Global Supplier Manager

Indianapolis-based Herff Jones is the leading provider of graduation and educational products and services designed to inspire achievement and create memorable experiences for students. Herff Jones’ products include class rings and jewelry, caps and gowns, diplomas and announcements as well as motivation and recognition programs. Focused on building long-term relationships through a nationwide network of over 1,400 employees and sales partners, the professionals at Herff Jones have been helping elevate the student experience throughout the lifelong journey of education for more than 100 years. For more information about Herff Jones, please visit www.herffjones.com. As a key member of the Procurement organization, the Global Supplier Manager serves as the strategic business partner responsible for developing and executing supplier strategies that drive value, support business growth, and ensure continuity of supply across a global network of suppliers. This role leads supplier relationship management activities across assigned categories and suppliers, partnering closely with Operations, Finance, Product Development, Quality, and Commercial teams to optimize cost, improve supplier performance, mitigate risk, and deliver innovation. The Global Supplier Manager will leverage market intelligence, strategic sourcing methodologies, and strong commercial acumen to maximize value creation while supporting enterprise objectives. The ideal candidate combines strategic thinking, analytical capability, and supplier relationship expertise to build high-performing supplier partnerships that contribute to long-term competitive advantage.

Responsibilities

Develop and execute category and supplier strategies aligned with corporate objectives; Lead strategic sourcing initiatives, supplier negotiations, and contract renewals across assigned categories; Manage supplier performance through scorecards, business reviews, corrective action plans, and continuous improvement initiatives; Identify and execute opportunities for cost reduction, process improvement, and operational efficiencies in partnership with business stakeholders; Conduct supplier audits, capability assessments, and risk evaluations to support supply continuity and resilience; Utilize spend analytics, benchmarking, and market intelligence to inform sourcing decisions and supplier strategies; Negotiate commercial agreements and ensure adherence to company policies, ethical sourcing standards, and contractual requirements; Support supplier diversification, contingency planning, and supplier development initiatives; Become a trusted advisor to business stakeholders on supplier strategy, market conditions, and sourcing opportunities; Proactively identify and mitigate supplier risks related to quality, delivery, financial stability, capacity, and geopolitical factors; Partner cross-functionally with Operations, Finance, Quality, Product Development, and Legal to ensure supplier compliance, performance, and value delivery; Deliver actionable market intelligence and supplier insights that support business objectives and procurement strategies

Requirements

Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain Management, Business, Engineering, Finance, Operations, or related field; 7+ years of progressive experience in Procurement, Strategic Sourcing, Supplier Management, or Supply Chain leadership; Proven success developing supplier strategies, managing strategic supplier relationships, leading complex commercial negotiations, and delivering measurable sourcing value within a global manufacturing or consumer goods environment; Knowledge of global supply markets, supplier risk management, and supply chain resiliency strategies; Strong analytical capabilities with experience utilizing spend analysis and supplier performance data; Advanced proficiency with Microsoft Excel, Power BI, and procurement systems; Experience collaborating across Operations, Quality, Finance, Product Development, and Legal functions; General experience within a manufacturing environment; Physical requirements: daily activity includes lifting, carrying, sitting, grasping, reaching, standing, kneeling, walking, bending, twisting; reading, communication, math; working at a computer for extended periods; ability to regularly lift/move up to 50lbs; noise level moderate to above

Nice to have

Professional certification such as CPSM, CSCP, CPM, or equivalent; Experience supporting consumer products, apparel, promotional products, educational products, retail, or manufacturing environments; Knowledge of outsourced manufacturing, private label production, and global supplier networks; Familiarity with international suppliers throughout Asia, Europe, Latin America, and North America; Understanding of product lifecycle, demand variability, inventory management, and service-level expectations common within consumer goods industries