Strategic Sourcing Manager

IMS Integrated Merchandising Solutions; Skokie (IL); On-site; USD 90,000 - 100,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental, vision

401(k) with match

Generous PTO

Peer recognition program

Training and development

Culture commitment

Job summary

IMS Integrated Merchandising Solutions is seeking a Strategic Sourcing Manager to lead sourcing and vendor management, driving cost savings and supplier quality across POS categories. You will develop strategic initiatives, mentor the team, and deliver data-driven insights to guide procurement decisions.

You will collaborate with stakeholders, analyze spend data, and maintain Power BI dashboards to track KPIs.

Qualifications

• Advanced Excel with pivot tables, VLOOKUP, data modeling and advanced formulas.
• Power BI dashboard development and data visualization experience is a strong plus.
• Experience with procurement or supply chain management systems.

Responsibilities

• Provide sourcing direction and recommendations to procurement teams.
• Analyze sourcing data, spend patterns, and vendor performance metrics.
• Develop and maintain Power BI dashboards and advanced Excel models.
• Collaborate with internal stakeholders to understand requirements and align sourcing strategies.
• Stay current with industry trends and sourcing opportunities in retail POS categories.
• Manage and mentor the sourcing and vendor management team.

Skills

Advanced Excel

Power BI

Procurement systems

Vendor management

Data analysis

Negotiation

Team leadership

Strategic thinking

Communication

Tools

Power BI

Procurement systems

Job description

IMS is committed to building and maintaining a team that reflects the consumer base and communities that we serve. We know that when our associates are empowered to bring their whole selves to work, they feel valued and appreciated, and bring better results for our clients. We strive to build a culture that rewards people for their unique perspectives and contributions, and where our people are connected - to the work we do, to each other, and to IMS.

What does the Strategic Sourcing team do?

We are a dynamic procurement organization dedicated to optimizing spend, building strategic vendor partnerships, and delivering exceptional value to our clients. If you're passionate about sourcing strategy, vendor management, data-driven decision making, and have a deep understanding of retail point-of-sale solutions, this is the perfect opportunity to lead and make a significant impact.

Who are you?

You think critically and solve problems. You can handle a variety of tasks and work on multiple projects at once. Additionally, you embody the IMS principles of Passion, Collaboration, Integrity, Inventiveness, and Proactivity. You will be part of a team that strives to provide excellent service and thought leadership to our clients and want to bring your best to the organization and see your work brought to life.

What’s the opportunity?

The Strategic Sourcing Manager will lead the sourcing and vendor management function by developing and executing strategic sourcing initiatives that optimize costs, ensure supplier quality, and support business objectives. This position requires the ability to work independently and collaboratively while managing multiple vendor relationships, sourcing projects, and team initiatives simultaneously. The role requires deep expertise in retail point-of-sale categories (print, display, and branded merchandise), strong negotiation capabilities, and the ability to provide data-driven insights to guide procurement strategy. This position reports to the AVP of Procurement and Strategic Sourcing. In this role, you will:

• Provide sourcing direction and recommendations to procurement teams to best leverage company spend and achieve client goals
• Analyze sourcing data, spend patterns, and vendor performance metrics to generate actionable insights and identify optimization opportunities
• Develop and maintain Power BI dashboards and advanced Excel models to track sourcing metrics, KPIs, and business intelligence
• Collaborate with internal stakeholders to understand requirements and align sourcing strategies
• Stay current with industry trends, best practices, and emerging sourcing opportunities in retail point-of-sale categories
• Manage, develop, and mentor the sourcing and vendor management team to drive continuous improvement and operational excellence
• Develop and execute strategic sourcing initiatives to optimize IMS spend and drive cost savings across vendor base
• Conduct comprehensive market research, competitive analysis, and vendor assessment to identify sourcing opportunities and best-in-class suppliers
• Lead vendor selection, evaluation, and onboarding processes while ensuring compliance and quality standards
• Manage vendor relationships, including regular performance reviews, business reviews, and development initiatives to maximize partner value
• Resolve vendor issues, manage performance problems, and implement corrective actions when necessary
• Lead vendor risk assessment, compliance verification, and business continuity planning
• Participate in process improvement initiatives and cross-functional meetings to enhance sourcing operations

The skills and experience you have

• Knowledge of: Advanced Microsoft Excel (pivot tables, VLOOKUP, data modeling, advanced formulas), Power BI (dashboard development, data visualization experience a strong plus), Procurement or supply chain management systems
• Mid-senior level experience in sourcing, procurement, or vendor management in retail point-of-sale or related categories
• Extensive knowledge of print, display, and branded merchandise sourcing and production
• Experience domestic and international sourcing and vendor management
• Data analysis and business intelligence capabilities with ability to translate data into strategic recommendations
• Exceptional negotiation and contract management skills
• Vendor relationship management and partnership development experience
• Problem-solving skills to manage complex vendor situations
• Team leadership experience
• Strategic thinking with focus on cost optimization and value creation
• Excellent communication and presentation skills

What we offer

In addition to playing an important role at IMS, you'll receive:

• Medical, dental, vision, and 401(k) with match
• Generous PTO policy
• Robust peer recognition program
• Training and development opportunities
• Commitment to growing and enhancing our organizational culture
• The salary range for this job is $90,000-100,000 - The salary range provided in this job posting is an estimate based on market data and internal equity. Final compensation will be determined based on knowledge, skills, experience, location, and other relevant factors such as certain certifications that may be desired for this role.

Who we are

IMS represents leading brands at the point of purchase – in store, online, and behind the scenes – including digital and traditional signage, print and POP, branded merchandise, and more. Our marketplace is solution agnostic, so our clients achieve best execution at lowest price throughout North America. Our integrated platform (planning, procurement, freight, warehousing, kitting, fulfillment, field execution, analytics, and program management) empowers our clients to stay at the strategic level, knowing that we can help turn their marketing vision into a reality. Visit us at: www.IMSretail.com.

IMS is wholly owned by Omnicom Group (NYSE: OMC), an inter-connected global network of leading marketing communication companies offering a diverse, comprehensive range of marketing solutions spanning brand advertising, customer relationship management, media planning and buying services, public relations and numerous specialty communications services to drive bottom line results for its clients (www.omnicomgroup.com).