Strategic Sourcing Director

Job Description Position Summary

As a key Team Manager and leader in the Strategic Sourcing function, the Director, Strategic Sourcing CoE Programs & Initiatives Leader is responsible for leading the strategic sourcing organizational through designing and driving key programs for value delivery and organizational AI readiness in partnership with the functional sourcing teams, business, DTE and other key stakeholders, elevating sourcing and procurement impact to the enterprise.

The role provides people leadership to elevate the capabilities of the sourcing team, and has responsibility to help shape the future of an AI centered operating model.

The ideal candidate understands Vertex systems and processes, is a sourcing expert with technology expertise, and is a forward-thinking leader with a deep understanding of procurement, technologies, emerging AI capabilities, and change delivery, able to develop robust program deployment plans, deliver exceptional implementation and outcomes, and influence enterprise stakeholders throughout the design, deployment and change management processes.

• Lead the Cloud ERP initiative as a key member of the ERP team representing Strategic Sourcing & Procurement to deliver multi-year planning and execution for cloud ERP deployment for Vertex.
• Partner closely with the enterprise cross-functional team on future-state design, requirements and prioritization for Source to Pay.

• Develop and lead the VAIDA for sourcing plan and deployment through strong partnerships with DTE, including readiness of all sourcing and procurement knowledge articles and documentation.
• Cultivated and embed AI readiness practices across strategic sourcing organization, partnering with the Director, Digitization/User Orchestration Leader as well as the Strategic Sourcing LT.
• Shape the future of an AI designed SS&P organization and S2P processes in partnership with the sourcing leaders, developing and delivering on organization evolution roadmaps.

• Lead the evolution and maturation of value tracking programs across sourcing ensuring teams are developing robust pipelines of initiatives for multi-year savings value and aligning with the business and finance to embed in budget planning.
• Deploy and continue to evolve value tracking methodologies and tools for the sourcing organization including the VBM team in GMDA, in partnership with finance and the business.
• Own and lead Savings Value Sourcing/Finance governance program to ensure savings realization, budget alignment and single source of truth of value for the enterprise.

• Lead and influence the elevation of CoE capabilities through exceptional programs and best practices.
• Provide leadership, role modeling, peer coaching and development to support team development and impact.

• Partner with sourcing leaders, business, DTE, and suppliers to influence adoption and mindset shift.
• Align sourcing and procurement processes with overall business objectives and collaborate with key stakeholders to understand evolving needs; own, develop and embed tools and processes to enable consistency, simplification, and sustainability of strategic sourcing value to the business.
• Foster strong partnerships and a culture of continuous learning and development within the strategic sourcing and procurement function to mature and sustain programs deployed and value realization for the business.

• Increased adoption and satisfaction with procurement tools and processes.
• Demonstrated cost, efficiency, and compliance improvements through digitalization.
• Reduction of procurement cycle times and user effort.
• High stakeholder engagement and positive business feedback on procurement's role as a strategic partner.

• Bachelor's degree in Business, Supply Chain, Technology, or related field (MBA or advanced degree preferred).

• 10+ years of progressive experience in procurement, supply chain, or digital transformation roles, with at least 5 years in leadership.

• Proven experience deploying large-scale procurement technology (Ariba, Coupa, Jaggaer, Ivalua, SAP, Oracle, etc.) and digital solutions.
• Strong knowledge of S2P processes, category management, and supplier engagement models.
• Track record of delivering measurable outcomes through process transformation, automation, and user experience redesign.
• Exceptional leadership, communication, and stakeholder management skills.
• Ability to operate strategically while driving operational execution.
• Able to establish and maintain strong business partner relationships at highest levels within the organization, partner on and shape strategies and develop multi-year plans to drive value for the business, gaining their respect and trust.
• Thoughtful and active listener; able to…