Sourcing Manager – Remote, Hybrid or In-Office Opportunity
Production Solutions, a member of the Moore family of companies, is an industry leader and expert in direct mail production management. We believe breakthrough results come from inspired people, ambitious thinking, impeccable service, and a spirit of working together. We listen, understand, strategize, create, and execute direct mail campaigns within annual fundraising programs. We are bold and resourceful; solving problems and hustling for our clients and each other is what we love to do. Conveniently located close to Tyson’s Corner, you can work from our office or embrace our strong, collaborative, telecommuting culture. Either way, the result is the same – a challenging and rewarding career with an employer who genuinely cares and a leadership team that drives the company towards an even brighter and more exciting future.
Reporting to the Director of Resource and Postal Affairs, you will play a key role in building competitive solutions for new and existing client production proposals. You will research innovative formats and test new package ideas in a position that encourages and supports creative solutions. Acting as an internal resource for operations topics such as supplier management, commodity tracking, and postal affairs, you will use your knowledge of USPS regulations and direct mail fundraising concepts. Success will require you to collaborate across internal teams effectively and build strong, trusting relationships with our clients.
Working on multiple projects, you will expertly manage your internal and external client needs, averting preventable issues, problem-solving, working under pressure and responding swiftly to changes. We need you to think strategically while understanding the ‘big picture’ vision for the department and companywide.
Essential Responsibilities
Produce Budgets and Request for Proposals (RFPs) for Business Development and Production for prospective and existing client Direct Mail programs. Receive and Vet Requests, Review Supplier Capabilities, and Gather Pricing, Prepare Sourcing Strategies and pass off to Production at the execution level. Proactively identify and present additional production solutions on economic formats to drive cost efficiencies.
Lead key projects to support organizational KPIs and initiatives.
Research innovative formats and new/test package ideas for Production, Client Strategy, and Business Development teams. Work closely with suppliers and internal teams to bring creative formats and solutions to the table that are production ready.
Serve as a resource on Supplier Viability Management, Postal Affairs, and Mail Tracking topics.
Support clients Informed Delivery Campaigns by facilitating requests with the USPS.
Collaborate with Business Development and Production on package design and sourcing strategies. Partner with these teams on resolutions around print quality, pricing, and scheduling.
Research and help qualify new vendors to fill capacity needs, discover innovative formats, new package designs, and production capabilities. Assist with new vendor onboarding, which includes kick-off meetings and pricing confirmations.
Train new Production Account Management Staff when they first join our organization.
Monitor industry market and commodity pricing.
Support proprietary bidding program operations and functions.
Support internal communications from the Resource Team. Manage the Resource documents on Common Locations (Public Folders and Intranet).
Research target markets, emerging markets, industry news, and opportunities related to the direct mail industry and fit our Company type.
If needed, assist with Production press approvals – following established QCs and SOPs.
Participate in workshops, seminars, and/or coursework in Direct Mail/Marketing/Production/Postal Topics to ensure industry knowledge.
Attend internal meetings as scheduled.
Qualifications and Skills
Bachelor’s degree in a related discipline (business, marketing, communications, graphic arts, print production management); minimum 4-7 years prior client-based experience in direct mail/marketing industry with a comprehensive understanding of the printing and mailshop industry; or equivalent combination of education and experience. Non-profit experience a plus.
Minimum of 3 years of experience estimating and/or bidding experience.
Working knowledge of USPS regulations for direct mail products and services is strongly preferred. Knowledge of postal logistics and consolidation methods a plus.
Excellent writing skills; prior experience in responding to quote requests and creating RFPs.
Working knowledge of direct mail fundraising concepts and production terminology.
Working knowledge in design, composition, print art, and digital art, preferred.
Working knowledge in printing methods, data processing, personalization, mail shop operations, and equipment.
Specific computer skills, including Windows-based applications (MS Office Suite) and supplemental machinery, including printers, scanners, and copiers.
Working knowledge of Adobe Acrobat and data manipulation software used by clients and suppliers, preferred but not required.
Superior customer/client service and vendor relations skills focus on tact, diplomacy, and rapport building.
Strong attention to detail with superior organizational skills.
Excellent people skills can work in a team environment and foster positive and collaborative work habits.
Excellent project planning and problem-solving skills; ability to set milestones and administer an action plan.
Excellent presentation skills for both internal and external appearances during meetings, expositions, conferences, etc.
Strong verbal and written communication skills; ability to communicate technical information to non-technical audiences – either staff or client.
Ability to conduct client, supplier, and company relationships with a high degree of integrity and professionalism in a supportive, respectful manner.
Self-starter with experience within a fast-paced, high-energy environment.
What’s Attractive to the Right Candidate?
We invest time and effort in our staff and provide gold standard training and learning programs
You will have the option to work from our offices in the well-located Tyson’s Corner area, or remotely, or a combination of the two
This is an outstanding opportunity to learn from a manager who is an expert in their field
This is a challenging rewarding role with the potential for professional growth
We want you to succeed. You’ll have lots of support – we work in close-knit team where everyone will pitch in to help each other
Employee Benefits
We have a competitive benefits package: complete major medical/dental/vision plans (coverage starts the 1st day of the month following your start date) and life insurance, AD&D, and short-term disability coverage paid by the employer. We also offer additional voluntary life insurance and voluntary long-term disability. A Flexible Time Off (FTO) policy, five sick days allowance, and 11 paid holidays. Optional benefit flex-spending account (medical and dependent care), a 401(k) plan, and $150 monthly tax-free reimbursement for cell phone, internet, or health club membership or equipment.
Production Solutions is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate in hiring or employment based on race, color, religion, national origin, citizenship status, age, disability, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, veteran status, or any other characteristics protected by applicable federal, state, or local laws, regulations, or ordinances. We are committed to diversity in the workplace and promote a drug-free environment.
Productions Solutions is a member of the Moore Enterprise.
LA Associates, and Production Solutions is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate in hiring or employment based on race, color, religion, national origin, citizenship status, age, disability, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, veteran status or any other characteristics protected by applicable federal, state or local laws, regulations or ordinances. We are committed to diversity in the workplace and promote a drug-free environment.
