Vice President, Global Procurement

Ares Operations•Los Angeles, CA

18h

About The Position

The Vice President of Global Procurement is a senior role responsible for driving strategic sourcing, vendor management, and procurement transformation initiatives across Ares Management’s global operations. Reporting to the Principal, Global Procurement, this role partners closely with senior stakeholders across IT, HR, Marketing, and Operations to deliver best-in-class procurement strategies that optimize spend, mitigate risk, and enable scalable growth. This position plays a critical role in shaping and executing the firm’s global procurement vision, with a focus on value creation, operational efficiency, and governance. The VP will lead complex sourcing initiatives, oversee key supplier relationships, and drive enterprise-wide programs including contract lifecycle management, procurement systems and data-driven spend analytics optimization.

Requirements

B.S./B.A. degree in Business (or other related degree programs)
10+ years of progressive experience in strategic sourcing, procurement, or supply chain management, preferably within financial services, or a complex global organization.
Contract Negotiation, Project Management, Category Management, Business Analytics & Reporting, Procure-to-Pay Process Optimization.
Technology category management experience preferred
Proven track record of leading high-impact sourcing initiatives and negotiating complex, high-value contracts.
Exceptional analytical, communication, and stakeholder management skills.
Strong executive presence with the ability to influence and partner with senior leadership.
Experience leading procurement transformation and implementing procurement technologies.
Deep knowledge of vendor risk management, contract structures, and global procurement best practices.
Proven track record in delivery of complex, cross-functional sourcing and procurement initiatives on time with significant savings impact
Strong knowledge of category management, strategic sourcing, and supplier relationship management processes
Demonstrated success in leveraging company-wide spend by ensuring the implementation of global/international agreements
Knowledge and experience with best practice processes, tools, and procurement/spend systems data and analysis
Resourceful problem solver, comfortable working in a dynamic, fast paced environment
Strong organizational, planning skills – multi-task oriented with strong attention to detail
Excellent interpersonal skills with colleagues and key stakeholders (perceptive and adaptable)
Excellent verbal and written communication skills (email, video conference, presentations, chat)
Must be able to interface at all levels of the organization and vendors
Strong analytic, Excel, and data-based reasoning skills
Excellent negotiation strategy and skills
Experience with M&A contract integration a plus
Nationally recognized professional certification a plus (Certified Purchasing Manager or Certified Professional Contract Manager)

Nice To Haves

Technology category management experience preferred
Experience with M&A contract integration a plus
Nationally recognized professional certification a plus (Certified Purchasing Manager or Certified Professional Contract Manager)

Responsibilities

Autonomously lead strategic sourcing initiatives across multiple categories (technology, professional services, market data, corporate services, etc), delivering measurable cost savings and value.
Develop and execute global procurement strategies aligned with Ares’ business priorities and growth objectives.
Serve as a trusted advisor to senior stakeholders, providing insights on vendor strategy, commercial terms, and risk management.
Conduct professional and effective communications between vendors, business stakeholders and project management colleagues at all levels.
Drive supplier governance, performance management, and executive-level vendor relationships for critical and high-spend partners.
Oversee contract negotiation and execution in partnership with Legal, Risk, Compliance, ensuring favorable commercial terms and compliance with internal policies.
Participate in M&A vendor due diligence, and integration activities.
Establish and enhance procurement policies, controls, and compliance frameworks across global operations.
Champion procurement transformation initiatives, including implementation, standardization, and optimization processes and procurement systems (e.g., Contract Management, P2P, Vendor Management).
Leverage data and analytics to improve spend visibility, inform decision-making, and identify cost optimization opportunities.
Develop and leverage new and existing AI tools to impact procurement productivity and optimize workflows.
Mentor and develop procurement team members, fostering a high-performance, collaborative culture.