Strategic Sourcing Manager

Partner with Aquent to join a globally recognized retail leader at the forefront of innovation, where your expertise will directly shape the technological landscape that drives their success. This is your opportunity to step into a pivotal role, driving significant impact by optimizing technology investments and fostering key supplier relationships across various business units. You'll be instrumental in securing critical software, hardware, and cloud services, directly influencing how this prominent brand leverages technology to deliver exceptional experiences.

As a key contributor, you will play a crucial role in enhancing efficiency and value across the organization's technology ecosystem. You will be responsible for strategically managing supplier agreements and guiding stakeholders through the entire contract lifecycle, ensuring seamless integration of essential technological resources. Your work will directly support the operational excellence and future growth of a dynamic and influential brand.

**PLEASE NOTE: This role is hybrid, mandatory 2 days onsite in San Francisco (Tuesday and Wednesday)**

**Key Responsibilities:**

* Negotiate complex technology supplier agreements, focusing on software (including on-premise and SaaS contracts), hardware, cloud services, and IT.

* Navigate and guide stakeholders through the intake-to-contract process, ensuring clear communication and alignment.

* Provide comprehensive strategic sourcing support across multiple business units.

* Launch and manage Request for Proposal (RFP) and Request for Information (RFI) processes, ensuring full compliance with purchasing policies.

* Conduct thorough market research and benchmarking to identify emerging trends and unlock significant cost-savings opportunities.

* Cultivate and maintain strong, collaborative relationships with both external suppliers and internal business partners.

* Serve as a primary point of contact for technology and business groups involved in managing and contracting with software suppliers.

**Must-Have Qualifications:**

* Proven experience in negotiating technology supplier agreements, specifically within software (on-premise and SaaS), hardware, cloud services, and IT.

* Demonstrated ability to manage and launch RFP/RFI processes and ensure policy compliance.

* Experience conducting market research and benchmarking to identify cost savings and emerging trends.

* Strong track record of fostering and maintaining robust relationships with suppliers and internal business partners.

* Ability to effectively navigate and support stakeholders through contract intake and execution.

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**About Aquent Talent:**

Aquent Talent connects the best talent in marketing, creative, and design with the world's biggest brands.

Our eligible talent get access to amazing benefits like subsidized health, vision, and dental plans, paid sick leave, and retirement plans with a match. We also offer free online training through Aquent Gymnasium. More information on our awesome benefits!

Aquent is an equal-opportunity employer. We evaluate qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, veteran status, and other legally protected characteristics. We're about creating an inclusive environment-one where different backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives are valued, and everyone can contribute, grow their careers, and thrive.

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