Director of Technology Procurement

The Director of Technology Procurement leads enterprise-wide technology category and sourcing strategies across Information Technology and technology-related requirements within other business units. The Director provides leadership, governance, commercial judgment and cross-functional alignment for complex, high-value technology investments, supplier relationships and contracting decisions. This position collaborates with Technology, Operations, Finance and other business functions to implement cost-efficient solutions that deliver measurable value, reduce risk and support enterprise objectives.

Organizational Relationships: Reports directly to the Senior Director, Procurement.

Serves as the principal Procurement partner to Technology leadership and business-unit leaders acquiring technology products and services across the enterprise. Collaborates extensively with Finance, Legal, Information Security, Risk Management, Data Governance, Operations and other corporate and business-unit stakeholders.

Job Responsibilities:

• Develops, implements and maintains three-to-five-year strategic category plans that support enterprise business and technology objectives.
• Formulates the annual technology procurement plan in partnership with Technology, business-unit leadership and Finance during the annual budgeting process.
• Executes against the annual procurement plan, with baselines approved and deliverables ratified by Technology leadership and business-unit Finance.
• Provides subject
• -matter expertise and detailed analysis from the procurement perspective and establishes best-in-class technology procurement processes.
• Develops and presents business cases that address financial impact, operational considerations, supplier capabilities and risk.
• Advises Technology and Financial Management regarding lease-versus-buy, build-versus-buy and business process outsourcing considerations.
• Partners with Technology, Operations and other business units to evaluate cost drivers, leading suppliers, addressable cost components, market pricing, commercial structures and industry best practices.
• Conducts complex negotiations, including RFx activities and auctions; manages supplier analysis and selection; and coordinates contract review, approval and execution.
• Collaborates with stakeholders on the development, measurement and reporting of procurement and supplier-performance KPIs.
• Leads the commercial component of the contracting process and partners with Legal for contract review, negotiation and execution.
• Works with operational buyers and procurement teams to ensure that requisitions, purchase orders, invoicing and related purchasing activity conform to contractual terms.
• Directs technology procurement across the enterprise, including technology purchased by Information Technology and technology-related products and services purchased by other business units.
• Provides procurement leadership across technology categories that may include enterprise software, SaaS, cloud services, infrastructure, hardware, telecommunications, cybersecurity, data and analytics, digital platforms, artificial intelligence, managed services, IT consulting and technology-enabled professional services.
• Establishes enterprise-wide technology sourcing priorities, category governance, procurement roadmaps and renewal strategies in partnership with Technology, Finance and business-unit leadership.
• Leads complex, high-value and multi-year sourcing initiatives and negotiations, including new technology acquisitions, renewals, expansions, transformations and supplier consolidations.
• Develops commercial structures that optimize total cost of ownership, pricing transparency, service levels, scalability, flexibility, implementation commitments, data rights, performance protections and exit provisions.
• Provides executive-ready recommendations and decision support for strategic technology investments, supplier selections, contract renewals, competitive sourcing events and build, buy, lease or outsource decisions.
• Constructively challenges requirements and supplier proposals to ensure that proposed solutions are commercially competitive, appropriately scoped and aligned with enterprise priorities.
• Owns the commercial relationship and strategic supplier-management process for critical technology providers, including performance reviews, renewal planning, executive engagement, risk mitigation, escalation management and continuous value improvement.
• Partners with Legal, Information Security, Privacy, Risk Management and other control functions to identify and address commercial, operational, security, privacy, data, implementation, concentration, continuity and supplier risks.
• Ensures that technology purchases follow applicable enterprise procurement, contracting, approval, information-security, privacy, risk-management and financial-control requirements.
• Develops and monitors measurable procurement results, including validated savings, cost avoidance, budget impact, supplier performance, contract compliance, risk reduction and stakeholder outcomes.
• Maintains technology market intelligence, supplier benchmarks and knowledge of evolving commercial models to support sourcing strategies and negotiations.
• Provides functional leadership, coaching and subject-matter expertise to Procurement team members supporting technology-related sourcing activities.
• Represents Procurement in executive-level discussions involving enterprise technology strategy, investments, supplier performance and commercial commitments.
• Performs additional projects and supports other procurement categories as required.

