Procurement Manager at Circana in Chicago, Illinois

Procurement ManagerCircana is a leading provider of technology, AI, and data solutions for consumer packaged goods companies, manufacturers, and retailers. Our predictive analytics and Liquid Data® platform help clients measure market share, uncover consumer behavior, and drive growth-powered by six decades of expertise and an expansive, high-quality data set. At Circana, we are fueled by our passion for continuous learning and growth, we seek and share feedback freely, and we celebrate victories both big and small in an environment that is flexible and accommodating to our work and personal lives. We're a global company dedicated to fostering inclusivity and belonging. We value and celebrate the unique experiences, cultures, and viewpoints that each individual brings. By embracing a wide range of backgrounds, skills, expertise, and beyond, we create a stronger, more innovative environment for our employees, clients, and communities. With us, you can always bring your full self to work. Circana is proud to be Certified™ by Great Place To Work®. This prestigious award is based entirely on what current employees say about their experience working at Circana.What will you be doing?The Procurement Manager will partner with business leaders to develop and execute strategic procurement initiatives that improve value, reduce cost and risk, and strengthen supplier performance. This is a visible, hands-on role for an experienced procurement professional who can independently lead category reviews, sourcing initiatives, competitive evaluations, negotiations, and procurement improvement programs from strategy through execution. You will work closely with Technology and other corporate functions to understand business needs, evaluate the market, develop recommendations, and guide informed sourcing decisions. Strong procurement judgment, initiative, and the ability to bring structure and direction to complex opportunities will be essential to success.Job ResponsibilitiesIndependently lead strategic procurement initiatives from initial business need through sourcing, recommendation, negotiation, implementation, and supplier management.Partner with Technology and other business functions to understand priorities, evaluate requirements, and develop sourcing and category strategies.Lead end-to-end RFPs and other competitive sourcing events, including market research, benchmarking, supplier identification, evaluation, recommendation, and selection.Conduct category reviews and spend analyses to identify opportunities for savings, supplier consolidation, risk reduction, and process improvement.Develop data-informed recommendations and clearly present findings, options, risks, and proposed actions to business leaders.Lead supplier negotiations covering pricing, commercial terms, service levels, renewals, and contractual considerations.Partner with Legal, Finance, Technology, and other stakeholders throughout contract review, approval, and execution.Build and maintain effective supplier relationships, monitor performance, and address commercial or service-related issues.Support strategic programs such as software rationalization, demand management, supplier consolidation, and procurement process improvement.Track and communicate results, including savings, cost avoidance, supplier performance, risk reduction, and other business outcomes.Provide procurement guidance and constructively challenge existing approaches when market insight, data, or business needs indicate a better path forward.Manage multiple priorities in a lean environment, taking ownership and moving work forward with limited oversight.Required Skills and CompetenciesStrong strategic procurement and sourcing capabilities, with experience leading complex initiatives from planning through implementation.Ability to independently assess opportunities, conduct research, evaluate options, and recommend a path forward.Strong commercial negotiation skills, including experience influencing pricing, contractual terms, service levels, and supplier commitments.Ability to translate market research, spend data, and business requirements into practical procurement strategies.Confidence leading discussions, presenting recommendations, and constructively challenging stakeholders at different levels of the organization.Strong business partnership skills, with the ability to build credibility and align stakeholders around decisions and next steps.Sound judgment, accountability, and a demonstrated ability to take ownership without significant day-to-day direction.Ability to manage multiple strategic initiatives and changing priorities in a lean, fast-moving environment.Working knowledge of contract management, supplier management, strategic sourcing, and procurement best practices.Proficiency with Microsoft Excel and PowerPoint. Experience with procurement, sourcing, contract management, or spend analysis systems is preferred.RequirementsBachelor's degree in Business Administration, Supply Chain Management, Procurement, Finance, or a related field, or an equivalent combination of education and relevant experience.At least 5 years of progressive experience in strategic procurement, strategic sourcing, or category management.Demonstrated experience independently leading strategic procurement or sourcing initiatives at a manager-equivalent level.Demonstrated ownership of end-to-end RFPs, supplier evaluations, market benchmarking, contract negotiations, and strategic sourcing initiatives.Track record of developing and implementing recommendations that delivered measurable savings, improved value, reduced risk, or strengthened supplier performance.Experience partnering directly with business leaders and cross-functional stakeholders.Experience supporting Technology, software, SaaS, or other corporate spend categories is helpful but not required.Experience with software rationalization, supplier consolidation, procurement transformation, or category strategy development is preferred.Professional procurement certification, such as CIPS, CPSM, or an equivalent credential, is preferred but not required.Circana BehaviorsBeyond technical skills, experience, and role-specific attributes, these shared behaviors are fundamental to our culture and success. We seek individuals who consistently demonstrate and champion these behaviors in their daily work:Stay Curious: Being hungry to learn and grow, always asking the big questions.Seek Clarity: Embracing complexity to create clarity and inspire action.Own the Outcome: Being accountable for decisions and taking ownership of our choices.Center on the Client: Relentlessly adding value for our customers.Be a Challenger: Never complacent, always striving for continuous improvement.Champion Inclusivity: Fostering trust in relationships engaging with empathy, respect, and integrity.Commit to each other: Contributing to making Circana a great place to work for everyone.Location: This position can be located in the following area(s): Remote, USA. The below range reflects the range of possible compensation for this role at the time of this posting. We may ultimately pay more or less than the posted range. This range may be modified in the future. An employee's position within the salary range will be based on several factors including, but not limited to, relevant education, qualifications, certifications, experience, skills, seniority, geographic location, performance, shift, travel requirements, sales or revenue-based metrics, any collective bargaining agreements, and business or organizational needs. The salary range for this role is $90,000 - $100,000 USD. This job is also eligible for bonus pay. We offer a comprehensive package of benefits including paid time off, medical/dental/vision insurance and 401(k) to eligible employees. An offer of employment may be conditional upon successful completion of a background check in accordance with local legislation and our candidate privacy notice.