Sourcing Associate

Job Description

The Opportunity

As a key member of the commercial team, this position will report to the Business Manager. This is a developmental role with responsibilities and training in sourcing, sales, and product management functions. The role will be based at our NA Beauty Headquarters in Darien, IL, with approximately 20% travel time to suppliers, tollers, and trade shows.

About the Role

The ideal candidate will work with urgency to complete tasks using all available resources and provide timely responses both internally and externally. Strong organizational skills with the ability to clearly articulate thoughts and needs is required. Experience working in Excel (creating spreadsheets and pivot tables) and SAP (preferred). At least two years of experience in a technical or commercial (sales, sourcing, marketing) setting with eagerness to further develop commercial skills. Must have a willingness to learn from others, take on new challenges, and seek support to solve problems. If you are a self-motivated team player who thrives in a collaborative environment, this is an exceptional opportunity to leverage your entrepreneurial spirit and take your career to the next level.

Responsibilities

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• Build and maintain working knowledge of key raw materials, their functionality in our formulations, and the supplier landscape.
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• Monitor and communicate feedstock/raw material price trends, market developments, and supply risk; translate insights into actionable impacts for cost, availability, and customer commitments.
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• Execute company sourcing strategies to ensure competitive pricing, reliable supply, and continuous improvement.
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• Lead supplier negotiations to secure best total value (price, terms, service, quality, risk mitigation).
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• Maintain professional supplier relationships that foster trust, integrity, and transparent communication.
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• Partner with Commercial to support customer projects and growth initiatives, including new product introductions and competitive bids.
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• Work closely with Material Planners to determine sourcing decisions (preferred suppliers, allocations, alternates) and resolve service, delivery, or supply disruption issues.
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• Set up and onboard new vendors and ensure required documentation and approvals are complete.
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• Code new raw materials, finished products, and suppliers in applicable systems.
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• Maintain and update pricing; investigate and resolve invoice discrepancies in coordination with internal stakeholders.
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• Conduct supplier meetings and generate call reports capturing key outcomes, commitments, risks, and follow-up actions.
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• Ensure all purchasing activities adhere to ethical conduct, and meet EHS, regulatory, local government requirements, as well as internal policies and standards.
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Qualifications

BS Chemistry, Chem E, or a related degree is required.

Required Skills

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• Strong organizational skills with the ability to clearly articulate thoughts and needs.
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• Experience working in Excel (creating spreadsheets and pivot tables).
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• At least two years of experience in a technical or commercial (sales, sourcing, marketing) setting with eagerness to further develop commercial skills.
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• Willingness to learn from others, take on new challenges, and seek support to solve problems.
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• Self-motivated team player who thrives in a collaborative environment.
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Preferred Skills

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• Experience working in SAP.
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