Director, Strategic Sourcing

In this role, the successful candidate will focus on positioning our organization as a trusted partner to our internal stakeholders, help standardize and streamline processes, champion internal changes where needed. The leader will be responsible for leading a team of Sourcing and Category Managers and managing spend across portfolio of categories including IT, Professional Services, Sales & Marketing, G&A etc. 

As the Director of Strategic Sourcing, you would implement the sourcing strategy for major spending categories across the portfolio that deliver tangible value to the business while increasing internal stakeholder satisfaction. You would be responsible for driving both direct and indirect cost reduction initiatives to improve EBITDA. You will need to work closely with key stakeholders internally and build long-term strategy & execute tactical short-term actions aligned with strategic objectives. You will need to strengthen existing supplier partnerships as well as build new ones in line with the strategy.

You will be responsible for creating and enforcing policies to drive/enable the category strategies, drive process improvement/simplification, and optimize Sourcing resources that deliver improved operational efficiency and/or enhance the value to businesses. This role with report to the head of Strategic Sourcing & Procurement. 

Key Responsibilities:

• Implement Sourcing Strategy: Lead the execution of strategic sourcing strategies to optimize the procurement of goods and services in line with company objectives. This includes identifying opportunities for cost reduction, risk mitigation, and driving efficiency.
• Strategic planning: Create proactive sourcing plans by working closely with functional groups to understand their long-term needs and incorporate those insights into your sourcing operational strategy. 
• Process & Governance: Develop, implement, and oversee key performance indicators (KPIs) for sourcing activities and establishing a robust governance model to drive performance, mitigate risks, and continuously improve sourcing outcomes.
• Cost Optimization: Identify and implement cost-saving initiatives through strategic sourcing decisions, process improvements, and supplier negotiations. Develop and track KPIs to measure savings and supplier performance.
• Contract Negotiation: Lead contract negotiations, ensuring favorable terms and conditions, including pricing, delivery schedules, and service level agreements (SLAs). Ensure that all contracts comply with company policies and legal requirements.
• Cross-functional Collaboration: Partner with key stakeholders across various departments (e.g., finance, operations, legal, engineering etc.) to align sourcing strategies with organizational needs and goals.
• Team Leadership & Development: Lead, mentor, and develop a high-performing sourcing team, fostering a culture of collaboration, continuous improvement, and accountability.
• Supplier Relationship Management: Build and maintain strong relationships with key suppliers, ensuring they meet performance expectations, quality standards, and contractual agreements. Act as the primary point of contact for critical supplier issues.
• Market Analysis & Supplier Selection: Conduct market research and competitive analysis to identify potential suppliers, assess market trends, and make informed sourcing decisions. Lead supplier selection processes, ensuring alignment with company needs and objectives.
• Risk Management: Proactively assess and manage risks, including Security, quality issues, and supplier delivery related risks. Develop contingency plans and work to ensure business continuity.
• Stakeholder Reporting & Communication: Regularly update senior leadership on sourcing strategy progress, savings, supplier performance, and market trends. Provide clear and actionable insights based on sourcing data.
• Compliance & Ethical Sourcing: Ensure that all sourcing activities adhere to ethical standards, legal requirements, and corporate social responsibility initiatives. Promote sustainability and diversity in the supply chain where applicable.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in Business, Supply Chain Management, or a related field. Master’s degree preferred. Background in business consulting is a plus.
• 10+ years of experience in strategic sourcing and procurement, with a proven track record in a leadership role in the Sourcing & Procurement subject area.
• Strong understanding of strategic sourcing methodologies, contract negotiations, supplier management, and cost optimization techniques.
• Excellent leadership, communication, and interpersonal skills, with the ability to collaborate effectively with cross-functional teams and executive leadership.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to make data-driven decisions.
• Experience with procurement software and tools, as well as advanced Excel skills (COUPA, SCOUT, SAP, Oracle, Ariba, etc.)
• Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, dynamic environment, managing multiple priorities simultaneously.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Professional certifications such as CSCP (Certified Supply Chain Professional), CPSM (Certified Professional in Supply Management) or CPIM (Certified in Production and Inventory Management) are a plus.
• Experience in SaaS industry leading a sourcing function. 

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Okta’s Top 5 Core Leadership Competencies are part of the deeply ingrained principles that guide all of our company’s actions. They also align strongly to our cultural cornerstones, our Okta values: love our customers, empower our people, never stop innovating, act with integrity, and maintain transparency. It’s our expectation that our managers and leaders embody these core competencies: