Strategic Sourcing Manager

ABOUT US
t ms unites technology, marketing, and sourcing to drive transformational change for the world's leading brands. With 1,200+ employees across 26 countries, we offer an impressive range of solutions - from inspiration and innovation to category management and delivery.
Operating as a creative agency, a strategic consultancy, a sourcing business, and a technology provider, we engage with over 110 million customers every single day for our clients, including McDonald's, T-Mobile, O2, Starbucks, and adidas.
Most importantly, we're a place where you can achieve great things, and be recognized as the best.
WHAT MATTERS THE MOST
Breakthrough, business-driving ideas come from extraordinary people with the freedom to be their most authentic selves at work. Authenticity and diversity are critical elements of our business. They can only be realized when we create access and equity for all. We foster a culture of inclusion and belonging and aspire to be ever-evolving.
tms is a place where brilliant people are better together. If you want your ideas to be heard and to contribute to a culture of inclusion and authenticity, bring us your voice! Visit us at tmsw.com.
WHY WE THINK YOU WILL LOVE THIS ROLE
Strategic Sourcing Managerwill sit within our tms, Packaging Supply Chain team.
As a Strategic Sourcing Manager, you will be responsible for developing, leading, and executing supplier sourcing strategies for specific packaging product categories. This role will own and lead the commercial supplier decisions and manage key supplier relationships, including performance management, escalation for supplier resolution, contractual negotiations and SSR/RFP/RFQ management.
You will collaborate closely with other cross-functional teams within tms Supply Chain, such as Packaging Development, Quality, Product Stewardship, Account Management, Finance, etc. to execute initiatives that support innovation, sustainability, legislative, and cost savings objectives. You will also work to track our processes, measure performance against our plans, and continuously improve our execution of this discipline.
WHAT YOU WILL BRING TO THE ORGANIZATION

• Develop and implement sourcing strategies for specific product types in support of overall category needs. Develop multi-year roadmap for product, cost, and capacity shifts. Example product types include folding cartons, wraps, carry-out bags, cups, lids, napkins, cutlery, and straws.
• Technologies include, extrusion, thermoforming, injection molding, molded fiber, corrugating, flexo/gravure/digital print, die-cutting, carton forming.
• Lead the end-to-end sourcing process, including RFP/RFQs, supplier selection, negotiation, and contract management.
• Collaborate with internal and external partners to identify opportunities for cost savings and continuous improvements.
• Monitor supplier performance through regular reviews and KPI tracking; address any opportunities for improvement.
• Assess, develop, and support onboarding of new suppliers as needed to meet product and category goals.
• Identify risks within the supply chain and develop mitigation and contingency plans. Monitor triggers and implement against plans as needed to assure supply.
• Drive continuous improvement by staying current on industry trends, market conditions, and best practices.
• Lead the execution of supply chain changes, including product and supplier transitions.

SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE WE WOULD LIKE YOU TO HAVE

• Experience executing RFP/RFQs that resulted in measurable outcomes (e.g. cost savings, supply chain resiliency).
• Ability to translate customer requirements, market conditions, and supplier capabilities into a defined sourcing strategy and set of KPIs
• Strong ability to analyze data, identify trends, and make informed sourcing decisions
• Strong negotiation skills and experience in contract management
• Proven track record of managing supplier relationships and driving performance improvements
• Risk management experience - including identifying, prioritizing, and defining mitigation and contingency plans
• Experience leading cross-functional teams, managing complex projects, and implementing new product launches
• Effective verbal and non-verbal communication skills

Qualifications:

• Minimum 5 years of experience in supply chain, category management, and procurement activities - foodservice/QSR industry preferred
• Have a "team" approach to problem solving and ability to work proactively with multiple cross-functional inputs to address unique Supply Chain challenges.
• Be able to work across all levels of a matrix organization and facilitate discussions and strategically influence decisions at a leadership level internally and to supplier partner leadership

And we'd love you to...

• Understand packaging manufacturing processes and materials (preferred)

Any of the following would be a plus

• Proficiency with Ivalua and JDE software are highly desired; experience implementing technology platforms is a plus

TOTAL REWARDS
Our total rewards philosophy integrates programs for compensation, benefits, recognition, learning and development, corporate culture, corporate citizenship and work-life balance. While individual program components may differ by country, some things remain constant:

• Our commitment to rewarding results
• Opportunities to work with talented and driven individuals at every level of our company who respect each other, treat each other fairly and hold one another accountable for our customers'-and our company's-success

There's more ...
Generous medical, dental, vision and other great benefits
Paid parental and medical leave programs
401(k) with a company match component and profit sharing
15 days of paid time off plus company holidays
Hybrid work model
Tuition reimbursement and student loan repayment assistance
Inclusive employee resource groups
EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER
We are an equal opportunity employer, and we value diversity at our company. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, sex, gender, gender expression, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status. We will ensure that individuals with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodation to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform essential job functions, and to receive other benefits and privileges of employment. Please contact us to request accommodation.
RECRUITING AGENCIES
tms does not accept agency resumes submitted by third-party vendors unless a valid agreement has been signed and the tms Talent Acquisition Team has granted authorization for submissions for a specified position. Please do not submit or forward resumes to our site, tms employees, or any other company location. tms is not responsible for any fees related to unsolicited resumes.
Nearest Major Market: Chicago