Strategic Sourcing Manager - Tech (Hybrid-Seattle, WA)

Job Description

This job contributes to Nordstrom success by effectively developing and leading sourcing strategies, effectively managing suppliers and internal networks to deliver best-in-class performance for various business software, enterprise software, and hardware Indirect Spend categories (Non-Merchandise), and consistently delivers measurable and strategic goals to enable a competitive advantage to bottom-line and top-line company growth, and corporate social responsibility leadership. The Strategic Sourcing Manager – Technology is an individual contributor role responsible for the sourcing of SaaS solutions, cloud migrations, on-premise software, maintenance and support, hardware, and telecom.

** This position is Hybrid- downtown Seattle, WA and does require you to be in office 4 days per week. At this time we are not offering any relocation for this position.

A day in the life...

• Manage the contract lifecycle of software and hardware (including telecom) in various delivery models and licensing structures.
• Develop and lead effective negotiation strategies to enable successful outcomes.
• Lead and collaborate with cross-functional teams to meet timelines in a fast-paced environment.
• Communicate clearly and effectively (both verbal and written) with internal leadership and suppliers.
• Influence and advise leaders on TCO and risks, and provide strategic recommendations based on data and analysis.
• Mitigate risk and ensure Nordstrom expectations of suppliers are clear, binding, and enforceable.  
• Employ strong knowledge of key technology players, competitors, and market dynamics.
• Proactively develop new and effective business and professional relationships with strategic suppliers and industry players.
• Proactively manage and measure suppliers for continuous performance and improvement.
• Employ advanced program and project management tools, solutions, and techniques to deliver results.
• Draft and lead redlining activity for a wide variety of complex technology agreements, such as SaaS Agreements, Software License Agreements, Service Level Agreements, Support Agreements, and implementation and configuration SOWs. 
• Effectively manage multiple complex projects with ambitious deadlines.
• Proactively identify and resolve complex sourcing and contractual challenges within the business software and enterprise software portfolios, including licensing issues and contract disputes.
• Make data-driven decisions to support strategic execution and ensure alignment with business objectives in high-ambiguity environments.
• Collaborate with strategic sourcing peers and cross-functional teams in a fast-paced, changing environment, demonstrating strong teamwork, resiliency, creativity, and adaptability.

You own this if you have... 

• 6+ years of experience in software/hardware category management, strategic sourcing, and technology contract negotiation, with an emphasis on SaaS, on-premise software, and hardware.
• Strong knowledge of market analysis, sourcing category strategy, supplier relationship management, “should-cost” models, TCO analysis, multi-year negotiation strategies, supplier continuous improvement programs, and Lean Initiatives.
• Knowledge of key legal concepts involving technology and data, including familiarity with data privacy and security principles.
• Experience with various licensing and delivery model types and contracting best practices.
• Experience understanding and translating technical requirements into enforceable contract obligations.
• Knowledge of business ethics and Ethical Sourcing Requirements.
• Ability to influence at an Executive level, both internally and externally, and an ability to lead and influence peer and partner groups, both internally and externally.
• Clear and effective written and verbal communication.
• Strong proficiency with O365, BI apps, contract lifecycle management tools, workflow and incident management tools, and source-to-pay tools.
• Ability to conduct and independently manage multiple sourcing events, evaluate bids against a broad set of evaluation criteria, and provide recommendations for supplier selection.  
• Supplier risk management experience. 
• Knowledge of technology trends and emerging technologies; expert negotiation tactics and strategies; and a proven track record of leading complex technology transaction negotiations that result in cost savings and risk mitigation.
• A strong sense of ownership and adaptability to drive results through change, a solutions-oriented mindset, and you are energized by solving complex problems.

We’ve got you covered…

Our employees are our most important