Global Indirect Procurement Labor R&D Category Strategist

HP•Houston, TX

8d•Hybrid

About The Position

As the senior Labor R&D individual contributor in the Global Indirect Procurement organization, you will architect and lead high-impact R&D category strategies that align with HP’s business objectives. You will be responsible for managing the six Labor R&D Commodity Codes: Software Development, Testing Services, Design Services, Support Services, Content Development and Research & Development. You will influence and engage with executive stakeholders to drive R&D strategic sourcing decisions and optimize cost structures across HP’s business units. You will serve as a senior negotiator in R&D high-visibility supplier engagements, securing competitive advantages and fostering innovation. You will partner cross-functionally with legal, finance, operations, and global category management teams to enable seamless and compliant execution. You will analyze market trends and business intelligence to inform long-term R&D sourcing strategies and uncover areas for growth, efficiency, and risk mitigation.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree required
10+ years of progressive experience in procurement, consulting, or strategic sourcing, ideally in a global environment.
Background in sales or consulting is strongly preferred
Strong knowledge of Global Labor R&D category
Expert-level negotiation and business strategy capabilities
Proven ability to influence and consult with executives and senior stakeholders
Ability to provide innovative solutions to complex issues
Deep knowledge of supply chain, financial modeling, and business strategy tools
Exceptional communication, analytical thinking, and problem-solving skills
Experience managing complex supplier ecosystems and delivering transformational outcomes
AI Fluency
Excellent communication and influencing abilities, including at an executive level
Strong analytical and data analysis skills
An ability to lead cross-functional teams effectively and drive strategic initiatives
Strong mentoring and leadership skills
Proactive in identifying areas for improvement and risk mitigation
Results Orientation
Learning Agility
Digital Fluency
Customer Centricity

Nice To Haves

MBA or Master’s in Supply Chain Management or related field preferred.
Project Management Professional (PMP)
Lean Six Sigma
C.P.M., CPSM, CPSD, CPCM, CCCM
CSCP, CPIM, CLTD, or other related certifications

Responsibilities

Develop, lead, and refine category strategies that support HP’s cost transformation and operational excellence goals.
Drive initiatives that enable end-to-end value delivery through strategic sourcing, supply base optimization, and innovative supplier partnerships.
Establish trusted advisor relationships with senior and executive stakeholders.
Leverage deep industry and business knowledge to challenge assumptions and co-create impactful solutions that support business objectives.
Lead complex negotiations with critical suppliers, securing favorable terms and enabling innovation, service excellence, and long-term value.
Utilize advanced negotiation techniques and business acumen to influence commercial outcomes and mitigate risk.
Drive the synergies in working across key internal functions (Legal, Finance, Business Unit, Operations).
Ensure alignment and compliance while enabling fast, agile decision-making.
Develop strategic supplier relationships to foster co-innovation and continuous improvement.
Partner with suppliers to explore new capabilities, technologies, and efficiencies.
Lead in-depth spend, supplier, and market analysis to inform strategic direction.
Translate complex data into executive-level insights and recommendations to influence business decisions.
Coach and guide other category managers, supporting capability development in negotiation, strategy building, and stakeholder engagement.

Benefits

Health insurance
Dental insurance
Vision insurance
Long term/short term disability insurance
Employee assistance program
Flexible spending account
Life insurance
Generous time off policies, including; 4-12 weeks fully paid parental leave based on tenure
11 paid holidays
Additional flexible paid vacation and sick leave