Sourcing Operations Analyst - REI (Recreational Equipment Inc.)

The Sourcing Operations Analyst contributes to REI’s success by providing insightful analytics, fostering strong vendor relationships, and delivering operational support to achieve our procurement goals. We seek a candidate with exceptional analytical skills and the ability to solve complex problems, ultimately presenting actionable recommendations. In this dynamic role, you’ll collaborate with cross-functional partners to make informed judgments related to spending categories and daily operations. You will identify trends and utilization patterns while understanding key business and strategic relationships. Responsibilities include driving analytics and reporting to support business case development, continuous improvement initiatives, and daily operations within the department.

The ideal candidate will bring excellent organizational skills to effectively manage multiple projects simultaneously and adapt to evolving priorities. Therefore, solid analytical and financial acumen, coupled with experience in project and vendor management, are essential. Effective written and verbal communication skills are critical for success in this position.

At REI, we appreciate people who embody a continuous improvement mindset, a can-do attitude, and an entrepreneurial spirit. As a member of our team, you’ll uphold REI's guiding values and mission, demonstrating the highest standards of business professionalism and ethics. Join us in driving success and making a positive impact at REI!

• Streamline operations and facilitate efficient sourcing practices to meet organization demands. Evaluate procurement and operations data, identifying cost savings opportunities, and providing support in executing tactical purchasing strategies.
• Evaluate supplier capabilities, performance metrics and adherence to corporate standards. Provide thorough scrutiny of spending patterns and supplier performance to pinpoint opportunities for savings and process enhancements.
• Work collaboratively to identify areas for automation within the vendor management function to improve process efficiency and effectiveness.
• Monitor and evaluate operational statistics, reports, trends, variances, and issues to support business needs.
• Support the implementation of direct sourcing strategies to meet business needs, ensuring clear communication of sourcing strategy and direction. Assist management in developing annual and long-term business and financial plans for operations teams.
• Develop presentations with supporting analytics on cross divisional and operational assessments.
• Identify sourcing needs, develop buyer/market profiles, identify trends, savings opportunities, and define service levels in partnership with internal clients.
• Identify opportunities for cost optimization through strategic sourcing, supplier consolidation and process enhancements.
• Generate reports for negotiations and quarterly business reviews (QBR) through examination of product cost data, margin targets, and historical performance.
• Develop and manage operational reporting, analytics, and data governance for KPI and scorecard metrics.
• Deep experience with MS tools, SQL, and tools such as Sigma, PowerBI/Apps, and Tableau is required and essential for building reporting toolsets.
• Extensive experience querying large data sets and familiarity with data base structure.
• Maintain supplier relationship management processes and implement continuous improvement goals and cost-saving initiatives.
• Manage contract system and portfolio integrity, including GPO contracts. Be the subject matter expert (SME) for process and technology initiatives.
• Facilitate cross-departmental initiatives and work collaboratively with multiple departments and external partners.
• Manage relationships with internal stakeholders (merchandising, legal, supply chain) and external vendors.

Preferred:

• 4-7 years of experience in purchasing, vendor management, sourcing, and operations in Retail, Merchandising, Apparel, or similar categories.

Required:

• Deep understanding of the merchandising and/or retail industry landscape.
• Ability to develop and manage complex sourcing category profiles and planning documents.
• Mastery in MS Office (Excel, Access, Project, PowerPoint, Word) and proficiency in using technology solutions.
• Experience with SQL, data and visualization tools (i.e. Sigma, Tableau), Power BI/Apps and Smartsheet.
• Proven critical thinking and organizational skills and attention to detail.
• 3-5 years of sourcing strategy development, contract negotiation, contract analysis, and drafting skills in Technology, Marketing, or Supply Chain categories.
• Ability to create, assess, and negotiate complex contracts with minimal guidance.
• Understanding of business and legal risks within contracts.
• Extensive experience leading and collaborating with cross-divisional project teams.
• Ability to influence leadership cross-divisionally to develop, roll out, and continuously improve procurement and supplier relationship processes.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills. Ability to convey information clearly and accurately to various stakeholders.
• Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, ambiguous, ever-changing environment.

At REI, we believe the outdoors is for all. We are committed to becoming a fully inclusive, anti-racist, multicultural organization. We know that there's strength in our diversity – that each employee brings unique skills, experiences, and perspectives. Every day you are driving change, fostering a culture of respect, and knowing you're backed by benefits that support your whole life. To work towards this commitment and fulfill our brand promise of inspiring and enabling a life outside for everyone, we seek employees who demonstrate different ways of working, create a sense of belonging, and actively listen and learn.