Denver, CO — We are Artifact Uprising (AU), a hyper growth company focused on superior quality, technology and elevated design. We are redefining the way a new generation of consumer brings their photos off their device and into their life. Our products have been featured and used by Oprah, Brene Brown, Joy Cho, Goop, Vogue and In Style. But we are just getting started. We attribute our success to a workplace that empowers its people to tackle tough problems, move fast and think outside of the box. Through this, we foster a company culture that is always growing, always reaching, and always looking to see things differently.

Although we’re already an Inc 5000 fastest growing company we are searching for a Strategic Sourcing Manager who can join the Operations team as we help AU reach the top 500 of this list. We are looking for someone to implement an improved supplier strategy and help us take a profitable, growing the company to the next level. You enjoy resolving supply chain inefficiencies by hunting for suppliers, materials, or process improvements that can make your team and your partners better, faster, and more efficient. You take pride in the quality of products that are made under your watch and strive to have high level of sustainability throughout the supply chain. You are innovative and love collaborating both supplier partners and with functional departments (Creative, Finance, Forecasting/Merchandising, Customer Service, Marketing, etc.) to find innovative, creative ways to reduce lead-times and COGS while establishing sources for unique, high-quality products.

The Day-to-Day

• Strategy: Establishes strategic plan for sourcing of all materials to optimize cost, production/delivery time, quality, and scalability. Works with Operations team and across existing and new supplier base to implement strategy
• Sourcing: Identifies and qualifies new vendors based on capability, cost, capacity, location, quality, financial stability
• Cost: Negotiates pricing, establishes quantity driven price breaks, arranges for cost savings sharing
• New Contract Creation: Establishes all performance standards, improvement commitments, technical requirements, Service Level Agreement times (lead-times), costs, and quality requirements. Negotiates terms and conditions of the initial service level agreement with each new supplier or service provider
• Contract Renegotiations: Collaborates with Operations team and leads renegotiation of updates to service agreement to achieve Artifact Uprising’s needs in cost, quality, lead-times, capability, capacity and customer service, IT, and general continuous improvement
• New Products Management: Project manager for all samples, new products being developed, and all product revisions/optimizations
• Product Change Management: Review and manage change control of new AU products, validation of new vendor equipment, processes, products to ensure conformity to AU standards
• Vendor Manual: Develop and manage the AU supplier manual outlining key supply chain and quality production requirements including code of conduct, quality standards, packaging, shipping carton/label markings, on-time shipping and purchase order compliance
• Audit: Establish inspection requirements for each new vendor (in-house or 3rd party). Schedule and manage inspections, including in-line and random. Review, analyze, and communicate inspection results to the AU Ops team as well as make recommendations for overall quality improvements
• Continuous Improvement: Collaborate with the Artifact Uprising Materials Manager to leverage lean manufacturing/Six Sigma concepts and DMAIC methodology with vendors to instill a culture of continuous improvement by monitoring vendor quality related metrics, identifying improvement initiatives, collaborating with vendors to develop and implement improvements, and share cost savings where applicable

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in a Supply Chain or Business Administration field
• 5+ years of relevant work experience in a relevant supply chain role with an emphasis on sourcing; preferably in the print industry
• Experience implementing and RFQ/RFP processes and successfully leading renegotiations resulting in reduced costs with partners.
• Proven experience establishing and negotiating service level agreements, supply agreements, service contracts, etc. resulting in improved costs, quality, lead-times, and service.
• Strong knowledge of Six Sigma concepts and lean methodologies, especially as they pertain to supply chain management; Six Sigma Green Belt strongly desired
• A deep understanding of supply chain and supplier excellence analytics and metrics ideally in an eCommerce retailer environment
• Demonstrated experience working collaboratively throughout the supply chain team, across functional areas, and with supplier base to address issues, develop solutions, implement improvements, and deliver results.
• Strong communication skills both written and verbal
• Exceptional organizational skills and attention to detail
• Strong multi-tasking skills, calm demeanor, and natural ability to prioritize effectively to meet deadlines
• A positive attitude and preference for working on a team in an open, trusting, collaborative and candid environment
• Proficient in Gmail, Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint
• Desire to grow along with the Artifact Uprising team – ready to adapt and pivot in an entrepreneurial start-up environment

Nice to Have

• Six Sigma Black Belt Certification
• Prior experience in manufacturing, especially in the printing industry
• Experience with a start-up company (preferably an eCommerce retailer) and helping them grow and scale
• Advanced degree (MBA or Masters in Supply Chain Management) or other evidence of continuing education
• APICS CPIM or CSCP certification or ISM CPSM certification

Artifact Uprising® is a Colorado-based company that creates premium quality, customizable photo goods for your digital photos. Driven by the belief that everyone has a story to tell, the company is known for elevated design and thoughtfully sourced materials. Signature products include the Layflat Album touting ultra-thick pages and foil-stamped covers, textured matte Everyday Prints, and a line of customizable frames.

Job Perks

Health, vision and dental insurance for families, flexible vacation policy, gym reimbursement, 401(k) matching plan and commuter benefits.

Why Artifact Uprising?

Creative Freedom

We value the creative process and look to our employees to speak into Artifact Uprising products, identity and approach – regardless of position or title. We look for driven people who demonstrate initiative to take the company to the next level.

The Working Life

We strive to create a workplace where everyone works hard but also has the flexibility and balance to enjoy life outside of the office.

It Won’t Be Boring

We are a small company with big ideas - and we recognize it will take every last one of us to reinvent the way brands approach business. We believe a good workplace empowers its team to rise to new challenges, expand their skill sets and think outside of the box. Through this, we foster a company culture that is always growing, always reaching, and always looking to see things differently.