Indirect Procurement Specialist - Software and Vendor Management

Headquartered in the United States, TP-Link Systems Inc. is a global provider of reliable networking devices and smart home products, consistently ranked as the world’s top provider of Wi-Fi devices. The company is committed to delivering innovative products that enhance people’s lives through faster, more reliable connectivity. With a commitment to excellence, TP-Link serves customers in over 170 countries and continues to grow its global footprint. We believe technology changes the world for the better! At TP-Link Systems Inc, we are committed to crafting dependable, high-performance products to connect users worldwide with the wonders of technology. Embracing professionalism, innovation, excellence, and simplicity, we aim to assist our clients in achieving remarkable global performance and enable consumers to enjoy a seamless, effortless lifestyle. Role Summary TP-Link is seeking an Indirect Procurement Specialist – Software & Vendor Management to support procurement initiatives across software, technology, facilities, warehouse operations, professional services, and other indirect procurement categories. This role is responsible for managing the full procurement lifecycle, including business requirement gathering, sourcing strategy development, supplier evaluation, RFQ/RFP administration, vendor negotiations, contract coordination, purchase order execution, vendor relationship management, and procurement recommendations. This role requires demonstrated indirect procurement experience and hands-on experience supporting software, SaaS, technology, or IT-related procurement initiatives. The successful candidate will be comfortable managing procurement projects of varying complexity while partnering with stakeholders across Finance, Operations, Facilities, Warehouse, IT, and executive leadership. The ideal candidate combines strong indirect procurement expertise, business acumen, negotiation skills, and executive-level communication abilities. This individual must be comfortable presenting sourcing recommendations, leading vendor discussions, and operating independently in a fast-paced, evolving business environment. Candidates whose experience is primarily focused on direct materials procurement, inventory purchasing, manufacturing sourcing, production planning, material planning, or supply chain planning without substantial indirect procurement responsibilities will not be considered for this role. Key Responsibilities Lead end-to-end indirect procurement activities across software, technology, facilities, warehouse operations, professional services, and operational business categoriesPartner with stakeholders to understand business requirements, evaluate procurement needs, and develop sourcing strategiesConduct supplier sourcing activities, market research, RFQ/RFP processes, bid analysis, and supplier evaluationsLead vendor negotiations related to pricing, contract terms, service levels, software licensing agreements, subscriptions, and commercial arrangementsPrepare sourcing recommendations, vendor comparisons, cost analyses, and business cases for leadership review and decision-makingPresent procurement recommendations, sourcing strategies, and project updates to senior leadership and executive stakeholdersSupport software and technology procurement initiatives, including SaaS platforms, software licensing, subscriptions, cloud-based services, and technology-related vendorsManage vendor onboarding activities, compliance documentation, supplier records, and contract administrationCoordinate procurement activities across Finance, Operations, Facilities, Warehouse, IT, and other internal stakeholdersMonitor supplier performance, procurement timelines, and project deliverablesEnsure procurement activities align with company policies, approval workflows, internal controls, and audit requirementsIdentify opportunities to improve procurement processes, vendor performance, cost management, and operational efficiency Procurement Categories Supported This role supports a broad range of indirect procurement activities across the organization. Level 1 – Operational Purchasing Low-complexity Purchases That Support Day-to-day Business Operations, Including Office supplies and workplace materialsEmployee support and breakroom suppliesGeneral operational purchasing needs Level 2 – Project-Based Procurement Project-driven procurement activities requiring stakeholder collaboration, sourcing, and vendor evaluation, including: Furniture and workplace projectsFacilities services and maintenance vendorsElectrical, plumbing, cabling, janitorial, and landscaping servicesWarehouse equipment and operational support servicesOperational improvement projects Activities may include requirements gathering, supplier sourcing, RFQs, quote analysis, supplier evaluations, negotiations, supplier recommendations, and purchase order management. Level 3 – Strategic Procurement Complex Or High-value Procurement Initiatives Involving Software and SaaS platformsTechnology systems and software licensing agreementsProfessional services and consulting engagementsStrategic vendor partnershipsSpecialized service providers Activities may include vendor demonstrations, contract reviews, commercial negotiations, stakeholder presentations, business case development, and executive-level recommendations. What Success Looks Like Operates effectively in a fast-paced, evolving business environmentTakes ownership of procurement projects with minimal supervisionBuilds structure and process where neededAdapts quickly to changing business priorities and stakeholder needsCommunicates effectively with vendors, business leaders, and executive stakeholdersBalances strategic sourcing initiatives with operational procurement responsibilitiesProvides thoughtful recommendations that support business objectives and long-term operational growth Important Applicant Guidance This role requires demonstrated indirect procurement experience. To be considered, candidates should ensure their resume clearly identifies: Indirect procurement categories supportedSoftware, SaaS, technology, or IT procurement experienceRFQ/RFP ownership and sourcing initiativesVendor negotiations and contract managementExecutive stakeholder presentations and procurement recommendationsProcurement project leadership and business impact Resumes that do not clearly demonstrate indirect procurement experience may not be considered. Examples Of Relevant Indirect Procurement Categories Include Software and technology procurementSaaS licensing and subscription managementFacilities services and maintenance vendorsWarehouse operations support and equipment procurementProfessional and consulting servicesOffice and workplace servicesCorporate operational purchasingOther non-inventory procurement categories Requirements Bachelor's degree preferred or equivalent professional experienceMinimum 5 years of indirect procurement experience supporting non-inventory procurement categoriesExperience supporting software procurement, SaaS procurement, technology services, software licensing, cloud-based solutions, or related technology vendorsExperience leading RFQ/RFP processes, supplier evaluations, sourcing projects, and vendor negotiationsExperience preparing and presenting sourcing recommendations, vendor analyses, business cases, or procurement strategies to leadership teamsStrong vendor management and stakeholder relationship skillsExcellent written and verbal communication skills with the ability to engage professionally with executives, vendors, and cross-functional business leadersStrong analytical, problem-solving, and organizational skillsExperience with ERP, procurement, purchasing, contract management, or vendor management systemsDemonstrated ability to work independently in a fast-paced, high-growth, and evolving environmentAbility to work onsite in Irvine, CA Preferred Qualifications Experience supporting facilities, warehouse, distribution, operations, or corporate procurement categoriesAdvanced Microsoft Excel skillsExperience working within high-growth, entrepreneurial, or rapidly evolving organizationsExperience developing procurement processes, vendor governance practices, or sourcing frameworks Benefits Salary range: $85K-105K (depending on experience) Free snacks and drinksFully paid medical, dental, and vision insurance (partial coverage for dependents) Contributions to 401k fundsBi-annual reviews, and annual pay increasesHealth and wellness benefits, including free gym membershipQuarterly team-building events At TP-Link Systems Inc., we are continually searching for ambitious individuals who are passionate about their work. We believe that diversity fuels innovation, collaboration, and drives our entrepreneurial spirit. As a global company, we highly value diverse perspectives and are committed to cultivating an environment where all voices are heard, respected, and valued. We are dedicated to providing equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants, and we prohibit discrimination and harassment of any kind based on race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws. Beyond compliance, we strive to create a supportive and growth-oriented workplace for everyone. If you share our passion and connection to this mission, we welcome you to apply and join us in building a vibrant and inclusive team at TP-Link Systems Inc. Please, no third-party agency inquiries, and we are unable to offer visa sponsorships at this time.