Category Sourcing Specialist

Shorr Packaging Corp.; Aurora (IL); On-site; USD 65,000 - 80,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP)

Comprehensive Employee Benefits

Generous PTO

401K plan with matching

Team-based culture

Job summary

Shorr Packaging Corp. is seeking a Category Sourcing Specialist to manage and source assigned categories, including current and new products and suppliers. You will oversee vendor activities, negotiate terms, and drive margin improvement while ensuring operational compliance.

The role involves high-volume quotes, RFQ/RFP processes, and collaboration with Sales for new opportunities. Travel up to 20% is expected as you lead supplier reviews and category projects.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent work experience.
• Minimum 3+ years of sourcing, purchasing or inventory related experience.
• Proficient in MS Office (Outlook, Word, Excel, PowerPoint).
• Strong organizational and communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Manage product and supplier activities including sourcing, selection, negotiation, RFQs/RFPs and deal closure.
• Analyze market trends and negotiate with vendors for optimal pricing and discounts.
• Identify new product opportunities and source items to meet Sales Representative needs.
• Provide high volumes of accurate quotes within Salesforce; manage RFQs.
• Support Salesforce rollout and train sales staff on processes and tools.
• Partner with sales teams to promote vendors and drive profitable growth.
• Lead category projects and conduct supplier reviews including rebates and terms.
• Ensure supplier compliance with company standards and manage sample distribution.
• Maintain inventory data, and collaborate on cost optimization and reorder points.
• Travel ~20% to support supplier meetings and category reviews.

Skills

Sourcing

Purchasing

Vendor negotiation

RFQ/RFP

Data analysis

Education

Bachelor's degree or equivalent

Tools

Microsoft Office

Job description

Together, We Own it! Start your employee owner journey with Shorr Packaging.

The Category Sourcing Specialist will be responsible for managing and sourcing of assigned categories to include both current and new product and suppliers. This position will also be responsible for managing all the vendors' activities with Shorr including margin improvement, payment terms and rebate programs as well as operational compliance.

Responsibilities

• Manage product and supplier activities, including sourcing, selection, negotiation, RFQs/RFPs, and deal closure
• Analyze market trends and negotiate with vendors to secure optimal pricing and discounts
• Identify new product opportunities and quickly source items based on Sales Representative needs
• Provide high volumes of accurate, time-sensitive quotes within Salesforce; initiate and manage RFQs
• Support Salesforce rollout by assisting pilot teams and training sales staff on processes and tools
• Partner with sales teams to promote preferred vendors, drive profitable growth, and expand opportunities
• Serve as a product and industry expert; provide guidance and training to internal teams
• Maintain item database integrity and support Procurement Operations with accurate item content
• Review inventory and collaborate with Inventory Team on cost optimization, buying parameters, and reorder points
• Lead category projects and conduct annual supplier reviews, including rebates, terms, and performance
• Ensure supplier compliance with company standards; coordinate supplier meetings and manage sample distribution
• Maintain involvement in return procedures and ownership of private label programs within assigned categories
• Some travel is necessary - 20% of time

Requirements

• A bachelor's degree or equivalent work experience
• Minimum 3 plus years of sourcing, purchasing or inventory related experience
• Microsoft Office with emphasis on Outlook, Word, Excel, and PowerPoint
• Strong organizational skills to include multitasking
• Excellent problem solving abilities
• Attention to detail
• Strong written and verbal communication skills

Compensation

The base pay range for this role is $65,000 - $80,000 per year.

Shorr Packaging does not provide work authorization sponsorship for this position.

Shorr Benefits

• Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP) - Together, We Own It!
• Comprehensive Employee Benefits: Medical, dental, vision and other insurance coverages
• Generous PTO with vacation, sick and floating holidays.
• 401K plan plus matching
• Team based Employee Owner company culture

Shorr Packaging Corp is an equal‑opportunity employer. It is the policy of Shorr Packaging Corp to afford full Equal Employment Opportunity, and all applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to protected veteran status or disability status or any other legally protected status.