Senior Strategic Sourcing & Category Manager - Concerts, Venues & Festivals

Live Nation Entertainment • Beverly Hills, CA

2d • $144,000 - $180,000 • Hybrid

About The Position

WHO ARE WE? Live Nation Entertainment is the world’s leading live entertainment company comprised of global market leaders: Ticketmaster, Live Nation Concerts, Live Nation Media & Sponsorship and Artist Nation Management. Ticketmaster is the global event ticketing leader with more than 550 million tickets sold and more than 12,500 clients worldwide. Live Nation Concerts is the largest provider of live entertainment in the world promoting more than 44,000 concerts and 100+ festivals annually for more than 4,000 artists in 45+ countries. Artist Nation Management is one of the world’s leading artist management companies, representing more than 350 artists. These businesses power Live Nation Media & Sponsorship to deliver music marketing programs across 1000+ brands enabling advertisers to tap into the over 120 million fans Live Nation Entertainment delivers annually through its live event and digital platforms. For additional information, visit www.livenationentertainment.com. WHO ARE YOU? Passionate and motivated. Driven, with an entrepreneurial spirit. Resourceful, innovative, forward thinking and committed. At Live Nation Entertainment, our people embrace these qualities, so if this sounds like you then please read on! THE ROLE: The Global Procurement Senior Strategic Sourcing Category Manager is responsible for the sourcing and procurement of $100M+ in spend in F&B distribution and other direct & indirect venue and event-related products and services. The emphasis is on sourcing and procurement of Food & Beverage, but will also include sourcing of non-foods, disposables, small equipment, and vendor services for Live Nation Entertainment, its corporate offices, concerts, venues, festivals and clients, as needed. The role will also act as the procurement liaison for CrunchTime and other F&B-related systems. This position reports to the Senior Director of Global Procurement. WHAT THIS ROLE WILL DO: Working in a highly collaborative manner with a decentralized group of stakeholders and Sponsorship team members, devise and execute category strategies and both competitive and direct negotiation strategies that generate material, sustainable value regionally, nationally, or globally, as applicable. Lead a portfolio of sourcing, negotiating and contracting projects addressing millions of dollars in annual F&B and related spend across a wide variety of categories for Live Nation's Concerts, Venues and Festivals teams Interface with members of legal, sponsorship, financial/revenue recognition, operations, sales, and other stakeholder teams to bring deals to closure and ensure compliance with audit, financial, and system requirements; assist in resolving post-execution nonstandard contract modification requests/disputes and non-compliance concerns (both internal and with suppliers/distributors). Facilitate online supplier and catalog enablement with Ed Don, Sysco and other distribution partners to encourage and streamline utilization of LN-negotiated agreements across various stakeholder groups. Analyze business, financial, and legal risks and develop and communicate creative solutions and mitigation strategies for key negotiation points; conduct rigorous analysis of spend data and other quantitative metrics to enable stakeholders to make sound, data-driven decisions. Develop and execute procurement-related activities associated with the rollout and ongoing success of new concepts and products, including working with divisional F&B leadership on announcements and supporting materials Lead/mentor 1-2 specialists and/or analysts in executing F&B-related projects; mentor other team members in sourcing, negotiation, and contracting fundamentals to help upskill the broader Global Procurement team Lead supplier qualification efforts and partner with stakeholders in establishing and maintaining quality processes with suppliers; harness supplier expertise to drive supplier innovation, productivity, and performance; conduct due diligence on product trends that provide solutions to meet changing business requirements; track product lifecycles in high-spend and high-risk areas to assist in multi-year budget planning and product forecasting. Manage the contract lifecycle in partnership with Legal teams, including redlining, approvals, renewals, and maintaining accurate documentation in contract management systems. Consult with all relevant business segments and identify opportunities to improve the effectiveness of policies and procedures Develop, validate and maintain various departmental month-end reports, as required Other day-to-day operational responsibilities and special projects as assigned by leadership. WHAT THIS PERSON WILL BRING: Typically, 7-10 years of progressively responsible experience in Sourcing & Procurement, Supply Chain Management, Finance, Analytics or Operations Transformation; top-tier consulting experience preferred Proven track record in co-developing, with stakeholders and other team members, innovative category-focused solutions and associated negotiation strategies that deliver meaningful incremental value over the status quo; experience sourcing a wide array of direct and indirect spend categories, particularly F&B, Equipment & Supplies, nonfoods, produce and other related products and categories, and services particularly valued Proven ability to partner with suppliers in forward-thinking strategic development and relationship building, with demonstrated success in leveraging supplier capabilities to generate incremental value, increased operating efficiency, and/or improved risk mitigation Demonstrated project management skills with experience leading multiple concurrent, high-profile procurement projects from identification, planning, and analysis through sourcing, negotiating, and contracting Ability to work self-directed in a fast paced, matrixed, collaborative environment; self-motivated, proactive, independent, and responsive, requiring minimal supervision, with excellent multi-tasking and prioritization skills Able to navigate decentralized organizational structures; collaborative style, with strong innate client service mindset and natural trust-based relationship-building skills; excellent 360° management of internal and external team members and other stakeholders; proven ability to manage and motivate diverse groups of stakeholders and project team members Exceptional oral and written communication skills Solid analytical skills Excellent overall business acumen and understanding of risk mitigation approaches and contract development Advanced proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite