Strategic Sourcing Manager

JOIN THE BEST TEAM IN SPORT & SPIRIT At Varsity Brands, we believe every student deserves the opportunity to succeed and every educator wants to make a difference. It takes a team to make a real impact, and through our two divisions – BSN SPORTS and Varsity Spirit – and our network of 6,000+ employees and independent representatives, we are proud to partner with a wide range of educational institutions and club and professional sports to transform the student journey in SPORT and SPIRIT. WORK TYPE: Hybrid LOCATION DETAILS: 14460 Varsity Brands Way, Farmers Branch, TX 75244 Please note: This position does not offer relocation assistance. Candidates must be able to work from the designated location without company-sponsored relocation WORK HOURS: M-F, 8-5p / 9-6p (Friday WFH) HOW YOU WILL MAKE AN IMPACT The Strategic Sourcing Manager is responsible for developing and executing sourcing strategies to ensure that a company's procurement operations are cost-effective, efficient, and aligned with overall business objectives . This role involves identifying , evaluating, and selecting suppliers, negotiating pricing, managing supplier relationships, and driving cost-effective sourcing practices globally. The individual will ensure that procurement operations align with the company’s goals, supply chain requirements, and sustainability objectives . WHAT YOU WILL DO Global Sourcing Strategy: Develop and execute a global sourcing strategy to meet the company’s objectives , balancing cost, quality, and delivery timelines across regions. Supplier Selection and Management: Identify , evaluate, and onboard global suppliers. Build and maintain strong, long-term relationships with key suppliers to ensure high-quality products/services and reliability. Negotiation: Negotiate best pricing with suppliers. Drive cost savings through effective apparel negotiation best practices and continuous supplier evaluation . Cost Optimization: Continuously monitor and analyze sourcing performance to identify opportunities for cost reductions, process improvements, and efficiency gains. Market Research and Analysis: Conduct market research to stay updated on global sourcing trends, pricing, and supplier innovations. Assess supplier performance and market conditions regularly to adjust sourcing strategies. Cross-functional Collaboration: Work closely with product development, procurement, quality assurance, finance, and logistics teams to ensure alignment of sourcing strategies with business needs and goals. Risk Management: Identify and mitigate sourcing risks, such as geopolitical factors, supply chain disruptions, and currency fluctuations. Develop contingency plans to ensure continuity of supply. Sustainability and Compliance: Ensure sourcing practices are aligned with corporate sustainability goals, ethical sourcing standards, and compliance with global regulatory requirements. Reporting and Metrics: Develop and present reports on sourcing activities, supplier performance, cost savings, and strategic initiatives to senior management. QUALIFICATIONS KNOWLEDGE/SKILLS/ABILITIES Proven experience in supplier negotiation and relationship management. Strong apparel/soft lines cost negotiation and communication skills specific to apparel/ softlines product lines Familiarity with fabric-raw material textiles Proficient in apparel/ softlines development process which includes full product lifecycle management activities ( i.e. pattern/grading; construction sew; etc.) In-depth knowledge of apparel/ softlines sourcing strategies and supplier relationship management Strong financial acumen to understand and interpret financial data, including budgets, cost structures, and key metrics Analytical skills with the ability to assess data and market trends Cross-cultural competency and experience managing international suppliers Ability to influence key stakeholders while managing processes Organizes, plans, and manages projects Evaluates and makes sound decisions and understands complex issues EDUCATION/EXPERIENCE 4-year College degree or equivalent business experience preferred Five to Ten years’ experience in sourcing, procurement, product development , or supply chain management, with a proven track record of managing sourcing functions in a global environment. PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS This job operates in a professional office environment. Largely a sedentary role with some filing requiring the ability to lift files, open filing cabinets and bending or standing on a stool as necessary. The ability to sit or stand for long periods through meetings and while operating office equipment, PC’s, laptop, telephone will be required. While performing the duties of this Job, the employee is regularly required to sit; use hands to finger, handle, or feel; reach with hands and arms and talk or hear. The employee is occasionally required to stand; walk; drive, climb, balance, stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl. During events, the ability to stand and walk for long periods of time (5 hours plus) is required. The ability to communicate with customers and colleagues using the following but not limited to radio, walkie talkie, text message and email is required. The ability to lift, bend, push, pull and manipulate equipment that is a minimum of 30 lbs. is required. #LI-KG1 Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities required of the employee for this job. OUR VALUES Service - We lead with heart. We champion community. Passion - We love what we do. It fuels our purpose. Integrity - We do what we promise. We own our actions and decisions. Respect - We earn it by giving it. Because everyone deserves it. Innovation - We never stop striving to be better. For ourselves and our community. Transparency - We are committed to openness and honesty in everything we do. OUR BENEFITS We are committed to putting you and your families first. For benefits eligible roles, we offer a variety of choices and costs as well as program enhancements that align with our responsibility to elevate the employee experience. Some of our offerings include: Comprehensive Health Care Benefits HSA Employer Contribution/ FSA Opportunities Wellbeing Program 401(k) plan with company matching Company paid Life, AD&D, and Short-Term Disability Generous My Time Off & Paid Holidays Varsity Brands Ownership Program Employee Resource Groups St. Jude Partnership & Volunteer Opportunities Employee Perks including discounts on personal apparel and equipment! Varsity Brands companies are equal opportunity employers. Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, religion, color, national origin, citizenship, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, veteran’s status, age or disability.