Senior Strategic Procurement Specialist - Manager

Pebl • Palo Alto, CA

32d • Hybrid

About The Position

As a Senior Strategic Procurement Specialist or Manager, you'll be a key player in streamlining Pebl's procurement operations to keep our business running smoothly. You'll lead strategic sourcing events, negotiate contracts, track purchases, analyze spend, consolidate vendors, and optimize systems. This role is perfect for someone who thrives in a fast-paced environment, loves wearing multiple hats, and combines sharp analytical skills with strong interpersonal abilities. You're organized, personable, and strategic-a problem-solver with a passion for driving efficiency and building relationships with vendors, stakeholders, and our small, dynamic 3-person team. You'll report directly to the Senior Director of Strategic Procurement and Real Estate, contributing to business efficiency in a collaborative, lively workplace where your impact is celebrated. This role requires in Office 1x per Week in Palo Alto

Requirements

• Indirect Procurement: Minimum of 5 years' experience managing indirect procurement, including SaaS, marketing, technology services, and software categories.
• Systems & Policies: Proven experience implementing Procure-to-Pay (P2P) and Travel & Expense (T&E) systems, along with establishing related policies and processes.
• Startup Environment: At least 3 years of experience working within a technology startup, with a preference for fast-paced, high-growth environments.
• Location Preference: Candidates based in or with experience in tech hubs such as San Francisco, Austin, Seattle, Portland, or comparable markets are strongly preferred.
• Experience: 5+ years in strategic sourcing, procurement, contract negotiations, or a related field. Proven results in vendor management, purchase negotiations, delivering cost savings and/or process improvements.
• Organizational Skills: Exceptional attention to detail and the ability to juggle multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.
• People Skills: Warm, approachable, and professional, with the ability to build relationships with vendors, colleagues, and executives.
• Negotiation Expertise: Confidence in negotiating contracts and managing vendor relationships to secure optimal terms.
• Tech-Savvy: Proficient with procurement software (Coupa, Zip, NetSuite), AI Tools (Glean, OpenAI), travel and expense tools (Expensify, Brex, Navan), and general office tech (Slack, Confluence, Google Suite).
• Problem-Solving: Resourceful and proactive, with a knack for anticipating needs and finding creative solutions.
• Communication: Excellent verbal and written communication skills to coordinate with teams, vendors, and stakeholders.
• Team Player: Comfortable working in a small, collaborative 3-person team, wearing multiple hats (sourcing, operations, purchase processing, reporting, end-user support).
• Education: Bachelor's degree or equivalent experience.

Responsibilities

• Procurement Strategy: Drive cost savings, vendor consolidation, and process improvements to enhance business efficiency.
• Streamline Purchasing: Accurately enter and track vendor requests, contract requests, and purchase orders in our Procure-to-Pay system with precision and timeliness.
• Manage Requests: Monitor and update stakeholders on the status of purchase requests, new vendors, and agreements. Oversee approval queues, finalize request metadata, ensure fully signed agreements are uploaded, and set renewal alerts.
• Analyze & Optimize: Generate reports on spending patterns and upcoming renewals, identifying opportunities for cost savings and vendor optimization.
• System Transformation: Support a major Procure-to-Pay system replacement by scheduling meetings, documenting Q&A, and facilitating discovery sessions.
• Negotiate Confidently: Secure favorable terms through skilled vendor negotiations, ensuring the best value for Pebl.
• Drive Sourcing Events: Create and manage Requests for Proposals (RFPs) and other sourcing events to partner with top-tier vendors.
• Support End Users: Monitor #ask-purchasing Slack Channel and [email protected] email and provide timely support. Provide hands-on assistance to internal stakeholders, ensuring seamless procurement operations and user satisfaction.

Benefits

• Flexible Time Off - Take the time you need to recharge.
• Parental Leave - Support for growing families.
• Health and Dental Insurance - Where applicable, to cover you and your loved ones.
• Retirement Savings + Employee Incentive Plan - Plan for the future while sharing our success.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Industry: Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services