Tactical Sourcing

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

As a Procurement Sourcing Specialist, you will play a key role in sourcing commodity demand in line with the global sourcing strategy. This specialist role is a core specialty in global procurement sourcing and requires deep industry knowledge of the commodity being sourced.
Your primary responsibilities will include:
* Source Commodity Demand: Understand the demand, establish the appropriate suppliers, and provide cost-effective and high-quality supply in line with the global sourcing strategy created by the particular sourcing council.
* Analyze Data and Benchmark: Apply data and benchmarking insights to inform sourcing decisions and ensure alignment with the global sourcing strategy.
* Negotiate with Suppliers: Engage in negotiations with suppliers, taking into account the strategic positioning of the supplier with regards to IBM strategic sourcing decisions.
* Document Sourcing Process: Document sourcing activities in a structured and auditable way to ensure transparency and accountability throughout the sourcing process.
* Build Supplier Relationships: Develop and maintain relationships with suppliers, influencing them to meet IBM's strategic sourcing objectives.

Required education
Bachelor's Degree

Preferred education
Master's Degree

Required technical and professional expertise

Tactical / Strategic Buyer - Key Responsibilities & Requirements

Role Overview
Responsible for managing end-to-end Source-to-Pay (S2P) procurement activities for indirect categories. The role involves vendor sourcing, negotiations, contract management, and delivering cost savings while managing stakeholders and suppliers across North America.

Key Responsibilities

• Manage end-to-end S2P (Source-to-Pay) process including sourcing, contracting, and supplier management.
• Handle procurement for Indirect Categories such as:
  • Facilities
  • MRO (Maintenance, Repair & Operations)
  • CPS
  • Logistics
  • IT
  • Marketing services
• Lead strategic sourcing initiatives and manage complex sourcing projects with spend thresholds up to $1M.
• Execute RFX processes including:
  • RFI (Request for Information)
  • RFQ (Request for Quotation)
  • RFP (Request for Proposal)
• Identify, evaluate, and onboard qualified vendors/suppliers.
• Conduct commercial and contractual negotiations to deliver optimal value and meet savings targets.
• Ensure strong contract management, including understanding and managing key clauses such as pricing, SLAs, termination, indemnity, liability, and compliance.
• Maintain strong vendor management and performance tracking.
• Collaborate with internal stakeholders across functions to understand requirements and deliver procurement solutions.
• Interact with suppliers and stakeholders across the US and Canada.
• Drive procurement initiatives independently and ensure timely delivery of sourcing outcomes.

Key Skills & Competencies

• Strong knowledge of Source-to-Pay (S2P) lifecycle.
• Experience in strategic sourcing and supplier negotiations.
• Expertise in contract management and procurement best practices.
• Ability to manage complex sourcing projects independently.
• Strong stakeholder management and communication skills.
• Results-driven, proactive, and confident professional with a "go-getter" mindset.

Work Requirements

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Willingness to work night shifts (login between 6:30 PM - 7:30 PM IST) to support North American stakeholders.

Preferred technical and professional experience

* Deep Industry Knowledge: Experience working with industry-specific data and benchmarking insights to inform sourcing decisions and drive cost savings. Understanding of the commodities being sourced, including market trends and supplier dynamics.
* Advanced Sourcing Techniques: Exposure to complex sourcing methods and tools to analyze data and negotiate with suppliers effectively. Familiarity with applying data and benchmarking insights to inform sourcing decisions.
* Strategic Supplier Relationships: Experience working with suppliers to meet business objectives, including influencing them to meet strategic sourcing objectives and negotiating contracts.

Years of Experience:
4-8