Indirect Purchasing Manager (2026)

About the role

The Indirect Purchasing Manager is responsible for developing and executing sourcing strategies for all non-production (indirect) goods and services. This role leads category management, drives cost optimization initiatives, manages supplier relationships, ensures compliance with corporate policies, and partners cross-functionally to deliver measurable value, mitigate risk, and support business objectives.

Key Responsibilities

• Strategic Sourcing & Category Management
• Develop and implement sourcing strategies across assigned indirect commodities (e.g., IT, Facilities, Machinery & Equipment, Logistics, Outside Services, MRO, Engineering and Corporate Expenditures).
• Oversee and conduct market research, benchmark pricing, and evaluate emerging trends to inform category strategies.
• Build multi-year category roadmaps that align with organizational goals and operational needs.
• Spend Analysis & Cost Optimization
• Analyze spend data to identify consolidation opportunities, inefficiencies, and cost-saving initiatives.
• Use analytics tools to track spend patterns, supplier performance, and compliance.
• Develop cost models, total cost of ownership (TCO) analyses, and savings forecasts.
• Supplier Relationship Management
• Source, evaluate, and select suppliers based on quality, cost, capability, and risk profile.
• Lead supplier business reviews, performance scorecards, and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Build strategic partnerships that enhance service levels, innovation, and long-term value.
• Cost Savings & Value Delivery
• Lead negotiations to secure competitive pricing, favorable terms, and measurable cost reductions.
• Drive year-over-year savings targets through strategic sourcing, demand management, and process improvements.
• Identify opportunities to optimize supplier portfolios and eliminate maverick spend.
• Policy Adherence & Compliance
• Ensure all purchasing activities comply with corporate policies, procedures, and governance standards.
• Enforce contract compliance, ethical sourcing practices, and regulatory requirements.
• Support internal audits and implement corrective actions where needed.
• Cross-Functional Collaboration
• Partner with Finance, Legal, Operations, IT, HR, Facilities, Engineering, IT and other stakeholders to understand business requirements.
• Influence decision-making and align teams on sourcing strategies, supplier selection, and contract terms.
• Facilitate communication between internal teams and suppliers to ensure seamless execution.
• Risk Management
• Assess supplier risks related to financial stability, operational capability, cybersecurity, and compliance.
• Develop mitigation plans, contingency strategies, and supplier diversification approaches.
• Ensure contracts include appropriate Terms and Conditions protections for liability, data security, and business continuity.

Qualifications

• 8+ years of experience in procurement, sourcing, or supply chain management.
• Strong negotiation skills and experience managing complex supplier relationships.
• Proficiency in procurement systems (QAD, Intelex, BPM, Power BI etc.) and spend analytics tools.
• Demonstrated ability to deliver cost savings and manage multiple categories.
• Excellent communication, stakeholder management, and project leadership skills.

Core Competencies

• Strategic thinking
• Analytical problem-solving
• Negotiation & influence
• Supplier management
• Financial acumen
• Risk mitigation
• Cross-functional collaboration
• Policy & compliance discipline

Education Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain, Business, Finance, or related field (Master’s preferred).