Responsibilities

The Director of Procurement at Workato (iPaaS) is responsible for developing and executing procurement strategies that support the technology and operational needs of the organization. This role involves managing procurement activities for both software and hardware, optimizing vendor relationships, negotiating contracts for cloud services, and ensuring the cost-effective acquisition of services, tools, and resources essential for delivering high-quality SaaS solutions. The ideal candidate should have deep expertise in sourcing technology solutions, including SaaS, cloud infrastructure, and IT services.

 In this role, you will also be responsible to:

• Develop and lead the procurement strategy for technology products and services, including software licensing, cloud infrastructure (e.g., AWS, Azure), and IT services.

• Collaborate closely with the IT, Product, and Engineering teams to understand technology requirements and ensure the timely procurement of critical tools and resources.

• Negotiate and manage contracts with SaaS vendors, cloud service providers, and third-party IT services to secure optimal terms, pricing, and service-level agreements (SLAs).

• Oversee software licensing and subscription management, ensuring compliance with vendor agreements and managing renewals to avoid disruptions.

• Develop and maintain vendor relationships with key technology partners, ensuring alignment with business goals and fostering innovation and collaboration.

• Monitor and mitigate risk by ensuring proper due diligence with new vendors and assessing the financial and operational impact of key technology providers.

• Implement technology-driven procurement solutions, using data analytics to streamline procurement processes, track spend, and identify cost-saving opportunities.

• Drive cost-efficiency initiatives while ensuring the procurement of high-quality products and services that support the company’s growth objectives.

• Ensure compliance with legal, security, and data privacy requirements, particularly in areas such as software licensing, data protection, and cybersecurity.

• Oversee the procurement of corporate resources such as office equipment, remote work technology, and other business-critical tools that support operations and productivity.

• Manage the procurement budget, forecasting spend and ensuring alignment with company financial goals. The Director of Procurement will manage a small team of procurement professionals

• Stay abreast of industry trends in cloud computing, SaaS, and emerging technologies to support innovation and scalability within the organization.

Requirements

Qualifications / Experience / Technical Skills

• Bachelor’s degree in Business, Supply Chain Management, IT, or a related field (MBA or relevant master’s degree preferred).

• 10+ years of experience in procurement, with a focus on technology or SaaS-related products and services.

• Experience in managing contracts and relationships with software, cloud infrastructure, and IT service providers, as well as facilities.

• Deep understanding of SaaS business models, cloud services, and software licensing.

• Strong negotiation skills, particularly with large-scale software and cloud providers (e.g., AWS, Microsoft, Google).

• Experience in procurement technology systems (e.g., procurement platforms, ERP systems) and using data-driven approaches to optimize procurement processes. Coupa experience preferred.

• Knowledge of data privacy, cybersecurity, and regulatory requirements related to technology procurement.

Soft Skills / Personal Characteristics

• Proven leadership and team management skills, with the ability to manage cross-functional collaboration and influence key stakeholders.

• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with experience in developing cost-saving strategies.

• Excellent communication and vendor management skills, with a focus on building long-term, strategic relationships.

For California applicants, the pay for this role begins at $175,000 plus variable, benefits, perks and equity.