Introduction
At IBM Finance & Operations, we are the backbone of IBM’s transformation driving efficiency, transparency, and smart decision-making across the business. Our teams provide the insight and discipline that guide strategy, ensure financial strength, and enable IBM to invest in innovation and growth. Working in Finance & Operations means combining analytical skills with collaboration and curiosity. You’ll partner with colleagues across functions and geographies, using data, technology, and process excellence to create solutions that improve performance and deliver measurable impact. IBM offers continuous learning, career development, and a culture that values diverse perspectives. Join us and be part of a global team that keeps IBM moving forward, while building your own future in a dynamic and evolving environment.
Your Role And Responsibilities
IBM is seeking a Strategic Sourcing Leader with deep Professional Services experience (e.g. Corporate Services, SOW, Contingent Workforce, and Managed/Outsourced Services). You will contribute to global category strategy, lead complex negotiations, and partner with senior stakeholders to deliver savings, risk reduction, supplier performance, and business outcomes. The role may include people leadership, driving a high‑performing team of sourcing professionals and elevating sourcing execution at scale.
Category Strategy & Delivery
- Develop and execute category strategies for Professional Services (Consulting/Advisory, SOW, Staff Augmentation, Managed Services) across T&M and Fixed‑Price engagement models
- Lead end‑to‑end strategic sourcing and deal execution: market scans, RFI/RFP/RFQ, bid evaluation, supplier selection, and contracting in partnership with corporate stakeholders (BU, Legal, Finance, etc.)
- Run high‑impact negotiations to optimize commercial terms, cash flow, SLAs, KPIs, and risk clauses (e.g., IP, data privacy, subcontracting)
- Consolidate demand, rationalize the supply base, and drive category compliance and adoption of preferred providers
Stakeholder & Supplier Management
- Partner with senior leaders across the corporation to align sourcing outcomes to business needs
- Build and manage strategic supplier relationships; implement supplier performance management (QBRs, scorecards, continuous improvement plans)
Data, Risk & Operations
- Use sourcing and analytics tools to analyze spend, segment suppliers, model scenarios, and surface insights that guide decisions
- Ensure compliance with policies and applicable regulations; manage the contract lifecycle from execution to renewals and change orders
- Track and report performance against targets (savings, avoided cost, cycle time, etc.)
Preferred Education
Master's Degree
Required Technical And Professional Expertise
- 7–10+ years in Strategic Sourcing/Category Management, with significant time in Professional Services (Consulting/Advisory, SOW, Staff Augmentation, Managed Services).
- Proven record leading complex negotiations and independently managing large‑scale sourcing projects.
- Strong stakeholder management and supplier relationship management skills; ability to influence senior leaders.
- Hands‑on with e‑sourcing/procurement tools (e.g., Ariba/SAP or similar) and comfort with analytics and dashboards.
Preferred Technical And Professional Experience
- Prior people‑management experience leading sourcing/procurement teams.
- MBA or advanced degree in Business, Finance, Supply Chain, Economics (or equivalent experience).
- Experience designing SOW frameworks, staffing rate cards, service catalogs, and performance‑based fee models.
