Freelance Merchant Risk Analyst Jobs in Chicago, IL

A Procurement Specialist/ Analyst will support and execute data-driven sourcing strategies for indirect categories for different business groups within the company. This role sits at the intersection of sourcing and analytics - leveraging supply market research, supplier data, internal forecasting outputs, etc. to inform sourcing decisions.

The ideal candidate has prior hands-on sourcing and contracts experience and is comfortable working with spend management software such as Coupa, SAP Ariba and Zycus, forecasting tools, and BI tools such as Power BI and Tableau, to support supplier strategy and sourcing decisions in a fast-paced environment.

This position is based at our Corporate Headquarters in Wood Dale, IL, with a planned relocation to the Merchandise Mart (Chicago) in early 2027.

What you will be responsible for: 

• Support development of multi-year sourcing strategy for indirect categories
• Support RFPs, supplier negotiations, and award recommendations, ensuring alignment with cost targets, quality requirements and contractual terms.
• Evaluate sourcing options using a Total Cost of Ownership (TCO) framework to support informed supplier selection decisions.
  Supplier Performance and Risk Management
•  Monitor supplier performance against cost, quality, delivery, and turnaround.
• Identify various potential supplier risks such as financial, cyber security, regulatory, etc. and support supplier performance reviews. 
• Work closely with Business Unit Stakeholders / Leaders, Operations, CI, Legal, Risk, and Finance teams to align Procurement with operational and customer requirements.
• Work with Suppliers and internal teams to lead contract reviews, pricing agreements, and service-level terms informed by Business Unit requirements.
• Demonstrate working knowledge of time-series concepts such as trend, seasonality, variability and forecast error.
• Use Microsoft Excel for raw spend data analysis, RFP response analysis, etc. 
• Develop and maintain BI dashboards (Power BI, Tableau, or similar) to track KPIs including cost savings, contract coverage

What you need to be successful in this role: 

• Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain Management, Business, Engineering, Data Analytics or related field.
• 2 years of experience in strategic sourcing, procurement or supply chain roles.
• Prior hands-on sourcing experience is required (RFPs, supplier negotiations, supplier selection).
• Experience using spend management software (Coupa, SAP Ariba, Zycus).
• Experience using BI tools (Power BI, Tableau)
• Proficiency with computer-based applications, such as Microsoft Office suite products.
• Master's degree preferred.
• Experience in aviation MRO, aerospace aftermarket, or similarly regulated environments.
• Familiarity with Indirect P2P tools, such as Coupa, Infor, Ariba is a plus.
• Professional certification (CPSM, CSCP, CIPS) a plus.

The rewards of your career at AAR go far beyond just your salary: 

• Competitive salary and bonus package
• Comprehensive benefits package including medical, dental, and vision coverage.
• 401(k) retirement plan with company match
• Generous paid time off program
• Professional development and career advancement opportunities

Physical Demands/Work Environment:
The physical demands and work environment characteristics described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.
    Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
    While performing the duties of this job, the employee may be regularly required to sit, stand, bend, reach and move about the facility.
    The environmental characteristic for this position is an office setting.
    Candidates should be able to adapt to a traditional business environment.
AAR provides accommodation in accordance with applicable laws through all stages of the hiring process. If you require accommodation for any part of the application and/or hiring process, please advise Human Resources.

Compensation:
The anticipated salary range for this position is $65,000 to $80,000 annually. This range reflects the base salary for candidates who meet the requirements of the role, including experience, education, and location. In addition to base pay, this role is eligible for a 10% bonus opportunity. AAR offers a competitive benefits package, including medical/dental/vision/life/and AD&D insurance, 401(k) savings plan with employer match, paid time off and holiday pay, as well as opportunities for professional development and growth.

#LI-MA1 #LI-ONSITE