Kearney Strategic Operations Source Principal

Kearney

5d • Remote

About The Position

As a Principal within Kearney’s Strategic Operations (SOP) Practice – Source, you will play a critical leadership role in shaping and scaling our sourcing and procurement offering. This is a high-impact position for a seasoned leader with deep expertise across strategic sourcing, supplier management, and procurement transformation. You will serve as a trusted advisor to senior client stakeholders, leading complex sourcing engagements end-to-end while driving measurable cost, resilience, and value outcomes. In parallel, you will contribute to the growth of the practice through business development, thought leadership, and team development.

Requirements

• An MBA (preferred) and 10+ years of professional experience
• Significant Principal-level experience in top-tier management consulting
• Deep expertise in strategic sourcing, procurement, and supplier management
• Proven experience leading large-scale procurement transformations and cost optimization programs
• Strong commercial acumen with a track record of business development and revenue growth
• Experience working with Fortune 500 clients across industries
• Executive presence with the ability to influence senior stakeholders and C-suite clients
• Demonstrated success in leading teams, mentoring talent, and managing complex engagements
• Exceptional problem-solving, analytical, and communication skills
• Willingness to travel as required

Nice To Haves

• An MBA

Responsibilities

• Lead large-scale sourcing and procurement engagements from diagnostic through execution and value realization
• Serve as a trusted advisor to C-suite leaders (CPOs, CFOs, COOs) on procurement strategy and transformation
• Drive initiatives across: Strategic sourcing and category management, Procurement operating model design, Cost optimization and value capture, Supplier collaboration and risk management
• Oversee multiple workstreams and lead cross-functional teams with full accountability for delivery and outcomes
• Bring deep expertise across core sourcing capabilities, including: Category management, Strategic sourcing, Procurement and digital purchasing transformation, Supplier relationship management (SRM), Vendor negotiation and contracting strategies
• Apply expertise across industries to improve procurement efficiency, resilience, and innovation
• Develop and contribute to thought leadership on emerging procurement trends (e.g., digital procurement, ESG sourcing, supply risk)
• Originate and expand client relationships, driving revenue growth across new and existing accounts
• Lead proposal development, client pitches, and commercial strategy for sourcing engagements
• Help define and scale Kearney’s SOP Source offering and market positioning
• Build long-term client partnerships with sustained impact
• Lead, mentor, and develop high-performing consulting teams
• Foster a collaborative and inclusive team culture
• Support capability building within the sourcing and procurement practice

Benefits

• Generous retirement/pension savings contributions
• Comprehensive medical insurance for employees and immediate family
• Gym membership discounts
• Non-partner equity-based awards (for consulting managers and above)
• Structured and on-the-job learning and development opportunities
• Personalized career pathways, including mobility programs, flexible work arrangements, and externships
• paid time off
• 401(k) match
• profit sharing
• medical, dental and vision coverage
• healthcare concierge
• backup child/adult care
• annual employer HSA contribution
• home office stipend
• subsidized Gympass
• annual wellness program
• leaves of absence when needed to support employees’ physical, mental, and emotional well-being

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Principal