at Great Wolf Lodge in Chicago, Illinois, United States
Job Description
Job Description
Job Summary:
The Manager of Retail Sourcing leads sourcing and procurement efforts to ensure product quality, time/cost efficiency, and revenue growth. This role involves strategic sourcing, vendor management, and supply chain optimization to deliver quality products, optimize costs, and mitigate risks. It requires being hands on to build strong supplier relationships, optimize the global supply chain, and ensure product availability and quality across retail and attractions businesses. This individual in this role will report to the VP of Procurement, and will closely support the corporate Retail team.
Responsibilities:
Sourcing Strategy and Negotiation
Develop and implement a comprehensive retail sourcing strategy aligned with company goals.
Identify cost-saving initiatives and vendor consolidation opportunities.
Evaluate suppliers based on quality, cost, reliability, and ethical practices.
Negotiate contracts, pricing agreements, and terms for cost-effective sourcing and timely delivery.
Manage vendor relationships, including onboarding, SLAs, and systems compliance.
Vendor Management
Identify potential suppliers capable of meeting sourcing needs.
Build and maintain strategic relationships with vendors, suppliers, and manufacturing partners.
Ensure vendors deliver against service agreements and terms per GWL vendor requirements.
Cross-functional Collaboration
Collaborate with buying, merchandising, and product development teams to identify new suppliers and source innovative products.
Work with logistics, transportation, and distribution teams to optimize the global supply chain.
Coordinate with the planning team to optimize inventory levels and minimize stockouts.
Supply Chain Optimization
Improve lead times, reduce transportation costs, and mitigate supply chain risks.
Enhance supply chain visibility and transparency.
Further define and standardize a GWL Retail Supplier Management Program
Uphold data integrity and entry per defined guidelines for an new vendors and initial purchases
Profitability and Risk Management
Identify cost-saving opportunities and implement cost reduction strategies.
Track and analyze KPIs related to sourcing activities.
Ensure products are shipped on time to support in-store and online launch dates.
Enforce rigorous quality assurance standards in coordination with the Director of Merchandising.
Risk Mitigation, Resiliency, and Compliance
Identify and assess potential supply chain risks
Develop resiliency and risk mitigation strategies
Ensure compliance with relevant laws, regulations, and ethical standards.
Implement sustainability initiatives, responsible sourcing practices, and CSR programs.
Leadership and Innovation
Seek new opportunities, techniques, and materials to drive product innovation.
Foster a culture of collaboration, accountability, and continuous improvement.
Qualifications
7+ years of experience in strategic sourcing, procurement, or supply chain management
Bachelor's degree
Strong negotiation and contract management skills, with the ability to build and maintain strong relationships with suppliers and vendors.
Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills, with proficiency in cost analysis, financial modeling, and risk assessment.
Knowledge of global sourcing trends, supply chain best practices, and industry standards.
Experience working with cross-functional teams and stakeholders to drive consensus and achieve business objectives.
Strong communication, collaboration, and interpersonal skills, with the ability to influence and inspire others.
Preferred Characteristics:
Strategic mindset, with the ability to develop and execute comprehensive sourcing, vendor management, and supply chain plans aligned with business objectives.
Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to collaborate effectively with cross-functional teams and influence stakeholders at all levels of the organization.
Knowledge of retail industry trends, consumer behavior, and competitive landscape.
Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, dynamic environment and manage multiple projects simultaneously.
Flexibility to travel as needed to visit stores, attend trade shows, and meet with vendors
Motivated, self-starter who end-to-end owns processes and delivers results
