Strategic Sourcing Manager

Location: Remote (open to qualified applicants across the United States). Candidates must be available to work CST or PST hours.

About the role

As a Strategic Sourcing Manager, you will be responsible for category development, strategic procurement engagement, and sourcing execution in collaboration with key internal customers and cross-functional stakeholders. You are accountable for supplier selection and management through planning and executing RFx, monitoring service providers through the purchasing lifecycle, and addressing risk and supplier performance.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement category management plans and sourcing strategies to negotiate and ensure cost savings/avoidance and performance targets are achieved.
• Establish and lead cross-functional teams of key stakeholders to collaboratively define business requirements and execute supplier initiatives that create value, improve quality, and reduce risk.
• Develop analytical reports on savings, metrics, and KPIs to monitor progress against objectives and key results.
• Provide cross-functional and top-down visibility into supplier spend and performance.
• Support RFx efforts by leading project teams through supplier selection processes.
• Partner closely with cross-functional teams such as Legal, Information Security, and Third-Party Governance in ushering agreements through the source-to-pay workflow while securing favorable terms and deals structures.
• Manage strategic procurement engagement with one or more key business units.

Requirements

• 8+ years of related experience in Procurement/Sourcing – including at least 4 years of sourcing software and complex technology services.
• BA/BS degree in Business Administration, Supply Chain Management or equivalent.
• Experience with eSourcing and spending analytics tools (e.g., Coupa, SAP Ariba, Ivalua, or similar), plus strong Excel and Google suite skills.
• Familiarity with AI-powered procurement tools (e.g., contract review, spend analysis, or sourcing copilots) is a plus.
• Proficiency with services and technology-related governing and engagement documents.
• Extensive negotiation and contract management experience.
• Strong customer service focus, communication skills, and attention to detail.
• Category management plan development and execution experience.
• Ability to lead complex sourcing events (RFP, RFI, and RFQ).
• Results-oriented mindset with proven track record of delivering quality outcomes for partners.
• Ability to lead complex initiatives, collaborate effectively with cross-functional partners, and manage projects independently.

Preferred Qualifications

• Master’s degree (MBA or similar).
• Procurement professional certification (e.g., CPSM, CIPS, CSP).
• Experience with Oracle or similar P2P systems.
• Experience with enterprise-scale procurement intake and workflow tools.
• Experience using Tableau or other data visualization tools.

Schedule

Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM CST or PST.

Pay

The annual salary for this position is between $100,000.00 and $134,000.00, depending on experience and other qualifications. This position is also eligible for Cognizant’s discretionary annual incentive program, based on performance and subject to the terms of Cognizant’s applicable plans.

Benefits

• Medical/Dental/Vision/Life Insurance.
• Paid holidays plus Paid Time Off.
• 401(k) plan and contributions.
• Long-term/Short-term Disability.
• Paid Parental Leave.
• Employee Stock Purchase Plan.