Strategic Sourcing Specialist

Trova; Elgin (IL); On-site; USD 75,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

Trova Advisory Group seeks a Strategic Sourcing Specialist in Elgin, IL to lead sourcing initiatives and category management for domestic packaging. This role drives supplier relationships, category strategy, negotiations, and procurement process improvements in a fast-paced environment.

You will collaborate with internal teams to improve cost, quality, service, and reliability across the supply chain, leveraging data-driven insights and market trends.

Qualifications

• Proven experience in strategic sourcing, supplier negotiations, RFPs, and contracting.
• Strong analytical, negotiation, and data-driven problem-solving skills.

Responsibilities

• Lead strategic sourcing and category management across domestic packaging categories.
• Own supplier relationships, category strategy, negotiations, and cost-saving initiatives.

Skills

Strategic Sourcing

Data analysis

Spend analysis

Procurement

Communication

Excel

Project management

Supplier management

Education

Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain or related

Job description

Job Description

Strategic Sourcing Specialist (Domestic Packaging & Category Management)

Employment Type: Direct Hire
Salary Range: $75,000 - $100,000 DOE
Office Hours and Work Schedule: 8a to 5p - Flex Fridays
Location: Elgin, IL
Overview

Join our procurement team as a Strategic Sourcing Specialist and take ownership of sourcing initiatives and category management across domestic packaging categories. This is a high-impact individual contributor role (no direct reports) built for an experienced sourcing professional who can independently lead supplier relationships, category strategy, negotiations, cost-saving initiatives, and procurement process improvements. You'll serve as a trusted subject-matter expert - partnering closely with suppliers and internal teams to strengthen cost, quality, service, reliability, and overall supply chain performance in a fast-paced, growth-oriented environment.

Required Skills

• Proven ability to lead strategic sourcing, including supplier negotiations, RFPs, and contracting
• Strong analytical, negotiation, and problem-solving skills with a data-driven approach
• Ability to analyze spend data, market indices, and industry trends to guide sourcing decisions
• Strong understanding of sourcing, procurement, inventory management, distribution, transportation, and supply chain processes
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills
• Advanced Microsoft Office proficiency, especially Excel
• Ability to manage multiple projects and competing priorities in a team-oriented, fast-paced environment
• Ability to maintain supplier accountability to expectations for cost, quality, service, and reliability

Nice to Have Skills

• Packaging industry experience (strongly preferred)
• Established network and relationships within the domestic packaging and corrugated supplier community
• Experience leading cross-functional projects, sourcing initiatives, or supplier development efforts
• Experience supporting procurement standards, reporting, and KPI tracking
• Experience overseeing high-volume item setup accuracy (e.g., costs, supplier assignments, MOQs, and large item configuration sets)

Preferred Education and Experience

• 3-5 years of experience in sourcing, procurement, category management, or buying
• Experience with procurement analytics and driving measurable cost savings
• Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain, Business, Finance, or a related field preferred (or an equivalent combination of education and relevant industry experience)

Other Requirements

• Comfortable with prolonged periods of sitting and working on a computer
• Prior people-management experience is not required

Bring your sourcing expertise, packaging knowledge, and drive to lead strategic initiatives - take ownership of a role where your impact will be felt across the business.

About Trova Advisory Group

Trova Advisory Group specializes in delivering a comprehensive array of staffing solutions tailored to meet the diverse needs of businesses across multiple sectors. Our expertise spans clerical, administrative, financial, and professional roles, offered through flexible arrangements including temporary, temp-to-hire, and direct hire services.

We pride ourselves on providing top-tier talent solutions that empower organizations to thrive in today’s competitive market.

Trova Advisory Group is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. We consider all qualified applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or any other protected status. We are committed to fostering an inclusive workplace where all individuals are welcomed and supported.

Trova Advisory Group offers a comprehensive benefits package including medical and dental options for all eligible employees.

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