Sports Memorabilia Sourcing and Product Buying Manager

Ultimate Autographs

Sports Memorabilia Sourcing and Product Buying Manager

Burr Ridge, IL
Full Time
Paid
  • Responsibilities

    Benefits:

    401(k)

    401(k) matching

    Dental insurance

    Employee discounts

    Health insurance

    Paid time off

    Vision insurance

    About the Role

    Ultimate Autographs, a fast-growing e-commerce and sports memorabilia company, is hiring a Sports Memorabilia Sourcing & Product Buying Manager to lead the procurement of autographed memorabilia and collectible products. If you love sports, thrive in a fast-paced environment, and have a knack for strategic sourcing and supplier management, this role is for you.

    You will be responsible for sourcing high-quality sports memorabilia—including helmets, jerseys, balls, trading cards, and more—while maintaining strong supplier relationships and ensuring inventory meets customer and operational demands.

    Key Responsibilities

    Product Sourcing & Buying

    Identify and source high-quality, in-demand memorabilia and collectible products

    Manage purchasing strategy to maintain optimal inventory levels across all athlete tiers (A, B, C List)

    Conduct tiered purchasing analysis to prioritize high-velocity, high-margin athletes and items

    Supplier Relationship Management

    Develop and maintain strong supplier relationships to ensure cost, quality, and delivery targets are met

    Negotiate pricing, terms, and delivery timelines with suppliers

    Monitor and evaluate supplier performance using weekly scorecards and quarterly reviews

    Inventory Strategy & Demand Planning

    Partner with inventory and warehouse teams to maintain accurate stock levels

    Analyze product sales velocity and forecast future demand to inform buying decisions

    Work cross-functionally with on-air talent, marketing, and warehouse ops to ensure inventory supports sales goals

    Data Management & Reporting

    Maintain procurement reports, dashboards, and supplier KPIs using tools like Google Sheets and Ninety.io

    Assist with standard operating procedures (SOPs) for procurement and buying processes

    Prepare data for quarterly business reviews and leadership updates

    Athlete Signing & Show Coordination

    Manage the logistics of athlete signings and industry events, including travel, shipping, and inventory prep

    Travel 3–4 times per year (local and out-of-state) to oversee event execution

    Operational Supplies Procurement

    Purchase necessary supplies like boxes, bags, and packaging to support order fulfillment

    Preferred Qualifications

    5+ years in procurement, sourcing, or supply chain—preferably in e-commerce or collectibles

    Strong knowledge of the sports memorabilia industry and athlete popularity dynamics

    Proven experience with cost reduction, supplier negotiations, and supply continuity

    Analytical and data-driven decision maker with strong proficiency in Google Workspace (especially Sheets)

    Excellent communication and collaboration skills; ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment

    Location: In-Office, Burr Ridge, IL

    Why Join Ultimate Autographs?

    You’ll join a passionate, sports-loving team that thrives on delivering high-quality memorabilia to fans across the country. In this role, your sourcing and buying expertise will directly impact growth and customer experience. We’re a collaborative, agile team that values ownership, execution, and innovation.