Sourcing Associate Jobs in Illinois (NOW HIRING)

Topco Associates is currently seeking a Senior Sourcing Analyst to join our Produce Team in Itasca, IL. This position will be a hybrid role, with the successful candidate conducting work in our Itasca office three times per week and virtual twice per week.

Topco's mission is to provide solutions for our member owners, regional retailers and wholesalers, and help them achieve a competitive advantage in the markets they serve. We aspire to develop high-performing teams to resemble the diversity of our members' shopper communities to drive greater innovation and creativity that ultimately enhances our business results and the value Topco provides to its membership.

The Senior Sourcing Analyst is responsible for leading the strategic sourcing, procurement, and category management activities for assigned Produce categories. This role develops and executes sourcing strategies that optimize total cost of ownership, maximize member participation, strengthen supplier partnerships, and enhance the competitive position and profitability of Topco member companies.

Working closely with Category Managers, suppliers, member companies, and cross-functional partners, the Senior Sourcing Analyst leads complex sourcing initiatives, analyzes market and commodity trends, develops business recommendations, and drives continuous improvement across assigned categories. This position serves as a subject matter expert for the Produce business and plays a key role in delivering value, operational excellence, and exceptional customer service to Topco members.

Strategic Sourcing & Category Management

• Lead the development and execution of sourcing strategies for assigned Produce categories.
• Manage category reviews from planning through implementation, ensuring timely execution and actionable recommendations for members.
• Conduct market research, supplier analysis, and commodity assessments to identify sourcing opportunities and mitigate supply risk.
• Evaluate supplier capabilities and recommend supplier selection based on quality, service, cost, innovation, and long-term value.
• Lead supplier negotiations and contract recommendations that support Topco's sourcing objectives.
• Monitor commodity markets and proactively communicate trends, risks, and opportunities impacting assigned categories.
• Identify productivity improvements, cost savings, and value creation opportunities across the category portfolio.

Analytics & Business Insights

• Analyze category performance, supplier performance, pricing, and market data to develop meaningful business insights and recommendations.
• Prepare financial analyses, sourcing models, and executive-level presentations supporting category strategy and member decision-making.
• Develop category expertise through ongoing market research, competitive analysis, and industry trends.
• Utilize data to identify opportunities to improve member participation, supplier performance, and overall category profitability.

Supplier & Member Relationship Management

• Develop and maintain strong strategic relationships with suppliers and member companies.
• Serve as a trusted advisor by providing category expertise, sourcing recommendations, and timely responses to member inquiries.
• Resolve supplier service, quality, and operational issues while maintaining positive business relationships.
• Partner with Program Management and other internal teams to maximize program participation and member value.
• Present category reviews, sourcing recommendations, and business updates to internal and external stakeholders.

Operational Excellence

• Support forecasting and volume planning activities.
• Review and oversee purchase order activity, cost page maintenance, item setup, and supplier information to ensure accuracy.
• Resolve purchase order, invoice, and pricing discrepancies.
• Ensure data integrity within Topco business systems and maintain accurate category documentation.
• Support implementation of new products, supplier transitions, and other category initiatives.

Cross-Functional Leadership

• Lead cross-functional sourcing initiatives involving suppliers, members, and internal business partners.
• Mentor and provide guidance to Category Analysts and other team members by sharing category knowledge and best practices.
• Collaborate with Finance, Supply Chain, Quality Assurance, Program Management, and other functional areas to achieve category objectives.
• Participate in departmental initiatives designed to improve sourcing processes, reporting, and operational effectiveness.

Continuous Improvement

• Identify opportunities to streamline sourcing processes and improve operational efficiency.
• Recommend and implement best practices that improve member service, supplier performance, and sourcing outcomes.
• Participate in special projects and perform other duties as assigned.

PERFORMANCE EVALUATION CRITERIA

Successful performance of these job functions should result in:

• Successful execution of strategic sourcing initiatives.
• Increased member participation and category value.
• Strong supplier relationships and improved supplier performance.
• Accurate, data-driven business recommendations supporting category decisions.
• Effective management of commodity and supply risks.
• Continuous improvement of sourcing processes and operational efficiencies.
• High levels of customer satisfaction among members and internal stakeholders.
• Timely completion of category reviews and special projects.

Education

• Bachelor's degree in Business Administration, Finance, Economics, Accounting, Supply Chain Management, Marketing, or a related field required.
• MBA or other advanced business degree preferred, but not required.

Previous Experience

• Five or more years of progressive experience in category management, sourcing, procurement, merchandising, retail operations, consumer packaged goods, Produce, or related business functions.
• Experience leading sourcing initiatives, supplier negotiations, and cross-functional business projects.
• Grocery retail, wholesale, Produce, or food industry experience preferred.
• Experience analyzing market, pricing, supplier, and commodity data to support business decisions.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

• Strong understanding of strategic sourcing, procurement, and category management principles.
• Excellent analytical, quantitative, and problem-solving skills.
• Advanced Microsoft Excel skills with strong proficiency in PowerPoint and other Microsoft Office applications.
• Ability to interpret market data, commodity trends, and financial information to develop business recommendations.
• Excellent written, verbal, and presentation skills with the ability to communicate effectively across all levels of the organization.
• Strong project management and organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities simultaneously.
• Demonstrated negotiation and supplier relationship management skills.
• Ability to influence cross-functional teams and build collaborative working relationships without direct authority.
• Customer-focused mindset with a commitment to delivering exceptional service to member companies.
• Ability to learn and effectively utilize Topco business systems.
• Willingness to travel as business needs require.

Other Qualifications

• Demonstrates initiative, accountability, and sound business judgment.
• Ability to work independently while contributing to a collaborative team environment.
• Strong attention to detail with a continuous improvement mindset.
• Proven ability to lead through influence and successfully manage complex business initiatives.
• Passion for developing category expertise and identifying opportunities that create long-term value for Topco members.

Topco strives for an inclusive workplace that reflects our member shopper's communities. If your experience similarly reflects what you see listed in the job description, please consider applying, as individuals come with a wealth of experience and talent beyond just the technical requirements of a job. Diversity of experience and skills combined with passion is a key to innovation and excellence; therefore, we encourage individuals from all backgrounds to apply to our positions.

Topco is an equal employment opportunity employer, dedicated to a policy of non-discrimination in employment on any basis, including age, sex, color, race, creed, national origin, ancestry, religion, sexual orientation, marital status, political belief, veteran's status, or disability that does not prohibit performance of essential job functions. Please let us know if you require accommodations during the interview process.

• Medical coverage through Blue Cross Blue Shield (PPO and HDHP offered)
• Health Savings Account
• Dental coverage
• Vision coverage
• Annual flexible spending accounts
• Tuition Reimbursement
• Competitive 401(k) match
• Generous PTO offered