Strategic Sourcing Manager

Job Summary:

The Indirect Strategic Sourcing Manager is responsible for leading and managing the strategic sourcing activities for indirect spend categories. This role involves identifying and implementing cost-effective procurement strategies, optimizing supplier relationships, and ensuring that non-product-related expenditures are aligned with business goals and objectives. The position requires strong analytical skills, market knowledge, and the ability to collaborate with cross-functional teams.

Duties and Responsiblites:

1.    Strategic Sourcing & Supplier Management:

•    Develop and implement strategic sourcing plans for various indirect categories (e.g., IT, marketing services, travel, HR services, facilities management, etc.).

•    Lead supplier selection and negotiation processes, ensuring optimal pricing, quality, and service levels.

•    Build and maintain strong relationships with suppliers, ensuring continuous improvement and value generation.

2.    Cost Optimization & Savings Initiatives:

•    Identify cost-saving opportunities through process improvements, supplier consolidation, and strategic negotiation.

•    Collaborate with internal stakeholders to drive cost reduction initiatives and achieve savings targets.

3.    Monitor and track savings performance against established goals.Market Intelligence & Trend Analysis:

•    Continuously monitor market conditions, industry trends, and supplier capabilities to inform sourcing strategies.

•    Conduct market research to assess potential suppliers and opportunities for innovation and efficiency.

4.    Cross-Functional Collaboration:

•    Partner with internal business units (e.g., finance, legal, operations) to understand their needs and ensure sourcing strategies align with business goals.

•    Provide advice and guidance to internal stakeholders on sourcing best practices and supplier performance.

5.    Contract Management:

•    Oversee the negotiation and execution of contracts with suppliers, ensuring that terms and conditions protect the organization’s interests.

•    Ensure compliance with corporate policies and legal requirements.

6.    Risk Management:

•    Assess and mitigate risks related to supply chain disruptions, supplier performance, and contract compliance.

•    Develop contingency plans to ensure continuity of supply for critical indirect services.

7.    Performance Monitoring & Reporting:

•    Track and report on the performance of suppliers and sourcing initiatives, providing regular updates to leadership.

•    Use data-driven insights to evaluate supplier performance and identify opportunities for improvement.

8.    Process Improvement & Best Practices:

•    Drive continuous improvement initiatives in sourcing processes, ensuring efficiency, transparency, and compliance.

•    Stay updated on best practices in sourcing, procurement technology, and trends to enhance overall sourcing effectiveness.

 Experience and Education

•    Education: Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Supply Chain Management, or related field. A master’s degree or certifications in quality management 

 (e.g., Six Sigma, ISO 9001) is a plus.

•    Experience: At least 5 years' experience in a similar position with a focus on indirect strategic sourcing.

•    Strong experience in managing indirect categories such as IT, facilities, HR, Capital Equipment, Operational supplies, and professional services

•    This position may require occasional travel.

•    Strong knowledge of procurement processes, supply chain management, and strategy development process.

•    Expertise in supplier negotiation, contract management, and cost optimization.

•    Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills with the ability to make data-driven decisions.

•    Strong communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to influence and collaborate effectively across all levels of the organization

•    Mastery of IT and office automation tools.

•    Fluent English and an additional language could be a plus (Spanish, French)

•    Ability to work cross-functionally and manage multiple stakeholders.

•    Clear and concise communication

•    Conflict Resolution: Handle conflicts constructively and diplomatically, ensuring that issues are resolved in a way that maintains a positive working environment

•    Ability to evaluate situations, data, and processes to assess problems and develop strategies to improve quality outcomes

•    Decision Making: Making informed and timely decisions, especially in situations where there is uncertainty or ambiguity.

•    Managing Change: Ability to adapt to changes in industry standards, technology, or organizational priorities. This includes leading teams through change smoothly.