Strategic Sourcing Manager

Location:

Chicago - 345 North Morgan

Salary: $110,500–$120,000

Workplace type:
Hybrid

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‑saving objectives. You will also work to track our processes, measure performance against our plans, and continuously improve our execution of this discipline.

• 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 execute 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.

• Minimum 5 years of experience in supply chain, category management, and procurement activities – food service/QSR industry preferred.
• Must have a “team” approach to problem solving and ability to work proactively with multiple cross‑functional inputs to address unique Supply Chain challenges.
• Must 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.
• 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 executing new product launches.
• Effective verbal and non‑verbal communication skills.
• Understanding of packaging manufacturing processes and materials preferred.
• Proficiency with Ivalua and JDE software are highly desired; experience implementing technology platforms is a plus.

• 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.
• Tuition reimbursement and student loan repayment assistance.
• Inclusive employee resource groups.

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.

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.