Sr. Manager, Indirect Procurement Strategy

This person will play a strategic and operational role in supporting the Head of Indirect Procurement and the broader procurement team in driving initiatives, managing key projects, and ensuring the smooth execution of procurement strategies. This individual will act as a trusted advisor and operational partner, providing leadership and coordination across procurement processes, data analytics, supplier management, and stakeholder alignment.  

YOU WILL:   

• Strategic Support & Project Management:  

Lead, manage, and support key procurement initiatives, both cross-functional and departmental, ensuring timely and successful execution. Collaborate with business leaders to identify and implement procurement strategies aligned with organizational goals.  

• Operational Excellence:  

Oversee the operational execution of procurement activities within the indirect spend categories, ensuring efficiency, process compliance, and cost-effectiveness. Work with procurement managers and teams to optimize workflows, improve supplier performance, and drive continuous improvement.  

• Stakeholder Management:  

Serve as a liaison between the procurement team and internal stakeholders (e.g., finance, HR, IT, marketing, legal), ensuring alignment on procurement strategies, timelines, and priorities. Facilitate communication and address any challenges or escalations promptly.  

• Data Analytics & Reporting:  

Provide actionable insights through data analysis, developing dashboards and reports to track procurement performance, savings, supplier performance, and other key metrics. Work with the data team to standardize procurement reporting and ensure accurate tracking of performance.  

• Supplier Relationship Management:  

Assist in managing relationships with key suppliers, identifying opportunities for cost savings, risk mitigation, and value optimization. Help negotiate and manage contracts and ensure supplier performance is aligned with expectations.  

• Process Improvement & Innovation:  

Evaluate and implement new tools, technologies, and processes that enhance procurement effectiveness. Actively identify opportunities to improve procurement processes, reduce complexity, and drive innovation across the indirect procurement function.  

• Leadership & Team Collaboration:  

Provide leadership, coaching, and mentorship to junior procurement staff. Foster a culture of collaboration, performance, and continuous learning within the procurement team.  

• Executive Reporting & Presentation:  

Prepare presentations and reports for senior executives, summarizing key procurement achievements, challenges, and opportunities. Ensure that executives are informed of critical procurement developments and any risks or escalations.  

• Cost Reduction Initiatives:  

Lead and manage cost reduction initiatives as part of the strategic support function, aligning with company-wide cost reduction objectives. Proven experience in driving cost reduction and managing initiatives to achieve financial efficiency and savings.   

Transformational Leadership:  

• Lead transformational procurement projects aimed at enhancing procurement processes, leveraging technology, and driving organizational efficiency.  
• Champion sustainability initiatives within the procurement function, promoting environmentally responsible sourcing practices and supplier diversity.  
• Develop and implement change management strategies to support procurement transformation initiatives.  

YOU BRING:   

• Curiosity: This position will require building-from-scratch thinking in a fast-paced environment.  
• Bachelor’s degree in business administration, Supply Chain Management, or a related field.  
• 5+ years of experience in procurement, supply chain management, or a related field.  
• 2+ years of experience in a leadership or Chief of Staff role, ideally within a procurement or operations function.  
• Strong understanding of indirect procurement categories (e.g., IT, marketing, facilities, HR, professional services).  
• Proven experience in project management, strategic planning, and stakeholder management.  
• Strong negotiation skills and the ability to manage complex supplier relationships to achieve optimal outcomes.  
• Strong written, verbal, organizational, and program management skills.  
• Experience leading and developing high-performing teams, with a collaborative and inclusive leadership style.  
• Proficiency in procurement tools and systems, along with advanced analytical and problem-solving abilities.  
• Knowledge of regulatory requirements and compliance considerations relevant to procurement activities.  
• Passion for sustainability and familiarity with sustainable sourcing practices are preferred.  
• Be a proactive self-starter who is comfortable navigating dynamic work environments with shifting priorities.  
• Effective in engaging and collaborating across different departments.  
• Experience in the Automotive Industry is ideal.