Strategic Sourcing Manager, Marketing

Company Description

At Intuitive, we are united behind our mission: we believe that minimally invasive care is life-enhancing care. Through ingenuity and intelligent technology, we expand the potential of physicians to heal without constraints.

As a pioneer and market leader in robotic-assisted surgery, we strive to foster an inclusive and diverse team, committed to making a difference. For more than 25 years, we have worked with hospitals and care teams around the world to help solve some of healthcare's hardest challenges and advance what is possible.

Intuitive has been built by the efforts of great people from diverse backgrounds. We believe great ideas can come from anywhere. We strive to foster an inclusive culture built around diversity of thought and mutual respect. We lead with inclusion and empower our team members to do their best work as their most authentic selves.

Passionate people who want to make a difference drive our culture. Our team members are grounded in integrity, have a strong capacity to learn, the energy to get things done, and bring diverse, real world experiences to help us think in new ways. We actively invest in our team members to support their long-term growth so they can continue to advance our mission and achieve their highest potential.

Join a team committed to taking big leaps forward for a global community of healthcare professionals and their patients. Together, let's advance the world of minimally invasive care.

Job Description

The Strategic Sourcing Manager, Marketing will lead marketing-related sourcing projects to help Intuitive Surgical Inc. (Intuitive) procure the best services and products at competitive costs that meet company requirements. This role is responsible for managing and executing the sourcing strategy for marketing procurement categories such as creative services, market research, agency relationships, public relations, events and sponsorships, and other related sub-categories. The individual will collaborate closely with Intuitive’s Sales and Marketing departments as well as other business units to develop sourcing strategies that deliver significant value and impact to Intuitive’s operations. 

This role involves leading sourcing projects from start to finish, including tasks such as requirements gathering, supplier research, category and market research, market index analysis, data analysis, baseline development, RFP development, bid management, negotiations, offer analysis, and scenario development. The candidate is expected to solve problems, recommend alternative solutions, and mitigate business risks. Additionally, the role encompasses post-bid management activities such as contract management, spend analysis, and supplier management. The individual must manage multiple projects concurrently while also supporting ad-hoc sourcing inquiries and improvement initiatives. 

Effective collaboration with Sales & Marketing, Privacy, Contracts, Finance, and other business teams is essential for success in this role. Excellent project management and communication skills are necessary, as this individual will need to influence and effectively navigate complex decisions within the company. 

Responsibilities: 

• Develop Strategic Relationships: Foster strong internal and external partnerships. 

• Drive Strategic Sourcing and RFP Process Execution: Lead and manage strategic sourcing and RFP processes effectively, including creating RFPs, analyzing supplier responses, and presenting award recommendations. Ensure alignment with goals, foster collaboration, and refine processes for continuous improvement 

• Collaborate with Business Partners: Work with stakeholders to maximize Marketing ROI and achieve overall business objectives. 

• Act as a Business Advisor: Provide market insights, assess commercial and operational risks, assist in supplier selection, and negotiate favorable legal and commercial terms. 

• Identify Cost Savings Opportunities: Find and implement cost-saving measures while mitigating business risks. 

• Enhance Procurement and Contracting Efficiency: Streamline processes to benefit business partners and key suppliers. 

• Facilitate Key Decisions: Bring decision-makers together to influence critical business decisions when necessary. 

• Conduct Market and Supplier Research: Perform detailed research and communicate findings through comprehensive summaries. 

• Manage Project Timelines: Develop and oversee project timelines and lead relevant meetings. 

• Proactively Manage Marketing Contracts: Review existing contracts and create sourcing project pipeline based on business needs and expiration dates. 

• Address Contract Concerns: Mee