Strategic Sourcing Manager

Stripe
Summary
Join Stripe's Procurement team as a Strategic Sourcing Manager, focusing on technology procurement. You will develop and execute strategic sourcing plans, lead supplier selection and contract negotiations, conduct market research, and champion third-party risk programs. This role requires establishing trusted business partner relationships, ensuring alignment with operational principles, and contributing to sustainable growth. You will work closely with internal teams to drive enterprise-level procurement solutions and help build a world-class Strategic Sourcing & Category Management function. The ideal candidate possesses extensive experience in indirect sourcing, technology category management, and negotiation, along with strong analytical and communication skills.
Requirements
- A minimum of 8 years of experience in indirect sourcing, procurement, category management, or a related field
- Demonstrated ability to develop and implement strategic sourcing and category management strategies in technology categories, specifically in software and SaaS
- Proven negotiation skills and a track record of achieving significant cost savings and supplier value without compromising on quality or service
- Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to manage and interpret complex data
- Experience in supplier contracting with a solid understanding of standard commercial terms and conditions to mitigate risks and create clear service level agreements
- Leadership and stakeholder management skills with the ability to elevate ambitions and influence cross-functional and internal team members
- Excellent communication and organizational skills, both written and verbal, with the ability to represent Stripe effectively by interfacing with and influencing experienced business leaders
- Demonstrated experience successfully partnering with cross-functional stakeholders
Responsibilities
- Develop and execute strategic sourcing plans for technology, primarily in software, identifying opportunities for cost reduction, quality improvement, and process efficiencies
- Lead supplier selection, assessment, and contract negotiation processes, ensuring compliance with Stripe's policies and risk management protocols
- Conduct market research and analysis to inform category strategies and stay ahead of industry trends
- Lead competitive bidding and RFx in categories supported and ensure best in class benchmarking is in place across critical spend areas
- Be an active champion across the company supporting our third party risk programs and fiscal initiatives when engaging in Procurement activities
- Deliver on strategic sourcing management goals including cost savings and spend under management, and implement any necessary process enhancements to ensure that those goals are achieved
- Evaluate existing supplier base and identify rationalization and/or RFx opportunities in partnership with business teams and Finance, allowing Stripe to maximize negotiating leverage
- Work closely with internal teams to drive enterprise-level procurement solutions and increase supplier management effectiveness
- Participate in establishing short-term and long range planning and budget development of the company to support strategic business goals
- Help to develop and execute a roadmap to build and scale an impactful Strategic Sourcing & Category Management function that Stripes recognize and value
Preferred Qualifications
- Solution-oriented mindset with enthusiasm for establishing best practice
- Self-disciplined, diligent, proactive and detail oriented
- Comfort with a rapid pace of change, complexity, and working across matrixed functions, preferably within a fast-paced technology or financial services environment
- Strategic mindset with the ability to make sound business decisions based on data and analytics
- Understanding or experience with e-procurement tools and systems (e.g., Zip, Tropic, Oracle, etc.)
- Familiarity with the fintech industry and its supply chain and procurement challenges