Assoc Mgr Strategic Sourcing

Staples is business to business. You’re what binds us together. 

Our merchandising team aims to deliver the best value and selection to our customers through products, services and solutions all centered around our customers’ needs. We are driven by customer insights and analytics to bring products and solutions to market seamlessly. We’re inclusive, well-rounded professionals who have deep experience in buying, selling, negotiating, operations, design, innovation, finance and more. 

Join our Strategic Sourcing team and help shape the cost, quality, and supplier strategies behind Staples Own Brand products. In this highly visible role, you will lead sourcing events, analyze cost drivers, negotiate with suppliers, and partner across the business to recommend where products should be sourced and at what cost. 

What you will be doing: 

• Lead Strategic Sourcing Events, Requests for Proposal (RFPs), and Requests for Quote (RFQs) that support an effective domestic sourcing strategy. 

• Evaluate supplier proposals and directly negotiate cost, quality, service, and commercial terms for Own Brand products. 

• Perform detailed net cost analyses that incorporate business requirements and translate findings into clear sourcing recommendations. 

• Monitor raw material, labor, overhead, supply chain, and other market cost drivers to identify proactive cost-management opportunities. 

• Use proprietary cost-modeling software and market insights to recommend actions that improve product costs and supplier performance. 

• Partner cross-functionally with Global Sourcing, Quality, Product, Procurement, Operations, Finance, Legal, and other stakeholders to align on sourcing decisions. 

• Own commercial relationships with awarded domestic suppliers and help resolve product quality, safety, service, and operational performance issues. 

• Present sourcing strategies, performance metrics, recommendations, and project updates to senior and executive leaders. 

• Continuously improve sourcing processes, adopt new technologies, and anticipate changing market conditions. 

What You Bring to the Table: 

• Strategic, proactive thinking with the ability to turn complex cost and market data into actionable recommendations. 

• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with sound business judgment. 

• Excellent negotiation, communication, and presentation skills. 

• Ability to build trusted relationships with suppliers and internal stakeholders at all levels. 

• Strong organization and project management skills, with the ability to manage multiple priorities independently. 

• Adaptability and comfort working in a dynamic, evolving environment. 

What’s needed: Basic Qualifications: 

• Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Supply Chain Management, Manufacturing, or equivalent work experience.  

• 5+ years of experience in strategic sourcing, procurement, manufacturing, project management, merchandising, or a related field. 

• Experience with strategic sourcing, supplier management, and contract or commercial negotiation. 

• Strong proficiency in data analysis and Microsoft Office, including Excel, Word, and PowerPoint. 

• Demonstrated ability to work independently and manage multiple sourcing projects simultaneously. 

Preferred Qualifications: 

• Master’s degree in Business Administration, Supply Chain Management, or a related field. 

• Professional certification such as CPSM (Certified Professional in Supply Management) or CPM (Certified Purchasing Manager). 

• Experience with procurement software, cost-modeling tools, and ERP systems. 

• Knowledge of strategic sourcing best practices, manufacturing and production processes, and emerging market trends. 

We Offer: 

• Inclusive culture with associate-led Business Resource Groups 

• Flexible PTO (22 days) and Holiday Schedule (7 observed paid holidays) 

• Online and Retail Discounts, Company Match 401(k), Physical and Mental Health Wellness programs, and more! 

The salary range represents the expected compensation for this role at the time of posting. The specific base pay may be influenced by a variety of factors to include the candidate's experience, skill set, education, geography, business considerations, and internal equity.  In addition to base pay, this role may be eligible for bonuses, or other forms of variable compensation.