MANAGER STRATEGIC SOURCING

Company:Toys "R" Us, Inc.Location: Wayne, NJPosition Type: Full Time, EmployeeCompany:Toys "R" Us, Inc.Reference Id:00187ABOUT US...If you are a hardworking, dedicated kid-at-heart who enjoys working in the retail industry, then a position at Toys”R”Us may be the ideal career opportunity for you. Because Toys”R”Us has a proud heritage of understanding and appreciating children and the value of play in their lives, we are recognized worldwide as THE toy authority. With nearly 60 years in the toy business and stores in 32 countries around the world, Toys”R”Us understands what kids want.Toys”R”Us is one of the leading specialty toy retailers in the world. Currently, we sell merchandise through more than 1,400 stores, including nearly 600 stores in the U.S. and almost 650 international toy stores, including licensed and franchised stores, as well as through our website at www.toysrus.com. Babies”R”Us is the largest baby product specialty store chain in the world and a leader in the juvenile industry, and sells merchandise through nearly 250 stores in the U.S., as well as on the internet at www.babiesrus.com.With attractive growth potential, competitive benefits package and a proven leadership position in the toy industry, Toys”R”Us could offer you an exciting career in retail. MANAGER STRATEGIC SOURCING Job SummaryThe Strategic Sourcing Manager will develop and execute sourcing strategies on assigned categories of spend in support of department’s strategic initiatives.  Sourcing strategies include elements of spend analysis, sourcing opportunity assessment, supply market research, sourcing strategy execution and the overall supplier management process (including new supplier research, qualification and on-boarding, and the performance management of TRU’s existing supplier base).  The incumbent will be the point of contact and enabler of direct sourcing opportunities by driving analysis and facilitation of well defined requirements as part of product development process, in support of strategic sourcing methodology.  The Manager will also provide alignment and integration across multiple disciplines (Product Development, Merchants, Product Engineering, TRU Asia based sourcing), as it relates to the sourcing process.  Tasks and Responsibilities  Perform spend analysis and opportunity assessment on assigned product categories (based on spend, value chain, supplier type, etc). Develop, coordinate and execute sourcing strategies (competitive bidding, auctions, line reviews) to drive COGS reductions and speed to market. Enable and optimize direct sourcing opportunities by collaborating/influencing product development process, supplier selection and product design.  Work closely with Product Engineering function in prioritizing and delivering cost savings opportunities. Develop strategies to optimize supplier base.  This includes consolidation, expansion or shifts of supplier base as required. Identify new suppliers capable of meeting all TRU requirements, while reducing COGS. Bachelor's degree is required; Master's degree is preferred.  Qualified candidate must have a minimum of five years of sourcing experience, with complementary product development/supply chain management experience.  Hard goods experience and a retail background is preferred.  Vendor interaction, strategic sourcing and pricing negotiation background are also essential.  Essential skills include excellent written and verbal communication, proven negotiation and analytical skills, demonstrated ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously, results-oriented and ability to successfully work within diverse cultures. Must be proficient in Microsoft software programs.