Sourcing Manager- IT

Company Introduction

Lindt & Sprüngli is a Swiss chocolate manufacturer and recognized as a global leader in the market for premium chocolate, offering a large selection of products around the world. Lindt & Sprüngli looks back on a long-standing tradition of 175 years during which it has become known as one of the most innovative and creative companies making premium chocolate under the key brand Lindt.

Lindt & Sprüngli (North America) Inc. is the holding company of the US family of companies Ghirardelli Chocolate Company, Lindt & Sprüngli (USA) Inc. and Russell Stover Chocolates Inc. Lindt & Sprüngli (North America) Inc. offers a shared-services model acting as the Center of Excellence for the North American market by providing world-class Supply Chain, Project Management, Information Technology, and additional business services to the local entities.

This is an exciting time to join our company as we are further accelerating the success story and market expansion over the next years. High performing, entrepreneurial, result driven and passionate employees are key success factors for Lindt & Sprüngli. We are warmly welcoming ambitious talents to join us.

What Lindt & Sprüngli Offers

• A highly passionate team driven for success
• A fast-changing business environment and entrepreneurial mindset
• Central and prime office location in Kansas City next to the Plaza
• US or international career opportunities within the Lindt Group
• Opportunities to be involved in employee committees
• A flexible work environment offering a hybrid model
• Market competitive compensation, annual bonus and benefits
• And of course – delicious premium chocolate!
  
  

Lindt & Sprungli wants employees who align to our core values:

• Excellence: You have passion for what you are doing and strive for excellence
• Innovation: You are constantly looking for new and better ways to deliver success
• Entrepreneurship: You are empowered and accountable for your actions and results
• Responsibility: You act with integrity and treat everyone with respect
• Collaboration: You support your colleagues across disciplines, business segments and geographies
  
  

Job Description Summary

The Sourcing Manager- IT will be responsible for executing sourcing activities, managing supplier relationships, negotiating contracts, and implementing cost-saving initiatives in the IT category across Ghirardelli, Lindt & Sprüngli (USA), and Lindt & Sprüngli North America. The Sourcing Manager will collaborate closely with internal stakeholders and suppliers to drive operational procurement excellence in IT and Facilities Management, requiring strong cross-departmental stakeholder management and the ability to influence decision-making across diverse functions.

The position maintains alignment with the global procurement strategy and the directives of the Head Group Indirect Procurement in Lindt International.

This position is a hybrid role that can be located in Kansas City, MO, Stratham, NH, or San Leandro, CA.

This position is not eligible for relocation.

Essential Functions

Category Strategy Development and Execution

• Develops category strategies for Indirect materials and services in close collaboration and alignment with the Sourcing Director Indirects, focusing on cost, quality, and supplier alignment with organizational goals.
• Supports the development and implementation of sourcing strategies across relevant Indirect categories within IT using the 7-step sourcing process.
• Conducts market analyses to identify trends, risks, and opportunities across main spend categories in scope.
• Build and maintain strategic relationships with suppliers, negotiating favorable terms for quality, cost, and supply assurance.
  
  

Contract Negotiation & Execution

• Leads contract negotiations with suppliers to secure favorable terms, conditions, and pricing, balancing quality, service, risk management, and cost objectives.
• Ensure robust contracts are developed, that support long-term supplier relationships and protect the company's interests.
• Ensure that all contract terms align with legal and compliance requirements, as well as the organization’s procurement strategies.
• Ensure suppliers comply with the agreed contractual terms, in collaboration with the relevant functions.
• Ensure agreements with Group suppliers are correctly implemented across the relevant subsidiaries in North America, collaborating closely with Group Indirect Procurement where appropriate
  
  

Manage and Prioritize Procurement Project Pipeline

• Work with business partners across functions to understand and support their procurement requirements, building a yearly pipeline of projects with associated benefit targets in alignment with the functions
• Maintain sourcing project tracker updated with latest project information and status.
• Proactively manage cross-departmental stakeholders (IT, Finance, Legal, Supply Chain, and local business units) to align priorities, resolve trade-offs, and influence outcomes that enable timely sourcing decisions and execution.
  
  

Cost-Savings Program and Execution

• Execute cost-saving initiatives through strategic sourcing, supplier consolidation, and process efficiencies.
• Track and report sourcing savings, ensuring alignment with annual cost-saving targets.
• Participate and key contributor to any cost savings ideation workshop with the relevant functions
• Partner with suppliers to identify cost-saving opportunities while ensuring continuous improvement in quality, service, and efficiency.
• Collaborate with the Group Indirect Procurement team to support the execution of global initiatives.
  
  

Procurement Process & Execution Compliance

• Ensure procurement processes follow company policies, procurement best practices, and governance standards.
• Support the rollout of procurement systems and tools, assisting in system adoption across teams.
• Maintain procurement documentation and records, ensuring full traceability for audits and internal reviews.
• Ensure compliance with Supplier Code of Conduct and Corporate Social Responsibility requirements.
  
  

Supplier Performance and Risk Management

• Collaborate across functions to monitor supplier performance vs. agreed quality and service standards.
• Implement supplier scorecards and conduct regular performance reviews with largest suppliers, ensuring improvement plans are in place where necessary.
• Identify potential risks and develop contingency plans to protect the organization from supply interruptions or volatility.
  
  

Basic Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Supply Chain Management, or a related field; Master’s degree preferred.
• Minimum of 8 years of experience in driving category management and strategy, supplier management and contract negotiations.
• Minimum of 4 years of experience across indirect procurement categories, with a preferred solid knowledge in IT.
• Proficiency in procurement systems, ERP platforms, and e-sourcing tools (Coupa, Ariba).
• Strong analytical skills with the ability to track and report procurement savings.
• Knowledge of procurement policies, compliance requirements, and supplier risk management.
• Excellent problem-solving, organizational, and cross-functional collaboration skills.
  
  

Personal Characteristics

• Detail-Oriented: Ensures procurement accuracy and compliance with contracts.
• Execution-Focused: Drives day-to-day procurement processes efficiently.
• Strong Negotiator: Capable of securing optimal pricing and contract terms.
• Problem-Solver: Resolves supplier and procurement issues effectively.
• Analytical Thinker: Uses data to identify savings and improve sourcing decisions.
• Collaborative Team Player: Builds trust quickly, manages cross-functional stakeholders effectively, and influences without authority to drive alignment and results.
  
  

Company Description

Lindt and Sprüngli (North America) Inc. is the Supply Chain and Business Shared Services Company supporting the Lindt & Sprüngli family of brands (Lindt USA, Ghirardelli Chocolates and Russell Stover Chocolates), headquartered in Kansas City, MO.

Employment by Lindt & Sprüngli (North America) Inc. is contingent upon I-9 Employment Eligibility Verification, passing the urinalysis drug screen, and satisfactory employment and background checks.

Lindt & Sprüngli (North America) Inc. is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of age, race, color, national origin, sex, marital status, sexual orientation and gender identity, disability, veteran status, pregnancy, or any other status protected by law. Principals only, please.