Strategic Sourcing Manager, Marketing & Advertising

We are working on an industry-leading retail brand to recruit a Strategic Sourcing Manager - Marketing & Advertising. Our client's Strategic Sourcing team isn't stuck crunching numbers in the dark. They are high-visibility business partners directly shaping the organization's commercial success and growth. They combine best-in-class sourcing technology with high-impact category strategies across a diverse range of goods and services.

This is a culture of high-performing, self-motivated team players who take their work seriously without taking themselves too seriously. As the sourcing organization expands to meet broader business growth across North America (US & Canada), you will play a central role in driving strategy, managing major vendor relationships, and delivering tangible value.

You will take primary ownership of category strategies and sourcing execution across Marketing and Advertising, balancing immediate execution with long-term commercial planning.

• Own the Sourcing Lifecycle (40%): Lead end-to-end strategic sourcing initiatives-from supplier market analysis and requirement gathering to running e-RFX events, negotiating high-stakes contracts, and executing operational handoffs.
• Guide Stakeholders & Facilitate Deal Closings (20%): Serve as the go-to sourcing advisor for senior business partners. Direct contract negotiations, summarize key tradeoffs, and create executive-ready updates to guide decision-making.
• Build Strategic Category Roadmaps (20%): Develop annual and multi-year sourcing plans aligned with corporate priorities, budget cycles, and savings targets. Use market intelligence and analytics to proactively manage risk and optimize category roadmaps.
• Support Senior Leadership (10%): Partner closely with the Senior Manager, Sourcing to execute broader category strategies across Marketing & Advertising requirements.
• Drive Scale & Enterprise Value (5%): Identify leverage opportunities across domestic, global, and parent company networks to lower total cost of ownership and establish robust vendor governance.
• Build Cross-Functional Trust (5%): Establish strong, trust-based relationships with internal stakeholders through clear communication and consistent execution.

• 5+ Years of Strategic Sourcing Experience: Demonstrated success in end-to-end sourcing, specifically managing Marketing & Advertising categories (experience within a retail or North American store network environment is preferred).
• Proven Negotiator: Hands-on experience drafting and negotiating enterprise agreements (MSAs, SOWs, and custom commercial terms) while protecting client interests and keeping timelines on track.
• Strategic Thinker: Expertise in spend analysis, benchmarking, "should-cost" modeling, and translating market insights into actionable category plans.
• Relationship Builder & Influencer: Strong track record of earning stakeholder buy-in, influencing without formal authority, and driving cross-functional change.
• Tech & Analytics Competency: Advanced proficiency in Excel, PowerPoint, spend analytics, and modern sourcing tools (e-RFX, Contract Lifecycle Management, Procure-to-Pay platforms).
• Adaptable Problem-Solver: Comfortable in fast-paced environments, quick to spot commercial or project risks, and proactive in proposing clear solutions.
• Education: Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain Management, Business, Operations, or equivalent practical experience.

• Work Arrangement: Hybrid model (2 days per week in-office).
• Travel: Occasional travel as required.