Senior Sourcing Analyst - Produce

Topco Associates is seeking a Senior Sourcing Analyst to join our Produce Team in Itasca, IL. This is a hybrid role, with work conducted in our Itasca office three times per week and virtually twice per week.

About the role

Topco's mission is to provide solutions for our member owners, regional retailers, and wholesalers, helping them achieve a competitive advantage in the markets they serve. The Senior Sourcing Analyst leads 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.

Responsibilities

• 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.
• 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.
• 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.
• 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.
• 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.
• 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.

Requirements

• 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.
• 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.

Skills

• 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.
• 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.

Schedule

Hybrid role: three days per week in the Itasca, IL office and two days per week virtual.