Senior Sourcing Analyst - Produce

Overview

Topco Associates is currently seeking a Senior Sourcing Analyst to join our Produce Team in Itasca, IL. This position will be a hybrid role, with the successful candidate conducting work in our Itasca office three times per week and virtual twice per week.

 

Topco's mission is to provide solutions for our member owners, regional retailers and wholesalers, and help them achieve a competitive advantage in the markets they serve. We aspire to develop high-performing teams to resemble the diversity of our members' shopper communities to drive greater innovation and creativity that ultimately enhances our business results and the value Topco provides to its membership.

 

The Senior Sourcing Analyst is responsible for leading the strategic sourcing, procurement, and category management activities for assigned Produce categories. This role develops and executes sourcing strategies that optimize total cost of ownership, maximize member participation, strengthen supplier partnerships, and enhance the competitive position and profitability of Topco member companies.

 

Working closely with Category Managers, suppliers, member companies, and cross-functional partners, the Senior Sourcing Analyst leads complex sourcing initiatives, analyzes market and commodity trends, develops business recommendations, and drives continuous improvement across assigned categories. This position serves as a subject matter expert for the Produce business and plays a key role in delivering value, operational excellence, and exceptional customer service to Topco members.

Responsibilities

Strategic Sourcing & Category Management

• Lead the development and execution of sourcing strategies for assigned Produce categories.
• Manage category reviews from planning through implementation, ensuring timely execution and actionable recommendations for members.
• Conduct market research, supplier analysis, and commodity assessments to identify sourcing opportunities and mitigate supply risk.
• Evaluate supplier capabilities and recommend supplier selection based on quality, service, cost, innovation, and long-term value.
• Lead supplier negotiations and contract recommendations that support Topco's sourcing objectives.
• Monitor commodity markets and proactively communicate trends, risks, and opportunities impacting assigned categories.
• Identify productivity improvements, cost savings, and value creation opportunities across the category portfolio.

 

Analytics & Business Insights

• Analyze category performance, supplier performance, pricing, and market data to develop meaningful business insights and recommendations.
• Prepare financial analyses, sourcing models, and executive-level presentations supporting category strategy and member decision-making.
• Develop category expertise through ongoing market research, competitive analysis, and industry trends.
• Utilize data to identify opportunities to improve member participation, supplier performance, and overall category profitability.

 

Supplier & Member Relationship Management

• Develop and maintain strong strategic relationships with suppliers and member companies.
• Serve as a trusted advisor by providing category expertise, sourcing recommendations, and timely responses to member inquiries.
• Resolve supplier service, quality, and operational issues while maintaining positive business relationships.
• Partner with Program Management and other internal teams to maximize program participation and member value.
• Present category reviews, sourcing recommendations, and business updates to internal and external stakeholders.

 

Operational Excellence

• Support forecasting and volume planning activities.
• Review and oversee purchase order activity, cost page maintenance, item setup, and supplier information to ensure accuracy.
• Resolve purchase order, invoice, and pricing discrepancies.
• Ensure data integrity within Topco business systems and maintain accurate category documentation.
• Support implementation of new products, supplier transitions, and other category initiatives.

Cross-Functional Leadership

• Lead cross-functional sourcing initiatives involving suppliers, members, and internal business partners.
• Mentor and provide guidance to Category Analysts and other team members by sharing category knowledge and best practices.
• Collaborate with Finance, Supply Chain, Quality Assurance, Program Management, and other functional areas to achieve category objectives.
• Participate in departmental initiatives designed to improve sourcing processes, reporting,