Head of Creative Sourcing, Scenic Fabrication & Procurement - WNDR Museum (Chicago, IL)
About WNDR
WNDR Museum is an interactive experience: a multi-sensory showcase of art and technology. Our message is simple: We are all artists. And as artists, our visitors are more than passive onlookers. Whatever they do in our museum, IS art.
WNDR is a collective of thinkers, artists, poets and designers, working at the intersection of art and technology. The expansive programs put forth as a collective hub includes our museums, creative studio, and bold collaborations. At WNDR, you’ll have the opportunity to work directly with hands-on leaders and mission-driven individuals everyday.
About the role
We are seeking a Director of Creative Sourcing & Procurement to identify potential suppliers, analyze capabilities, capacity, and develop sourcing strategy at WNDR (headquartered in Chicago, IL). The position reports to WNDR’s President and will help develop co-manufacturing strategy for current and new product lines.
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Salary
$125K/yr - $175K/yr + Bonus
Preferred Qualifications
5+ years of experience in creator/creative and maker sourcing and procurement; set design/exhibit sourcing and creation
Bachelor's degree in business, supply chain management, or related field
Proven track record of negotiating contracts and achieving cost savings
Strong understanding of procurement software and systems
Excellent communication and leadership skills
Ability to build and maintain relationships with suppliers
Experience with State procurement policy and procedures
Strong Business Results Orientation: Ability to align Procurement agenda with broader business parameters
Strong analytical and problem-solving skills
Adapts and thrives in a demanding, start-up, fast-paced environment
Creative Thinker that values innovation and effectively blends creative competence with excellence
Ability to work independently and manage multiple projects simultaneously
Commitment to ethical and sustainable procurement practices
Responsibilities
Understand, discover and partner with reliable vendors and suppliers across the “maker and creator community”
Research and anticipate shifts in the negotiating power of suppliers
Develop effective negotiation strategies and secure profitable deals
Development of KPIs for strategic sourcing with cyclical delivery which drives continuous improvement
Take ownership of training program to empower internal customer base
Managing and cultivating new and existing relationships with a large portfolio of supply vendors, and international manufacturers
Recruit and nurture additional purchasing talent
Manage workflow from initiation to completion
Formulate, manage, and execute cost savings and innovation proposals
Develop and implement forward thinking procurement strategies to both optimize spending and minimize risk and generate savings
Creation of effective preferred supplier program and instillation of organizational discipline on onboarding new vendors
Integrate the procurement functions for acquired companies, and rapidly leveraging the added volume
Set policy and guidelines for delivering commercial and cost-effective purchasing process for the business
Technological Aptitude: Given the interactive technological exhibits, we’re seeking candidates who are comfortable with emerging technologies and can effectively curate/identify resources procure components or services related to these exhibits
Digital Vendor Management: A track record of effectively managing relationships with technology and other vendors, fostering collaboration and ensuring timely delivery of tech solutions
Cost-Efficient Solutions: A knack for engineering/creating cost-effective technology and other solutions without compromising on quality, ensuring optimal use of resources
Adoption of Emerging Tech: A proactive attitude towards adopting emerging technologies
Technical Negotiation Skills: Experience effectively negotiating terms and contracts related to technology, understanding the intricacies of licensing, warranties, and ongoing support
Continuous Learning: Technology evolves rapidly, so we’re looking for candidates committed to continuous learning, staying informed about the latest trends and advancements in the tech industry.
Ensure our entire events business is continuously vibrant, compelling and competitive
We’re excited to hear from you. At WNDR, we are passionate about finding people to continuously help us grow our organization. We encourage you to apply, even if your experience doesn’t match every detail of the job description. If we don’t see something that immediately fits, we will keep your resume on file for future opportunities.
WNDR Museum warmly welcomes people of all ages, identities, ethnicities, beliefs, religions, and backgrounds to join our team. WNDR is an equal opportunity employer, fully committed to achieving an inclusive and diverse workplace and we strongly encourage nontraditional candidates to apply. We hold ourselves to our commitment and continuously strive to attract, engage, and grow with our talented team.
