Position Overview
The Executive Director, Strategic Sourcing oversees the activities related to the procurement of materials, equipment, and services for the company. The Executive Director directs the activities of procurement and sourcing teams to accomplish company objectives, using cross-functional knowledge and strong working relationships with budget owners and stakeholders to optimize company spend and total cost of ownership. S/he oversees the entire life cycle of suppliers including identification, selection, on-boarding, and performance management, reviews and approves purchases as authorized, and supports stakeholders and budget owners in negotiating major contracts. Additionally, the Executive Director develops policies and procedures for the operation of procurement activities, monitors the cost, schedule and performance aspects of vendors and contracts, and coordinates procurement activities across departments to ensure that desired inventory, quality, and service levels meet business needs.
Academic Qualification
- BS/BA degree in Business, Supply Chain/Procurement or related field
- Master's degree or MBA preferred
Professional Experience
- 7+ years of experience in sourcing, procurement, and category management
- Extensive leadership experience- including driving development of employees is also required
Professional Certification
Roles and Responsibilities
- Develops strategic plans and authorizes their implementation in support of defined corporate strategies, in alignment with established sourcing and procurement principles.
- Makes final decisions on administrative or operational matters and ensures operations effective achievement of objectives.
- Oversees development and implementation of tactical initiatives through subordinate managers and/or employees.
- Directs the development of new or innovative solutions and uses groundbreaking methods to think beyond existing solutions.
- Acts as the lead point of contact for sourcing needs across the entire company
- Guides the request for proposal (RFP) process (service provider identification, selection, bid review and analysis).
- Oversees the Procurement groups’ day to day activities and issues.
- Supports negotiation of business terms and conditions and directs the management of all company’s purchasing contracts in close cooperation with the other departments.
- Guides internal customers in identifying and resolving outsourcing issues.
- Provides adequate training to internal customers.
- Develops client-vendor relationships and obtains and maintains knowledge of the various sources of available goods and services in the field.
- Coordinates maintenance of up-to-date records for all purchasing contracts, including pricing and terms.
- Identifies, manages and mitigates sourcing risks.
- Supports and coordinates discounts policies with main vendors.
- Develops sourcing processes, procedures, guidelines and templates based on the existing system and develops and implements process improvement methodologies and performance metrics.
- Develops Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs).
- Hires, manages, coaches and trains the Procurement team.
- Performs other duties as assigned.
Competencies
- Extensive leadership experience- including driving development of employees is also required
- Possesses proven management skills with experience building and sustaining sourcing teams
- Advanced knowledge of contracts, negotiation, vendor management, and sourcing strategies
- Demonstrated experience with ERP systems including associated purchasing modules (e.g., ReqLogic, Great Plains)
- Knowledge of continuous improvement methodologies and tools
- Strong organizational and facilitation skills to synthesize data from multiple sources and individuals
- High degree of customer focus
- Acts as a "trusted advisor" across the company and may be recognized as an external expert
Executive Category Sourcing Manager