required; experience with Business Objects, Smartsheet, SharePoint and similar analytical and collaborative tools preferred; experience with one or more major P2P platforms preferred but not required Ability to travel, likely <15%, to meet with stakeholders and suppliers at venues, offices, trade shows, etc. Bachelor’s degree required; MBA preferred: Associate’s degree may be considered with significant work experience If the above description sounds like you and fits your background, apply online at www.livenationentertainment.com/careers to join the Live Nation Entertainment team today! Applicants for employment in the U.S. must possess work authorization which does not require sponsorship by the employer for a visa. Applicants for employment in the U.S. must possess work authorization which does not require sponsorship by the employer for a visa. BENEFITS & PERKS Our motto is ‘Taking Care of Our Own’ through 6 pillars of benefits: HEALTH: Medical, vision, dental and mental health benefits for you and your family, with access to a health care concierge, and Flexible or Health Savings Accounts (FSA or HSA) YOURSELF: Free concert tickets, generous paid time off including paid holidays, sick time, and personal days WEALTH: 401(k) program with company match, stock reimbursement program FAMILY: New parent programs including caregiver leave and baby bonuses, plus fertility, adoption, foster, or surrogacy support CAREER: Career and skill development programs with School of Live, tuition reimbursement, and student loan repayment OTHERS: Volunteer time off, crowdfunding match EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY We aspire to build teams that reflect and support the fans and artists we serve. Every day we aim to promote environments where everyone can be themselves, contribute fully, and thrive within our company and at our events. As a growing business we will encourage you to develop your professional and personal aspirations, enjoy new experiences, and learn from the talented people you will be working with. Live Nation is an equal opportunity employer. It hires and promotes employees based on their experience, talent, and qualifications for the job and does not tolerate discrimination toward employees based on age (40 and over), ancestry, color, religious creed (including religious dress and grooming practices), family and medical care leave or the denial of family and medical care leave, mental or physical disability (including HIV and AIDS), marital status, domestic partner status, medical condition (including cancer and genetic characteristics), genetic information, military and veteran status, political affiliation, national origin (including language use restrictions), citizenship, race, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding and medical conditions related to pregnancy, childbirth or breastfeeding), gender, gender identity, and gender expression, sexual orientation, intersectionality, or any other basis protected by applicable federal, state or local law, rule, ordinance or regulation. We will consider qualified applicants with criminal histories in a manner consistent with the requirements of the Los Angeles Fair Chance Ordinance, San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance and the California Fair Chance Act and consistent with other similar and / or applicable laws in other areas. Live Nation affords equal employment opportunities to qualified individuals with a disability. For this reason, Live Nation will make reasonable accommodations for the known physical or mental limitations of an otherwise qualified individual with a disability who is an applicant or an employee consistent with its legal obligations to do so. As part of its commitment to make reasonable accommodations, Live Nation also wishes to participate in a timely, good faith, interactive process with a disabled applicant or employee to determine effective reasonable accommodations, if any, which can be made in response to a request for accommodations. Applicants and employees are invited to identify reasonable accommodations that can be made to assist them to perform the essential functions of the position they seek or currently occupy. Any applicant or employee who requires an accommodation in order to perform the essential functions of the job should contact either the hiring manager for the role or a Human Resources representative to request the opportunity to participate in a timely interactive process. HIRING PRACTICES The preceding job description has been designed to indicate the general nature and level of work performed by employees within this classification. It is not designed to contain or be interpreted as a comprehensive inventory of all duties, responsibilities, and qualifications required of employees assigned to this job. Live Nation recruitment policies are designed to place the most highly qualified persons available in a timely and efficient manner. Live Nation may pursue all avenues available, including promotion from within, employee referrals, outside advertising, employment agencies, internet recruiting, job fairs, college recruiting and search firms. #LI-EF1 #LI-HybridHouston,TX #LI-HybridLosAngeles, CA #LI-HybridChicago, IL #LI-HybridNashville,TN #LI-HybridNewYorkCity ---------- The expected compensation for this position is: $144,000.00 USD - $180,000.00 USD Pay is based on a number of factors including market location, qualifications, skills, and experience. Recognized for seven years as a Great Place to Work® and named one of Fortune’s World’s Most Admired Companies, Live Nation Entertainment is the world’s leading live entertainment company comprised of global market leaders: Ticketmaster, Live Nation Concerts, and Live Nation Media & Sponsorship. Our world-class teams specialize in all aspects of the live entertainment industry, from ground-breaking innovations in ticketing, global venue development and operations, concert promotion and production, sales and brand partnerships, and unparalleled artist management supported by professionals in all facets of corporate operations. We believe in taking care of the countless employees helping artists bring live music to fans all around the world. Our many unique benefit programs are designed to help our teams live life to the fullest including generous vacation, healthcare, retirement benefits, student loan repayment, tuition reimbursement, six months of paid caregiver leave for new parents including fostering and perks like Roadie Babies helping new parents care for their babies on work trips. And of course, access to free live events through our exclusive employee ticketing program. There is no bigger stage for your career. See what your future looks like at Live Nation Entertainment.

