Sourcing Manager (Hybrid)

Topco Associates is currently seeking a Sourcing Manager for the Center Store Dairy Team in Itasca, IL. This position will be a hybrid role, with the successful candidate conducting work in our Itasca office three times per week and virtual twice per week.

Topco's mission is to provide solutions for our member owners, regional retailers, and wholesalers, and help them achieve a competitive advantage in the markets they serve. We aspire to develop high-performing teams to resemble the diversity of our members' shopper communities to drive greater innovation and creativity that ultimately enhances our business results, and the value Topco provides to its membership.

The Sourcing Manager is responsible for leading both the short term (day to day) and long term (2-3 year) strategic sourcing strategy and execution for their categories. They are responsible for ensuring that their categories are delivered to the member at a total lowest cost of ownership, achieve maximum member participation, and enhance the competitive position and profitability of Topco member companies.  The Sourcing Manager is responsible for achieving department goals (productivity) and working with their program counterpart to drive value added category results and innovation.  This position may also lead a team of 1 – 2 associates.  The Sourcing Manager is also responsible for leading best practice sharing among their peers, driving continuous improvement of the Procurement processes and leading cross functional initiatives.

Project Planning and Execution:

• Establish annual goals and objectives that are aligned to company/department objectives. Develop and refine procurement strategies with the goal to make optimum sourcing decisions. This includes locating new sources of supply, finding high quality and competitively priced products, utilizing e-sourcing tools to gather information and negotiate with supply base, identifying alternative specifications, identifying common specifications, aggregating member spend, contracting and/or introducing new technologies or techniques to drive savings or value to members. Support sourcing lead as necessary in developing category supply chain strategy, setting category goals, budgeting, and measuring against established budgets and goals.

Category Expertise:

• Develop and maintain deep understanding of categories under management. Analyze market trends and conditions that affect suppliers, cost of goods, raw materials, pricing and the resulting impact of the business and the supply chain. Effectively demonstrate this market expertise in member interactions and project related communications to influence member decision-making.

Member Experience:

• Keep internal organization focused on delivering high quality services and low costs to members on time. Demonstrate exceptional understanding of member’s business issues and strong customer relationship management skills to support members.

Supplier Management:

• Establish and maintain relationships with key suppliers in managed categories to ensure compliance with category program(s) including timely and accurate acquisition costs, order management, customer management and risk management. Periodically, prepare and issue Supplier Management Scorecards.

Leadership:  

• Demonstrate leadership competency skills including short- and long-range supply chain category strategies, talent, and team development (if applicable), strong business acumen, influencing and change management.

All other duties as assigned

Education:

• Bachelor's Degree in an analytical, supply chain or business discipline

Technical Skills:

• Superior negotiations skills and demonstrated ability to manage RFPs
• Strong written and verbal communications skills.
• Highly developed analytical skills, including vast experience with MS Word, Excel and Powerpoint
• Ability to influence others to drive decision-making
• Demonstrated ability to conduct detailed market/supplier research and analysis
• Ability to work virtually if necessary (from home or while traveling) with little or no oversight from direct manager

Previous Experience:

• Commodity forecasting or commodity risk managment experience is preferred

Topco strives for a diverse, equitable and inclusive workplace that reflects our member shopper’s communities. If your experience similarly reflects what you see listed in the job description, please consider applying, as individuals come with a wealth of experience and talent beyond just the technical requirements of a job. Diversity of experience and skills combined with passion is a key to innovation and excellence; therefore, we encourage individuals from all backgrounds to apply to our positions.

Topco is an equal employment opportunity employer, dedicated to a policy of non-discrimination in employment on any basis, including age, sex, color, race, creed, national origin, ancestry, religion, sexual orientation, marital status, political belief, veteran's status, or disability that does not prohibit performance of essential job functions. Please let us know if you require accommodations during the interview process.

• Medical coverage through Blue Cross Blue Shield (PPO and HDHP offered)
• Health Savings Account
• Dental coverage
• Vision coverage
• Annual flexible spending accounts
• Tuition Reimbursement
• Competitive 401(k) match
• Generous PTO offered