Freelance Sourcing Manager

As Sourcing Manager Technology, you are part of global technology sourcing team and based out of Belgium ( Brussels). One day you work on deals including everything connected to our network in stores (POS systems, scanners, servers) and network services. The next day you might find yourself working on a contract with a web development shop or cloud infrastructure team for one of our brands. On a global level, we may include you in negotiations with Microsoft for our office applications. Diversity guaranteed

Dive wholeheartedly into these key responsibilities

• manage and balance needs between quality, cost, service, and innovation - responsible for achieving annual target cost reduction and avoidance savings

• manage a significant portfolio of technology sourcing and contract negotiation opportunities across multiple technologies, digital, and business-enabling related categories including end to end management of Tech. sourcing function for Romania

• proactively identify and execute savings and innovation opportunities for business/technology stakeholders

• lead sourcing initiatives end to end, including but not limited to:

• RFx, benchmarking; performing supplier market research, and developing category strategies.

• liaise with internal stakeholders, building and adeptly maintaining complex (at times challenging) relationships - particularly with senior leaders

• lead vendor contract negotiations, including commercial/pricing and contract terms & conditions

• perform vendor assessments

• expertly navigate Technology Sourcing’s role as the central hub of the technology procurement and contracting process, including

• maintain strong relationships and smooth hand-offs with control and support teams such as finance, vendor management, information security, legal team members, etc.

• support the Director & VP in developing a robust, professional, and forward-thinking technology sourcing organization

• stay current with both business and technology and identify potential future partners.

You will join a team that is relatively early on the maturity curve, meaning opportunities abound for career growth into people leadership and new roles and functions. You report to the EU Technology Sourcing Director, who reports to our global VP. In addition, you work with colleagues from our local brands, finance, vendor management, information security, legal, etc.

Requirements:

• Add a motivation letter based on the project and requirements

• English CV and motivationletter

• Willing to work 1 or 2 days a week in Brussels

• Combine a bachelor/master’s degree, or equivalent experience, with 8-10+ years of relevant work experience as a procurement lead in technology, covering large global contracts. Retail experience is considered a plus.

• A world-class strategic negotiator with excellent verbal and written communication skills,the ability to conduct professional presentations and tell stories, including the ability to process complex to create cogent arguments and simple messages

• Bring solid project management, planning & organization skills to the table – a must because you will need to go beyond negotiating. You are the centerpiece of coordination between all parties involved.

• Excellent conceptual skills and autonomy, including stakeholder management experience.You thrive in a large, matrixed, and diverse organization, bridging the gap between our global and local sourcing needs.

• Ability to lead and influence peers, typically without official authority or mandate

• You have excellent English language skills. Flemish and/or French language skills is preferred.