Requirements

• Typically, 7-10 years of progressively responsible experience in Sourcing & Procurement, Supply Chain Management, Finance, Analytics or Operations Transformation; top-tier consulting experience preferred
• Proven track record in co-developing, with stakeholders and other team members, innovative category-focused solutions and associated negotiation strategies that deliver meaningful incremental value over the status quo; experience sourcing a wide array of direct and indirect spend categories, particularly F&B, Equipment & Supplies, nonfoods, produce and other related products and categories, and services particularly valued
• Proven ability to partner with suppliers in forward-thinking strategic development and relationship building, with demonstrated success in leveraging supplier capabilities to generate incremental value, increased operating efficiency, and/or improved risk mitigation
• Demonstrated project management skills with experience leading multiple concurrent, high-profile procurement projects from identification, planning, and analysis through sourcing, negotiating, and contracting
• Ability to work self-directed in a fast paced, matrixed, collaborative environment; self-motivated, proactive, independent, and responsive, requiring minimal supervision, with excellent multi-tasking and prioritization skills
• Able to navigate decentralized organizational structures; collaborative style, with strong innate client service mindset and natural trust-based relationship-building skills; excellent 360° management of internal and external team members and other stakeholders; proven ability to manage and motivate diverse groups of stakeholders and project team members
• Exceptional oral and written communication skills
• Solid analytical skills
• Excellent overall business acumen and understanding of risk mitigation approaches and contract development
• Advanced proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite required; experience with Business Objects, Smartsheet, SharePoint and similar analytical and collaborative tools preferred; experience with one or more major P2P platforms preferred but not required
• Ability to travel, likely <15%, to meet with stakeholders and suppliers at venues, offices, trade shows, etc.
• Bachelor’s degree required

Nice To Haves

• MBA preferred: Associate’s degree may be considered with significant work experience

Responsibilities

• Working in a highly collaborative manner with a decentralized group of stakeholders and Sponsorship team members, devise and execute category strategies and both competitive and direct negotiation strategies that generate material, sustainable value regionally, nationally, or globally, as applicable.
• Lead a portfolio of sourcing, negotiating and contracting projects addressing millions of dollars in annual F&B and related spend across a wide variety of categories for Live Nation's Concerts, Venues and Festivals teams
• Interface with members of legal, sponsorship, financial/revenue recognition, operations, sales, and other stakeholder teams to bring deals to closure and ensure compliance with audit, financial, and system requirements; assist in resolving post-execution nonstandard contract modification requests/disputes and non-compliance concerns (both internal and with suppliers/distributors).
• Facilitate online supplier and catalog enablement with Ed Don, Sysco and other distribution partners to encourage and streamline utilization of LN-negotiated agreements across various stakeholder groups.
• Analyze business, financial, and legal risks and develop and communicate creative solutions and mitigation strategies for key negotiation points; conduct rigorous analysis of spend data and other quantitative metrics to enable stakeholders to make sound, data-driven decisions.
• Develop and execute procurement-related activities associated with the rollout and ongoing success of new concepts and products, including working with divisional F&B leadership on announcements and supporting materials
• Lead/mentor 1-2 specialists and/or analysts in executing F&B-related projects; mentor other team members in sourcing, negotiation, and contracting fundamentals to help upskill the broader Global Procurement team
• Lead supplier qualification efforts and partner with stakeholders in establishing and maintaining quality processes with suppliers; harness supplier expertise to drive supplier innovation, productivity, and performance; conduct due diligence on product trends that provide solutions to meet changing business requirements; track product lifecycles in high-spend and high-risk areas to assist in multi-year budget planning and product forecasting.
• Manage the contract lifecycle in partnership with Legal teams, including redlining, approvals, renewals, and maintaining accurate documentation in contract management systems.
• Consult with all relevant business segments and identify opportunities to improve the effectiveness of policies and procedures
• Develop, validate and maintain various departmental month-end reports, as required
• Other day-to-day operational responsibilities and special projects as assigned by leadership.

Benefits

• HEALTH: Medical, vision, dental and mental health benefits for you and your family, with access to a health care concierge, and Flexible or Health Savings Accounts (FSA or HSA)
• YOURSELF: Free concert tickets, generous paid time off including paid holidays, sick time, and personal days
• WEALTH: 401(k) program with company match, stock reimbursement program
• FAMILY: New parent programs including caregiver leave and baby bonuses, plus fertility, adoption, foster, or surrogacy support
• CAREER: Career and skill development programs with School of Live, tuition reimbursement, and student loan repayment
• OTHERS: Volunteer time off, crowdfunding match

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Number of Employees: 5,001-10,000 employees