STRATEGIC SOURCING SPECIALIST

Strategic Sourcing SpecialistHot JobBOX Home Office - Elgin, IL 60124OverviewSalary Range $80,000.00 - $120,000.00 Salary/year Level Experienced Position Type Full Time Job Shift Day Education Level 4 Year Degree Category Supply ChainDescriptionWe are seeking a highly driven and strategic professional procurement to lead sourcing initiatives and category management across domestic packaging categories. This is an individual contributor role with no direct reports, designed for an experienced sourcing professional who can independently own supplier relationships, category strategies, negotiations, cost-saving initiatives, and procurement process improvements.The Strategic Sourcing & Category Specialist will serve as a key subject-matter expert within the procurement team, partnering closely with suppliers and internal departments to improve cost, quality, service, reliability, and overall supply chain performance. The role combines the analytical and supplier-development strengths of a Sourcing Specialist with broader ownership of strategic sourcing and category management.The ideal candidate thrives in a fast-paced, growth-oriented environment and brings strong packaging industry knowledge, supplier relationships, negotiation skills, and analytical capabilities.Working for BOX Partners provides a fast-paced, high-growth environment ideal for professionals who can operate independently, take ownership of strategic initiatives, and are motivated by opportunities for continued career advancement.The salary is commensurate with experience; the range of this position is $80k - $100K. This position is bonus eligible and dependent upon company goal achievementDuties & ResponsibilitiesDevelop and execute sourcing and category management strategies for domestic packaging categoriesLead strategic sourcing initiatives, supplier negotiations, RFPs, and contracting activitiesEstablish and maintain strong supplier relationships while holding suppliers accountable to company expectations for cost, quality, service, and reliabilityIdentify new suppliers and sourcing opportunities within the packaging industryDrive annual cost savings initiatives and achieve agreed-upon savings goals established with the VP of ProcurementAnalyze spend data, market indices, industry trends, and category intelligence to support purchasing decisions and procurement strategiesIdentify and implement process improvements to enhance procurement efficiency and operational effectivenessOversee item setup accuracy including costs, supplier assignments, minimum order quantities (MOQs), and maintenance of over 40,000 item configurationsSupport supplier performance management and ongoing supplier development initiativesPartner with operations, inventory management, transportation, and other internal departments to support business objectivesAssist in developing procurement standards, reporting, and KPI trackingQualificationsRequired Skills & AbilitiesEstablished network and strong relationships within the domestic packaging and corrugated supplier communityStrong analytical, negotiation, and problem-solving skillsExcellent verbal and written communication skillsAdvanced proficiency in Microsoft Office, especially ExcelStrong understanding of sourcing, procurement, inventory management, distribution, transportation, and supply chain processesAbility to analyze market data and make data-driven business decisionsDemonstrated ability to work effectively in a team-oriented, fast-paced environmentAbility to manage multiple priorities and projects simultaneouslyLeadership and mentoring capabilities with a collaborative management styleEducation & ExperienceWork History Requirements3-5 years of experience in sourcing, procurement, category management, or buying rolesPackaging industry experience strongly preferredExperience leading projects, initiatives, or team members preferredExperience with strategic sourcing, supplier negotiations, and procurement analytics requiredEducation RequirementsBachelor's degree in Supply Chain, Business, Finance, or related field preferredEquivalent combination of education and relevant industry experience will be consideredPhysical Requirements:Prolonged periods of sitting at a desk and working on a computer.Other dutiesPlease note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties, or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice.BOX Partners is an E-Verify employer. We will provide the Social Security Administration and, if necessary, the Department of Homeland Security, with information from each new employee's form I-9 to confirm work authorization. BOX Partners does not use E-Verify to pre-screen applicants.