Brand Sourcing Manager

Job Title: Sourcing Manager, Projects & New Product Launch

Location: Vernon Hills, IL

Department: Marketing

Reports To: Senior Manager, Brand Sourcing

Direct Reports/Manages others: No

Hybrid Schedule: Our hybrid work environment includes two (2) remote days/week.

Rust-Oleum Corporation is a worldwide leader in protective paints and coatings for both home and industry. We offer a wide range of products including decorative fashion paints, durable industrial roof repair coatings and, of course, our famous rust-fighting formula that started it all.

JOB PURPOSE:

Our Sourcing Manager, Projects & New Product Launch will provide support to our Product Teams and internal stakeholders. This is a project management-based position responsible for ensuring timely support of New Product Launch (NPL) activities and other Sourcing initiatives. We are seeking an individual who thrives on building effective business relationships, has a customer-driven focus, and strong follow up skills.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

Project Management & Sourcing

• Work with Product Management Teams to understand upcoming projects and identify potential sources of supply.
• Effectively gather project requirements from Product Management Team and obtain pricing from qualified sources of supply.
• Coordinate cross-functionally to facilitate all New Product Launch-Sourcing activities.
• Lead pre-production manufacturing pilot runs and start-up of new product manufacturing as necessary to assure on-time delivery of parts and a high level of supplier performance.
• Partner with Product Management Teams to understand additional product needs and establish the necessary relationships and programs to leverage these needs.
• Interact with all levels of the organization, including senior level executives.

Cost Reduction / Margin Enhancement

• Lead cost reduction initiatives for assigned brand platforms. Analyze spend and identify margin enhancement opportunities.
• Evaluate supplier quotations and develop negotiation strategies focused on achieving target margins.
• Negotiate pricing, terms, and other contractual issues with suppliers.
• Leverage volume to provide cost-effective solutions while maintaining acceptable inventory levels.
• Collaborate with Product Management, Package Engineering, and Direct Material Sourcing on identification of cost-effective packaging needed for manufacture of Purchase for Resale Finished Goods.

Supplier Relationships

• Writing Request for Quotations (RFQs) to suppliers and complete pricing analysis as needed.
• Lead negotiations with key suppliers for New Product Launch activities, ensuring the supplier has the appropriate capacity and capability to grow with new products while maintaining appropriate service levels for existing programs.
• Assist in problem resolution when needed.
• Facilitate the escalation process to meet production needs.
• Execute strategic plans outlined by the Senior Leadership team.
• Foster supplier relationships that offer win-win results.
• Routinely meet with current suppliers to bring new and improved product solutions forward.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in a business-related discipline
• 3-5 years of Procurement/ or Supply Chain experience
• Strong business acumen
• Ability to successfully multi-task in a fast-paced environment and act as a strong team player
• Experience with project management, expediting and optimizing inventory levels.
• Excellent communication and strong negotiation skills
• This position requires an individual who is self-directed and detail-oriented with an inquisitive nature and the desire to solve problems
• A strong work ethic with a positive "can-do" attitude and one who takes pride in the quality of their work
• Experience managing multiple tasks/projects at one time along with understanding overall direction and goals.
• Proven history in providing influential leadership across functions of the organization such as Marketing, Operations, Procurement and Quality to effectively communicate benefits, challenges and cost initiatives on materials and projects.
• Strong financial/math acumen and prior experience with the collection, interpretation, and analysis of NPD data in support of company strategic initiatives
• Ability to work in a fast-paced environment and strong team player
• SAP & Microsoft (specifically Excel) knowledge preferred.

From big benefits to small, we take care of our associates! After 30 days of employment, you will be eligible for a benefits package that includes medical, dental, life, disability and business travel insurance, flexible spending accounts, EAP, stock purchases and vacation/sick days/parental leave. We also offer a 401(k) plan after three months of employment. Associates are vested in the RPM Pension plan after completing five years of service. Rust-Oleum offers 9 paid holidays and one floating holiday per year. You are also eligible to earn three weeks of vacation on an annualized basis.

Rust-Oleum is an equal opportunity employer. Employment selection and related decisions are made without regard to sex, race, age, disability, religion, national origin, color, or any other protected class.