Sr. Manager, Strategic Sourcing – Technology

Okta•San Francisco, CA

3d•$160,000 - $246,400•Hybrid

About The Position

This role is for a Sr. Manager, Strategic Sourcing within the Technology category function. The individual will establish operational objectives, policies, and work plans, and oversee their execution. They will lead complex, high-value Technology sourcing initiatives, often dealing with ambiguous problems. The role requires managing the team's budget, advising leadership on sourcing matters, and collaborating with internal and external stakeholders to develop category strategies and strengthen supplier relationships. Responsibilities include creating and enforcing policies, developing team capabilities, and optimizing sourcing resources for efficiency and value. The position reports to the Director of Sourcing & Procurement.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree in Business, Supply Chain Management, or a related field.
10+ years of experience in strategic sourcing and procurement, with a proven track record in a leadership role, and deep experience in Technology sourcing (Infrastructure, SaaS, Telecom, IaaS, AI, etc.).
Strong understanding of strategic sourcing methodologies, contract negotiations, supplier management, and cost optimization techniques, including deep understanding of tech contract law and commercial terms.
Excellent leadership, communication, and interpersonal skills, with the ability to collaborate effectively with cross-functional teams and executive leadership.
Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to make data-driven decisions on ambiguous, undefined problems.
Experience with procurement software and tools, as well as advanced Excel skills (Coupa, Workday Strategic Sourcing/Scout, SAP, Oracle, Ariba, etc.).
Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, dynamic environment, managing multiple priorities and a team simultaneously.

Nice To Haves

Master's degree preferred.
Broad experience across multiple technology categories and industries preferred.
Professional certifications such as CSCP, CPSM, or CPIM.
Experience in the SaaS industry leading a sourcing function.
Prior managerial/leadership experience with direct reports.

Responsibilities

Lead the execution of strategic sourcing strategies for Technology categories (Software, Network, SaaS, IaaS, Telephony, AI) to optimize procurement in line with company objectives, including cost reduction, risk mitigation, and driving efficiency.
Develop 3–5 year rolling category strategies for Technology spend by working closely with Technology stakeholders to understand long-term needs and translate those insights into operational sourcing strategy.
Develop, implement, and oversee KPIs for Technology sourcing activities; help strengthen and operationalize SS&P processes and policies, establishing a governance model to drive performance, mitigate risk, and continuously improve outcomes.
Identify and implement cost-saving initiatives through strategic sourcing decisions, process improvements, and high-stakes supplier negotiations. Develop and track KPIs to measure savings and supplier performance.
Lead the most complex contract negotiations, ensuring favorable terms, pricing, and SLAs. Identify and mitigate internal and external risks associated with Technology purchase transactions, including risks arising from tech contract law and commercial terms.
Partner with senior stakeholders across Finance, Legal, Security, Privacy, and the Technology organization to align sourcing strategies with organizational needs, ensuring policies and procedures are followed and met.
Lead, mentor, and develop a high-performing team of Category Managers, fostering a culture of collaboration, continuous improvement, and accountability. Assign and monitor individual and team goals, driving accountability for performance.
Build and maintain strategic relationships with key Technology suppliers, ensuring they meet performance expectations and contractual agreements. Act as the primary point of contact for critical supplier issues.
Conduct market research and competitive analysis on Technology categories to identify potential suppliers, assess market trends, and lead supplier selection processes.
Drive M&A activity from a Strategic Sourcing perspective, including contract novation and consolidation of Technology agreements.
Regularly update senior leadership on Technology sourcing strategy progress, savings, supplier performance, and market trends, presenting insights in an executive format.
Ensure all Technology sourcing activities adhere to ethical standards, legal requirements, and corporate social responsibility initiatives.