There’s never been a better time to join Stratus! As the market leader in brand implementation and maintenance, we transform how national brands connect with their customers. From exterior signage & interior branding to site refresh & remodel, from energy & lighting to repair & maintenance solutions, we deliver ideal solutions to meet all our client's branding needs.

From our locations across the country, to our corporate headquarters in Mentor, Ohio, every employee is a stakeholder in Stratus’ success. This environment offers endless career opportunities for individuals with a commitment to customer service, focus on execution and bias for action.

Job Summary: Are you passionate about driving supplier excellence and delivering value across the supply chain? Stratus is seeking a Value Chain Manager to join our team and lead the strategic management of key supplier relationships. This newly created position offers a unique opportunity to shape how we engage with our third-party manufacturing partners to support business growth, operational performance, and supply chain resilience.

As a Value Chain Manager, you will be responsible for monitoring and executing any supplier agreements that are established for assigned partners while partnering across teams to ensure quality, service, cost, and continuity objectives are met. Your efforts will directly contribute to the success of our production operations and long-term customer satisfaction.

Strategic Vendor Management:

• Support and implement supplier management strategies aligned with overall business goals.
• As directed, Negotiate and manage supplier contracts to secure favorable terms and minimize risk.
• Build and maintain collaborative relationships with a portfolio of strategic suppliers.
• Monitor supplier performance through regular evaluations and proactively resolve issues.

Sourcing and Procurement:

• Conduct market research to identify and assess suppliers based on cost, quality, capacity, and reliability.
• Lead supplier selection processes using data-driven evaluation criteria.
• Maintain and continuously update a centralized supplier matrix to support supply chain and procurement decisions.

Cost Optimization and Savings:

• Partner with stakeholders to identify and execute cost-saving opportunities throughout the supply chain.
• Negotiate competitive pricing and commercial terms to drive long-term value.
• Monitor industry trends and supplier market shifts to inform sourcing strategies.

Data Analysis and Reporting:

• Analyze supplier performance, cost trends, and service levels to identify areas for improvement.
• Prepare and deliver regular reports on supplier scorecards, procurement costs, and key performance indicators (KPIs).
• Use data insights to guide sourcing decisions and operational improvements.

Quality Management:

• Collaborate with internal Quality teams and suppliers to ensure adherence to performance and compliance standards.
• Lead investigations, root cause analysis, and corrective action for supplier-related quality issues.
• Track quality metrics and support supplier development and continuous improvement efforts.

Production Oversight:

• Ensure suppliers meet production timelines, capacity requirements, and service level agreements.
• Coordinate schedules between internal teams and suppliers to avoid delays and disruptions.
• Proactively manage risks in the supply and production process to protect business continuity.

Inventory Control & Supply Continuity:

• Align supplier output with demand planning and inventory targets across key product lines.
• Monitor inventory performance to reduce excess, avoid shortages, and support operational flow.
• Contribute to supply continuity strategies including alternate sourcing, safety stock, and buffer planning.

Continuous Improvement:

• Identify and implement process enhancements in supplier engagement, performance tracking, and sourcing efficiency.
• Stay informed on best practices in supply chain management, procurement, and third-party manufacturing.
• Collaborate across functional teams to drive alignment and long-term supplier performance.

• Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain Management, Business Administration, Purchasing/Procurement, or a 4-year degree in a business-related field (preferred).
• 2+ years of experience in supplier/vendor management or a related role.
• Proven track record of success in negotiating and managing supplier contracts.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with a data-driven approach.
• Excellent communication, interpersonal, and negotiation skills.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team in a fast-paced environment.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite and related software applications.
• Ability to travel 25% at minimum.

Why Work With Us

• Supportive & Friendly Culture
• Manage national accounts for Fortune 500 companies
• Medical, Dental, Vision coverage options
• Flexible Spending & Health Savings Accounts
• Company paid Life Insurance
• 401k with Employer Contribution
• Company paid Short/Long Term Disability
• Generous Paid Time Off program + Holidays
• Career Growth Opportunities and Career Mapping
• Additional perks including Pet Insurance, Employee Assistance Program, Educational Assistance Program, Identity Theft Protection, Critical Illness Plans, Commuter Benefits and various employee discount offerings from our Vendors

The starting base salary for this position is $80,000 annually, with potential for higher compensation based on experience and qualifications.

EEO/MFDV