environmental and corporate sustainability objectives.