Strategic Sourcing Specialist - Marketing

Aramark • Full-time • Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States • 1d ago

Job Description

The Strategic Sourcing Specialist - Marketing is a procurement professional responsible for the end-to-end sourcing lifecycle for Marketing-related categories. This role serves as a strategic business partner to Marketing and Communications functions, driving value through sourcing strategy, supplier qualification, contract negotiation, and post-award administration. The position operates within a matrix structure and requires a self-directed individual who can navigate complex organizational dynamics while delivering results.

Job Responsibilities

This role leads strategic sourcing across Marketing spend categories, bringing hands-on marketing procurement expertise and the ability to manage multiple complex initiatives simultaneously in a fast-paced, matrixed environment. The Specialist will assess supplier markets, identify cost-saving opportunities, and exercise sound judgment to influence outcomes without direct authority.
Specific responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

Marketing
● Lead strategic sourcing for Marketing categories: Marketing Services, Brand & Creative, Media & Advertising, and Digital Marketing Technology
● Develop and execute RFx processes (RFP, RFQ, RFI) in partnership with Marketing, Legal, and Digital Technology stakeholders
● Draft and negotiate complex contracts including agency-of-record agreements, media buys, MSAs, licensing agreements, pricing models, SLAs, and non-standard terms & conditions
● Develop Statements of Work for marketing engagements; ensure alignment with business requirements and procurement standards
● Manage creative and media agency relationships — including qualification, onboarding, performance evaluation, and renewals; assess vendor-proposed price increases and negotiate to secure value or offset escalation
● Partner directly with Marketing leadership to align sourcing strategies with brand objectives, campaign timelines, communications priorities, and business requirements
● Support digital marketing technology procurement including SaaS platforms, analytics tools, and content management systems

General
● Ensure all procurement activities adhere to internal policies and Federal regulations; maintain compliance documentation across supported programs
● Operate effectively within a matrix structure, influencing cross-functional stakeholders including Legal, Finance, Marketing, Operations, and executive leadership
● Identify, assess, and mitigate supply chain and contractual risk; build supplier relationships to drive continuous improvement and value realization
● Prepare and present category strategies, sourcing recommendations, and performance reporting to leadership

Qualifications

● Bachelor's degree in Business, Marketing, Supply Chain, or related field
● 3+ years of hands-on strategic sourcing/procurement experience with demonstrated expertise in Marketing-related categories
● Direct experience sourcing one or more Marketing categories, including Marketing Services, Creative & Brand, Media & Advertising, Digital Marketing Technology, promotional services, market research, and/or public relations
● 2 years of proven ability to develop SOWs and MSAs, independently lead RFx events, and negotiate complex commercial contracts; experience partnering with Legal to progress redlines and drive timely resolution
● Strong business acumen with analytical, problem-solving, and critical thinking skills; ability to manage multiple priorities independently
● Exceptional written and verbal communication skills; able to present effectively at all organizational levels and with external suppliers
● High degree of professionalism, integrity, and sound business judgment

Preferred
● MBA or advanced degree
● Experience with procurement systems and contract management platforms
● ISM CPSM or equivalent procurement certification

Travel
Minimal; as needed to support business requirements.

This role may have physical demands including, but not limited to, lifting, bending, pushing, pulling and/or extended walking and standing. This role may also require uniforms and/or usage of Personal Protective equipment (PPE).

Benefits

Aramark offers comprehensive benefit programs and services for eligible employees including medical, dental, vision, and work/life resources. Additional benefits may include retirement savings plans like 401(k) and paid days off such as parental leave and disability coverage. Benefits vary by location and are subject to any legal requirements or limitations, employee eligibility status, and where the employee lives and/or works. For more information about Aramark benefits, click here Aramark Careers - Benefits & Compensation.

There is no predetermined application window for this position, the position will close once a qualified candidate is selected. Qualified applicants with arrest or conviction records will be considered for employment in accordance with applicable law, including, but not limited to, the Los Angeles County Fair Chance Ordinance for Employers, the California Fair Chance Act, and the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance to the extent that those laws apply to the opportunity.

About Aramark

Our Mission

Rooted in service and united by our purpose, we strive to do great things for each other, our partners, our communities, and our planet.

At Aramark, we believe that every employee should enjoy equal employment opportunity and be free to participate in all aspects of the company. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, age, sex, gender, pregnancy, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information, military status, protected veteran status or other characteristics protected by applicable law.

About Aramark

The people of Aramark proudly serve millions of guests every day through food and facilities in 15 countries around the world. Rooted in service and united by our purpose, we strive to do great things for each other, our partners, our communities, and our planet. We believe a career should develop your talents, fuel your passions, and empower your professional growth. So, no matter what you're pursuing - a new challenge, a sense of belonging, or just a great place to work - our focus is helping you reach your full potential. Learn more about working here at http://www.aramarkcareers.com or connect with us on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.