Global Supplier Manager

Position Title: Global Supplier ManagerLocation: Indianapolis, INStarting Pay for position: 100-130k

JOIN OUR TEAM!About Herff Jones: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.Here's How You'll Make an Impact:

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.

What we want you to accomplish:

Become a trusted advisor to business stakeholders on supplier strategy, market conditions, and sourcing opportunitiesDevelop and execute global supplier strategies that drive cost optimization, service excellence, innovation, and business continuityLead strategic supplier relationships, negotiations, and sourcing initiatives that deliver productivity, cost reduction, cost avoidance, and value creationImplement supplier performance management programs utilizing scorecards, business reviews, and continuous improvement plansProactively identify and mitigate supplier risks related to quality, delivery, financial stability, capacity, and geopolitical factorsPartner cross-functionally with Operations, Finance, Quality, Product Development, and Legal to ensure supplier compliance, performance, and value deliveryDeliver actionable market intelligence and supplier insights that support business objectives and procurement strategies

Core Activities:

Develop and execute category and supplier strategies aligned with corporate objectivesLead strategic sourcing initiatives, supplier negotiations, and contract renewals across assigned categoriesManage supplier performance through scorecards, business reviews, corrective action plans, and continuous improvement initiativesIdentify and execute opportunities for cost reduction, process improvement, and operational efficiencies in partnership with business stakeholdersConduct supplier audits, capability assessments, and risk evaluations to support supply continuity and resilienceUtilize spend analytics, benchmarking, and market intelligence to inform sourcing decisions and supplier strategiesNegotiate commercial agreements and ensure adherence to company policies, ethical sourcing standards, and contractual requirementsSupport supplier diversification, contingency planning, and supplier development initiatives

Success Indicators:

Strategic Thinking: Develops long-term supplier strategies that deliver measurable business value and align with enterprise goalsRelationship Management: Builds strong, collaborative relationships with suppliers and internal stakeholders while managing performance expectationsCommercial Acumen: Understands supplier economics, cost structures, market dynamics, and contractual impacts to drive optimal business outcomesAnalytical Capability: Uses data, market intelligence, and supplier performance metrics to identify opportunities and inform decision-makingRisk Management: Proactively identifies, assesses, and mitigates supplier and supply chain risksCommunication & Influence: Communicates recommendations and supplier insights to executive leadership and cross-functional stakeholdersDrive & Accountability: Takes ownership of supplier performance, sourcing initiatives, and continuous improvement activities, delivering measurable results

Education / Certifications Required:

Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain Management, Business, Engineering, Finance, Operations, or related field7+ years of progressive experience in Procurement, Strategic Sourcing, Supplier Management, or Supply Chain leadershipProven success developing supplier strategies, managing strategic supplier relationships, leading complex commercial negotiations, and delivering measurable sourcing value within a global manufacturing or consumer goods environmentKnowledge of global supply markets, supplier risk management, and supply chain resiliency strategiesStrong analytical capabilities with experience utilizing spend analysis and supplier performance dataAdvanced proficiency with Microsoft Excel, Power BI, and procurement systemsExperience collaborating across Operations, Quality, Finance, Product Development, and Legal functionsProfessional certification such as CPSM, CSCP, CPM, or equivalent preferred

General experience within a manufacturing environment

Preferred Experience in Consumer Goods Industry:

Experience supporting consumer products, apparel, promotional products, educational products, retail, or manufacturing environmentsKnowledge of outsourced manufacturing, private label production, and global supplier networksFamiliarity with international suppliers throughout Asia, Europe, Latin America, and North AmericaUnderstanding of product lifecycle, demand variability, inventory management, and service-level expectations common within consumer goods industries

Physical Requirements:

Daily activity includes but is not limited to lifting, carrying, sitting, grasping, reaching, standing, kneeling, walking, bending, twistingReading, communication, mathWorking at a computer for extended periods of timeAbility to regularly lift/move up to 50lbsNoise level in the work environment is usually moderate to above

Herff Jones, Inc. and its affiliates are equal opportunity employers and maintain affirmative action plans to recruit, retain, develop, and promote qualified individuals without unlawful consideration of race, gender, gender identity, color, religion, sexual orientation, national origin, age, disability, citizenship status, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local law. Herff Jones strives to maintain a work environment free from unlawful discrimination and harassment, where associates are treated with respect and dignity.Any employment agency, person or entity that submits a résumé into this career site or to a hiring manager does so with the understanding that the applicant's résumé will become the property of Herff Jones. Herff Jones will have the right to hire that applicant at its discretion without any fee owed to the submitting employment agency, person or entity.