Manager, Strategic Sourcing & Vendor Management

About the role

This position is designed for a dedicated individual contributor who will focus on enhancing the procurement of technology and services within our organization. You will be responsible for establishing and managing processes that govern sourcing, vendor relationships, and operational efficiency across our software services. The primary objective is to develop scalable, secure, and cost-effective purchasing practices that support our rapidly expanding software company.

Key facts

What you'll do

• Develop and execute a systematic approach to sourcing that enhances purchasing efficiency, ensures compliance with policies, and provides flexibility for software, cloud services, and business agreements.
• Oversee the procurement workflow to guarantee that all requests undergo the necessary reviews and approvals, ensuring compliance with service level agreements regarding speed and adherence to regulations.
• Collaborate with the security and IT teams to verify that software acquisitions are secure, compatible with existing technology, and cost-effective, thereby avoiding redundant purchases and maximizing vendor benefits.
• Serve as the administrator for Zip, improving and maintaining the workflows that assist users throughout the entire process of acquiring SaaS and services.
• Provide guidance to internal teams on procurement policies and best practices, managing their expectations and ensuring that decisions align with the company's standards.
• Work closely with engineering and finance teams to monitor and optimize cloud spending, delivering insights that enhance budget performance.
• Analyze vendor performance and procurement processes to identify areas for improvement and implement changes that drive efficiency.
• Establish strong relationships with vendors to negotiate favorable terms and conditions that benefit the company while ensuring compliance with procurement policies.

Requirements

• Proven experience in establishing or supporting procurement functions within a growing SaaS or technology-oriented organization.
• Proficiency in managing a cloud-based vendor environment, making informed sourcing decisions, and enhancing processes through collaborative tools and teamwork across departments.
• Familiarity with Zip or comparable procurement management software is highly advantageous.
• Strong analytical capabilities and a data-driven mindset to inform decisions that affect spending and operational efficiency.
• Exceptional communication skills to align stakeholders, articulate processes clearly, and secure buy-in from various teams.
• A curious and collaborative approach, with an understanding of the reasoning behind purchasing decisions to achieve optimal outcomes.

Nice to have

• Experience in vendor negotiation and relationship management.
• Knowledge of compliance and regulatory requirements related to procurement in the technology sector.
• Familiarity with financial analysis and budgeting processes within a SaaS environment.

Skills & tools

• Proficient in Zip or similar procurement platforms, with a strong understanding of their functionalities and capabilities.
• Solid analytical skills, with the ability to interpret data and make informed decisions based on insights.
• Strong organizational skills to manage multiple procurement requests and projects simultaneously.

Practical notes

• Candidates must have authorization to work for any employer in the hiring country. Please note that visa sponsorship is not available at this time.
• Mark43 is authorized to hire in Canada, the UK, and 36 U.S. states. For remote positions, candidates must be able to perform their duties from one of these designated states.
• The compensation package includes a target base salary ranging from $100,000 to $160,000, along with an 8-10% bonus potential, company stock options, and a comprehensive benefits package that includes health insurance, paid time off, and a 401(k) plan. The higher end of the salary range is reserved for candidates with experience in high-cost labor markets.
• All employees are expected to comply with company security policies regarding the use of electronic resources, safeguarding company assets, and reporting any security incidents promptly.
• Mark43 is committed to fostering an inclusive workplace and will provide reasonable accommodations for individuals with disabilities. For accommodation requests, please reach out to recruiting@Mark43.com.