What are the responsibilities and job description for the Production Manager position at IMS Integrated Merchandising Solutions?
About The Role
IMS is seeking an experienced Production Manager for our Skokie office. Reporting to the Production Director, you will lead a team of 1-2 procurement professionals while managing high-value branded merchandise projects and vendor relationships. You'll leverage your extensive international buying and negotiation expertise to drive strategic sourcing initiatives, optimize costs, and ensure all client requirements are met efficiently, on-time, and on-budget.
Key Responsibilities
IMS is an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to building a diverse and inclusive team. We encourage all qualified candidates to apply.
Please review our Data Privacy Policy for information on how we will store your application data.
IMS is seeking an experienced Production Manager for our Skokie office. Reporting to the Production Director, you will lead a team of 1-2 procurement professionals while managing high-value branded merchandise projects and vendor relationships. You'll leverage your extensive international buying and negotiation expertise to drive strategic sourcing initiatives, optimize costs, and ensure all client requirements are met efficiently, on-time, and on-budget.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead and mentor a team of 1-2 procurement professionals, fostering development and driving performance
- Manage complex international and domestic vendor negotiations, leveraging extensive buying experience to secure favorable terms and pricing
- Oversee strategic sourcing initiatives and supplier evaluation processes, identifying and vetting new vendors based on capabilities and cost efficiency
- Direct all aspects of branded merchandise project delivery from requirements gathering through final delivery
- Build and maintain strategic vendor partnerships across global markets, ensuring quality standards and reliable supply chains
- Serve as key liaison between internal teams, agencies, clients, and international suppliers
- Manage cross-functional collaboration with Account Managers, Strategic Sourcing, and operations teams
- Implement and optimize procurement processes and systems to drive operational efficiency and scalability
- Lead cost reduction initiatives and supply chain improvements aligned with client and organizational goals
- Provide strategic recommendations on sourcing decisions and procurement best practices
- Ensure achievement of SLAs, KPIs, and contractual requirements across all assigned projects
- Support Account Managers with strategic guidance on vendor capabilities and project feasibility
- 8 years of procurement, vendor management, or international buying experience
- Proven track record of managing complex overseas negotiations and global supply chains
- Experience leading and developing procurement teams
- Advanced proficiency with procurement systems, project management platforms, and Microsoft Office Suite
- Exceptional negotiation and relationship-building skills with international vendors
- Strategic thinking with ability to identify sourcing opportunities and drive cost efficiencies
- Strong analytical and problem-solving capabilities
- Excellent communication skills across multiple stakeholder levels
- Experience with branded merchandise, promotional products, or manufacturing preferred
- Commitment to IMS principles: Passion, Collaboration, Integrity, Inventiveness, and Proactivity
- Competitive salary with performance-based incentives
- Medical, dental, vision coverage (including family-forming and gender-affirming benefits)
- 401(k) with match
- Short and long-term disability insurance
- Generous PTO and hybrid work policy
- Training, development, and tuition reimbursement
- Peer recognition program
- Access to Omnicom Employee Resource Groups
- Leadership development opportunities
IMS is an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to building a diverse and inclusive team. We encourage all qualified candidates to apply.
Please review our Data Privacy Policy for information on how we will store your application data.