Director – Strategic Sourcing and Procurement

SPS Commerce is a leading provider of cloud-based supply chain management solutions, serving a global network of retail trading partners. We foster a collaborative and inclusive work environment where innovation and continuous improvement are highly valued. Join SPS Commerce and be part of a dynamic team that’s transforming the global retail supply chain!   

Position Summary:  

The Director, Strategic Sourcing & Procurement is a new role on our senior leadership team and will be pivotal to creating this important function within the organization. This role is responsible for developing and executing strategies to optimize the company's sourcing and procurement operations, ensuring quality and sustainability. This role will involve developing and implementing procurement strategies, developing and managing vendor relationships, drive cost efficiencies and ensuring alignment with the organization’s overall strategic goals. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in strategic sourcing, negotiation, and leadership.

Reporting directly to the VP Finance and Corporate Controller, the Director, Strategic Sourcing and Procurement should be a self-starter with an aptitude to develop and grow this function. This pivotal role requires a seasoned strategic thinker with strong leadership and communication skills. The director will work across all areas of the organization to align strong vendor strategies in support of their business goals. This role demands a dynamic, innovative leader who can drive strategic initiatives while ensuring operational excellence. The Director, Strategic Sourcing and Procurement is a key contributor to the company’s success, enabling it to achieve cost efficiencies, support growth and maintain quality standards.

As a collaborative leader, the Director will proactively partner with cross-functional stakeholders around the company to ensure organizational success. Developing and leveraging these relationships will be key to their success.

As a high growth organization with growth coming organically and through business development activities (both domestically and across the globe), it is an excellent opportunity for someone to join and be involved in acquisition and other growth-related activities in a very meaningful way. A successful candidate will have sound general leadership and business acumen, technical and analytical skills, and demonstrated ability to think critically as well as build capabilities for organizations.

Key Responsibilities:  

Strategic Leadership and Planning:

• Develop and own a comprehensive sourcing and procurement strategy aligned with the company's business objectives.

• Lead innovation in procurement practices to create competitive advantages and operational efficiencies.

• Set clear performance metrics and benchmarks for procurement operations.

• Align procurement policies and procedures with organizational goals and compliance standards.

• Conduct and monitor market trends and industry developments to identify new opportunities and mitigate risks.

• Develop and lead initiatives to optimize the company's worldwide sourcing and procurement structure to maximize vendor strategies and spend.

• Provide guidance and support to local and regional teams.

Supplier and Vendor Management:

• Establish and maintain strong relationships with key suppliers and vendors.

• Identify, evaluate, and manage supplier relationships to ensure quality, cost-effectiveness, and reliability.

• Negotiate contracts, pricing, and terms to achieve optimal value for the organization. Manage contract renewals or renegotiations effectively.

• Establish and maintain a supplier performance evaluation system to ensure adherence to company standards and policies.

Financial and Operational Excellence:

• Oversee procurement, ensuring timely and cost-effective delivery.

• Optimize sourcing processes, leveraging technology and data analytics for improved efficiency and to improve purchasing decisions.

• Manage budgets and ensure procurement activities contribute to overall financial goals.

• Monitor and analyze procurement spending to identify cost-saving opportunities.

• Report on procurement performance and financial impacts to supported senior leadership.

Collaboration and Team Leadership:

• Build, lead and mentor the sourcing and procurement team, fostering a collaborative and high-performing environment.

• Provide training and development opportunities to build team capabilities and expertise.

• Work closely with internal stakeholders, including finance and operations, to align procurement activities with broader organizational needs.

• Partner with other departments to support new launches and expansion initiatives.

• Work closely with legal and other key business stakeholders to draft and review agreements.

Sustainability and Compliance:

• Accountable leader for sustainable sourcing practices that align with corporate social responsibility goals.

• Maintain compliance with regulatory requirements, ethical standards, and internal policies.

Required Qualifications:  

• Bachelor’s degree in accounting, finance, business administration or related field.

• Minimum 10 years of relevant experience with at least 5 years in a leadership role.

• Strong expertise in strategic sourcing, managing vendor relationships and vendor risk management.

• Proficient in negotiation strategies and tactics resulting in superior results.

• Excellent organizational, critical thinking and problem-solving skills and strong attention to detail

• Astute at making financially sound decisions

• Strong oral and written communication skills with a highly collaborative communication style and practice

• Bias for continuous improvement with demonstrated experience and successes in change management

• Strong interpersonal skills with demonstrated ability to build cross-functional relationships

• Demonstrated, strong leadership experience (formal or informal). Ability to develop and motivate teams and provide strategic direction for them.

• Proven competence with Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook)

Preferred Qualifications:  

• Experience with ERP systems preferred.

• Experience with procurement, vendor management, contract management and other related software and tools desired.

• Experience in the technology and/or SaaS industry is helpful but not required.

What We Offer:   

At SPS Commerce, we are committed to ensuring that each employee's compensation reflects their unique experiences, performance, and skills in their role. The salary range for this role considers several factors, including education, relevant skills, work history, certifications, location, and more.  

The annual salary range for this role is: $131,100- $210,000 + Bonus and Equity. The actual salary offered will be determined based on the factors listed above and may fall anywhere within the range.   

Additionally, you may also be eligible to participate in an annual incentive program. An incentive award, if granted, is based on individual and/or organizational performance.  

SPS Commerce offers a comprehensive package of benefits including health, dental, vision, disability and life insurance, paid time-off, 401(k), health and flexible spending accounts, stock purchase plan and more.   

Commitment to our Employees: 

At SPS we power connections that drive the world of commerce forward, and our success depends on making strong decisions, fostering innovation, delivering unparalleled customer solutions, and driving outstanding business performance. We achieve this by creating an environment where every employee feels a true sense of belonging. We embrace diversity, equity, and inclusion, ensuring everyone feels accepted, valued, and empowered to make a meaningful impact.