Strategic Sourcing Associate Director - NY R0042402

Strategic Sourcing Associate Director - NY R0042402

Job Summary: The Strategic Sourcing Associated Director for T&E and Events is a crucial leadership role within our strategic sourcing team, focusing on the strategic sourcing of services and goods necessary for corporate travel, entertainment, and events. This position involves a combination of negotiation, vendor management, budgeting, and an in-depth understanding of T&E and event planning. The ideal candidate will develop and implement sourcing strategies, manage supplier relationships, ensure cost-effectiveness, and oversee high-quality services in T&E and events. Additionally, this role includes managing direct reports, requiring effective team leadership and development.

Responsibilities:

T&E and Events Sourcing Strategy:

• Develop and maintain Category Strategy and Category business plans
• Develop and implement sourcing strategies specific to T&E and events categories.
• Manage and maintain Executive supplier relationships
• Create and maintain a preferred vendor* portfolio to optimize costs and ensure quality accommodations for corporate travel and event execution (*hotel, airlines, ground transportation, event agencies, AV, etc.)
• Monitor, communicate, and respond to changing market conditions and business drivers on a global basis to maximize leverage and minimize risk

Contract Negotiation and Vendor Management:

• Lead strategic contract negotiations, maintenance of supplier relationships, including regular business reviews with key suppliers, and development of a preferred vendors list
• Ensure compliance with contractual terms and service level agreements.

Spend Management and Cost Optimization:

• Oversee supplier spending for T&E and events, ensuring cost-effectiveness and adherence to financial guidelines.
• Identify cost-saving opportunities and implement measures to reduce expenditures in both categories.

Stakeholder Engagement:

• Collaborate with internal teams, understanding their travel, entertainment, and event planning needs.
• Tailor sourcing strategies to meet diverse internal requirements and preferences while remaining aligned with established best practices in strategic sourcing.
• Working closely with GEM leadership to provide options and alternatives for venue sourcing and selection on an event-by-event basis

Compliance and Process Improvement:

• Ensure procurement activities are compliant with legal and organizational standards.
• Lead competitive sourcing processes (RFI, RFP) and negotiate supply agreements.
• Continuously seek opportunities to improve sourcing processes and practices, including the use of technology for efficiency.

Team Leadership and Management:

• Manage and mentor a team of sourcing professionals, providing guidance and support in their roles.
• Establish and monitor the team's key performance indicators (KPIs), aligning with overall T&E and event sourcing objectives.

Sustainability:

• Implement sustainable sourcing practices in line with organizational goals.

Qualifications and Skills:

Education: BA in Business, Supply Chain Management, Marketing, Hospitality, Event Management, or related field.

Experience: Minimum of 6 years in strategic sourcing or procurement, with specific expertise in T&E and events, including team leadership and management.

Skills Required for T&E:

• In-depth knowledge of travel and entertainment industry standards and suppliers.
• Expertise in negotiating travel and entertainment contracts.
• Ability to manage corporate travel policies and compliance.

Skills Required for Events:

• Strong understanding of the events market, including suppliers and service standards.
• Experience negotiating contracts for event services such as venues, catering, and equipment.
• Develop strategies for efficiently sourcing event venues, minimizing the need for site visits.

General Skills:

• Strong analytical and project management abilities.
• Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills.
• Proficient in budgeting and financial management.
• Familiarity with procurement software and tools.
• Ability to establish and monitor KPIs for T&E and event sourcing.

Nice-to-Have:

• Existing vendor relationships within the T&E and Events space.

Additional Information: 

Wolters Kluwer offers a wide variety of competitive benefits and programs to help meet your need