Qualifications:

• Must meet company’s requirements for employment.
• Valid in-state driver’s license and have and maintained an acceptable, safe driving record.
• Demonstrated ability to communicate and interact effectively across all levels of the organization, including store and regional personnel, corporate management and senior leadership.
• Excellent leadership, communication, presentation, analytical, negotiation and problem-solving skills.
• Strong ability to implement selected solutions effectively and manage multiple priorities within tight timelines.
• Executive presence and business judgment necessary to influence senior leaders and guide cross-functional teams through complex, high-value and time-sensitive technology decisions.
• Advanced knowledge of technology commercial models, including perpetual and subscription software, SaaS, cloud consumption, professional services, managed services, telecommunications, licensing metrics and usage-based pricing.
• Strong strategic-sourcing, contract-development and negotiation expertise, including the ability to identify and address commercial, operational, implementation, renewal and supplier risks.
• Ability to understand technical requirements and translate them into clear sourcing strategies, negotiation positions, business cases and executive recommendations.
• Strong financial and analytical capabilities, including total-cost-of-ownership analysis, pricing-model evaluation, benchmarking, scenario analysis and benefits measurement.
• Demonstrated ability to lead through influence across Technology, Finance, Legal, Operations and other business functions.
• Ability to balance cost, risk, speed, supplier capability, operational requirements and long-term enterprise value when developing recommendations.
• High level of integrity, accountability, confidentiality and sound judgment when handling sensitive commercial and enterprise technology matters.
• Proficiency in Microsoft 365 applications and relevant procurement, sourcing, contract-management and analytical tools.

Education and Relevant Experience:

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited university in Business, Supply Chain, Information Technology or a related field.
• Minimum of 10 years of progressively responsible experience in procurement, strategic sourcing, category management or a related commercial function, including significant responsibility for enterprise technology procurement.
• Demonstrated experience managing technology procurement requirements across Information Technology and other business units that purchase or deploy technology products and services.
• Experience should include several of the following technology categories: hardware, software, SaaS, cloud services, telecommunications, cybersecurity, data and analytics, digital platforms, artificial intelligence, IT consulting, professional services and managed services.
• Demonstrated success leading complex enterprise sourcing initiatives and negotiating significant technology agreements with measurable financial, contractual and operational outcomes.
• Strong understanding of business and technology strategy, technology solutions, commercial models, implementation considerations, supplier-management practices and technology-product lifecycles.
• Experience partnering with senior Technology, Finance, Legal, Information Security, Risk Management, Operations and business-unit stakeholders is required.
• Strong category-management experience is required.
• Master’s degree or MBA is preferred.
• Automotive-industry experience is preferred.
• Professional procurement or supply-management certification, such as CPSM, C.P.M. or an equivalent credential, is preferred.

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Exciting Benefits and Perks Await You:

• Competitive compensation and 401k matching

• Enjoy a healthy work-life balance with insurance plans (health, dental, vision) and maternity benefits.

• Associate purchase and discount programs for new and pre-owned vehicles, services, parts, collision, accessories, and AutoGear

• Access amazing deals and discounts through YouDecide, a website with offers from top providers and retailers

• Join our DRVPNK mission to raise and donate millions of dollars to cancer research and treatment, partnering with cancer charities nationwide

AutoNation is one of the largest automotive retailers in the United States, offering innovative products, exceptional services, and comprehensive solutions, empowering our customers to make the best decisions for their needs. With a network of dealerships nationwide strengthened by a recognized brand, we offer a wide variety of new and used vehicles, customer financing, parts, and provide expert maintenance and repair services. Through DRV PNK, we have raised over $40 million for cancer-related causes, demonstrating our commitment to making a positive difference in the lives of our Associates, Customers, and the communities we serve.
 

AutoNation is committed to creating a diverse, equitable, and inclusive environment in our workplace and the services we provide. We welcome candidates from all backgrounds who are passionate about making a positive impact. Even if you do not meet every requirement, we encourage you to apply. Join our team and help us foster a culture of belonging while contributing to our revolutionary work in the automotive industry. We value innovation, teamwork, and a commitment to making a positive impact in the world.