Sports Memorabilia Sourcing and Product Buying Manager
Full Time • Burr Ridge
Responsive recruiter
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.
Compensation: $70,000.00 - $80,000.00 per year
Looking to start a career in the fast-paced world of sports memorabilia?
Ultimate Autographs is looking for hard-working professionals who are both passionate about their craft AND passionate about sports.
About Ultimate Autographs:
At Ultimate Autographs, our mission is to ensure every customer feels like a VIP, while providing 100% authentic autographed sports memorabilia.
Ultimate Autographs take pride in dealing with professional athletes and working ethically in all areas of the sports memorabilia industry. We want to ensure the highest quality and authenticity of each and every single item.
Ultimate Autographs take pride in dealing with professional athletes and working ethically in all areas of the sports memorabilia industry. We want to ensure the highest quality and authenticity of each and every single item.
Ultimate Autographs caters to the needs of sports fans and collectors who are passionate about owning genuine memorabilia. We've been focused on growing our name within the sports memorabilia world, and most importantly, cultivating a team of great people who come to work each day excited about interacting with customers and like-minded fans!
The Ultimate Autographs Sports Memorabilia Mystery Box is the internet's most trusted, unique and sought-after sport memorabilia collecting experience! Collectors are able to purchase a box from a Mystery Box Series and experience the excitement of opening their box in comfort of their home or join the experience live during our daily shows streamed over several platforms on Facebook, YouTube and Twitch!
The Ultimate Autographs Sports Memorabilia Mystery Box is the internet's most trusted, unique and sought-after sport memorabilia collecting experience! Collectors are able to purchase a box from a Mystery Box Series and experience the excitement of opening their box in comfort of their home or join the experience live during our daily shows streamed over several platforms on Facebook, YouTube and Twitch!
We are located just outside Chicago, IL in the town of Burr Ridge. We are only thirty minutes from downtown Chicago and less than twenty minutes from Downers Grove, La Grange, and Bolingbrook.
(if you already have a resume on Indeed)