Sr. Manager, Strategic Procurement and Optimization

The Sr. Manager, Strategic Procurement and Optimization is responsible for the procurement of all indirect (non-merchandise) spending. This includes direct involvement in all contract negotiations, strategic sourcing, and vendor/contract compliance. In conjunction with procurement functions, this person works across the business to identify and optimize inefficiencies to reduce costs and improve customer and employee satisfaction.

Work Environment:

At Duluth Trading Company, we value face-to-face interactions that foster our culture of learning, creativity, and teamwork. The role is based at our headquarters near Madison, WI. You will work in the office Monday through Thursday, with the option to work from home on Fridays if you prefer.

What You’ll Do:

• Establish and execute a strategy that creates advantages through the procurement of goods and services. Establish and execute a strategy that creates advantages through the procurement of goods and services
• Build and manage relationships across the enterprise
• Perform market and data analysis to identify key spend areas for improvement and develop category management plans
• Select, manage, coach, and develop a high performing team of procurement professionals
• Collaborate cross-functionally with Legal, Finance, IT (Information Technology), Operations and Supply Chain to ensure procurement decisions support the company’s mission
• Develop and own procurement processes, policies, and tools to support business objectives in alignment with procurement strategy
• Drive supplier relationship management and oversight to maximize business value
• Continuously improve productivity and efficiency of processes throughout the organization
• Leverage intelligence and data collected through systems, observation, subject matter experts and cross-functional groups to assess company processes for the purpose of identifying and quantifying inefficiencies within the business
• Work collegially with business areas to address and improve inefficiencies
• Additional duties and projects as required

What We’re Looking For:

• Bachelor's degree in business, Management or related field required, Master’s degree preferred -Equivalent work experience will be considered
• 10+ years of experience
• 3+ years management experience
• Extensive experience in a business environment with significant interpersonal contacts requiring independent professional judgment
• Extensive experience reviewing and negotiating contracts
• Demonstrated ability to build strong relationships with vendors and internal stakeholders at all levels of the organization
• Proven record of accomplishment of delivering cost savings, improving vendor relationships, and optimizing processes
• Working knowledge of legal environment related to contracts and agreements
• Strong analytical and strategic thinking skills with the ability to use data to inform decision making
• Excellent negotiation skills
• Demonstrated ability to lead and motivate teams in developing/achieving challenging goals
• Strong critical thinking, resourcefulness, and agility
• Fair, honest, and genuine with unwavering integrity
• Strong skills in Microsoft Office (Excel, Word, PowerPoint) or Google Workspace
• Experience with financial/ERP systems
• Knowledge of procurement systems
• Six Sigma training preferred
• Authorization to work in the United States without sponsorship

Physical Environment & Travel Expectations:

• Travel is required for less than 10% of company-related meetings, programs, and/or events
• Sitting is required for 90% of working hours
• Standing is required for 10% of working hours
• Continuous arm, hand, and wrist movement (ie: typing)
• Occasional reaching, twisting, and bending
• Noise level no greater than casual conversation
• Ability to perform work in cubicle workstations or an office setting
• Work in temperatures ranging from 65 - 75 degrees

Reasonable Accommodations: To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.

Duluth Headquarters Benefits and Perks

Our pursuit of a better way isn't just about our…