Global Procurement - Senior Strategic Sourcing Manager (IT Software)

United Airlines•Chicago, IL

51d•$99,750 - $129,924•Hybrid

About The Position

We believe that inclusion helps us thrive and grow at United across our collaborative Finance teams consisting of Financial Planning & Analysis, Internal Audit, Treasury, Global Procurement, Controllership, Investor Relations and more. These teams provide the financial fuel that keeps our operation running from providing detailed analyses of financial planning, performance, and forecasts to managing our investments and financial strategies. Our Finance team plays an integral role in making our airline profitable and successful by meeting our financial goals. The Global Procurement organization at United Airlines is responsible for procuring goods and services and developing/managing relationships with third-party providers with the objective of reducing total cost and risk to the company while improving levels of quality, service, and technology. The Global Procurement - Senior Strategic Sourcing Manager supports United's Global Procurement team by successfully leading sourcing initiatives within the designated categories. This employee is responsible for meeting and exceeding business objectives in terms of scope of product and services, costs, service levels, delivery and implementation plan, and risk mitigation. This role will lead global sourcing efforts for key spend areas of United's Digital Technology spend, with a primary focus on software purchases. For this strategic sourcing role, we are seeking a self-driven, analytical, forward-thinking and results oriented professional with experience sourcing software and associated services. The successful candidate should be able to understand the evolving digital landscape of software products and services, including platforms, AI, and emerging technologies.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree
5 years of experience in Procurement, Sourcing, Supply Chain, Analytics, and/or Finance
Knowledge of Total Cost of Ownership (TCO) concepts and strategic procurement process
Highly analytical with excellent problem-solving and critical thinking skills
Strong oral and written communication skills
Strong negotiation skills
Ability to manage multiple concurrent projects of various scale
Proficient in Microsoft Word, Outlook, Excel, Access, and PowerPoint
Must be legally authorized to work in the United States for any employer without sponsorship
Successful completion of interview required to meet job qualification
Reliable, punctual attendance is an essential function of the position

Nice To Haves

Master's degree in business, Supply Chain, Finance
Certified Professional in Supply Management (CPSM) or other relevant certification
Ability to act as a change agent who seeks out and advocates for new and innovative solutions to meet business needs
Experience working in the transportation or airline industry

Responsibilities

Collaborate with leaders across the company on current state and future needs
Proactively engage, consult and influence stakeholders and leadership on sourcing strategy
Develop and maintain adequate knowledge in the assigned spend categories through relationships with department leaders, suppliers, and market experts
Manage business relationships with key internal stakeholders and external suppliers including routine enhancements to agreements, communication of demand/volume changes, updating contracts and sharing end-user feedback
Conduct requests for complex proposals (RFPs) to competitively source products and services, including gathering requirements, identifying vendors, proposal evaluation and scoring, stakeholder engagement and TCO analysis
Negotiate commercials and contractual terms to drive savings and reduce overall risks while ensuring stakeholders' needs are met
Redline and negotiate contracts by collaborating with United's legal department, Global Procurement leadership and other stakeholder departments
Research and analyze market trends and potential suppliers and develop detailed sourcing strategies and plans
Identify continuous improvement opportunities by leveraging new systems and product/services as well as new and innovative market offerings
Participate in vendor management activities which may include following-up on performance against contract (compliance) and resolution of any constraints or issues