The Strategic Sourcing Manager will play a pivotal role in negotiating supplier agreements, guiding stakeholders through the intake-to-contract process, and delivering strategic sourcing support across multiple Sephora business units. This individual will focus on corporate professional services, technology, and supply chain professional services, while collaborating with stakeholders across departments to drive cost efficiency, compliance, and value creation.

Key Responsibilities:

Strategic Sourcing & Supplier Management:

• Negotiate and manage supplier agreements across categories such as system integrators, managed service providers, staff augmentation, maintenance, surge resourcing, and more.
• Identify opportunities to optimize supplier relationships and reduce costs while ensuring compliance with Sephora's standards.
• Conduct market research and supplier analysis to evaluate vendor capabilities, pricing, and performance.

Stakeholder Collaboration:

• Partner with stakeholders in Technology and Supply Chain, as well as other corporate shared service departments such as HR, Benefits, and Miscellaneous Services, to understand business needs and priorities.
• Guide stakeholders through the intake-to-contract process, providing clear communication and ensuring alignment with procurement strategies.
• Act as a trusted advisor to stakeholders, offering insights and recommendations for sourcing strategies that align with organizational goals.

Process Improvement:

• Drive efficiencies in the sourcing process by implementing best practices, tools, and technologies.
• Establish and monitor KPIs to evaluate sourcing effectiveness and supplier performance.
• Ensure compliance with internal policies and external regulations throughout the sourcing lifecycle.

Cross-Functional Leadership:

• Collaborate with legal, finance, and other internal teams to ensure contract terms align with Sephora's risk and financial guidelines.
• Serve as the liaison between vendors and internal departments to address issues, ensure quality, and resolve conflicts.
• Lead cross-functional initiatives to improve supplier management practices and overall sourcing strategy.

Qualifications:

Required:

• Bachelor's degree in Business Administration, Supply Chain Management, or a related field.
• 5+ years of experience in strategic sourcing, procurement, or supply chain management, preferably in professional services, technology, or retail industries.
• Strong negotiation and contract management skills, with a proven track record of delivering cost savings and value.
• Knowledge of sourcing categories such as system integration, managed services, and staff augmentation.
• Excellent communication, stakeholder management, and cross-functional collaboration skills.

Preferred:

• Experience sourcing for technology and supply chain professional services.
• Familiarity with tools like ERP systems, contract lifecycle management software, and procurement platforms.
• Certification in procurement or supply chain management (e.g., CPSM, CSCP).

Key Competencies:

• Analytical thinking and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to navigate ambiguity and work effectively in a fast-paced environment.
• Strong organizational and project management capabilities.
• A collaborative mindset with a commitment to driving results.

The target hiring compensation range for this role is $45.00-50.00 per hour. Compensation is based on several factors, including education, relevant work experience, certifications, and location.

Additional benefits offered may include; medical health insurance and dental insurance, life insurance, and eligibility to participate in 401k plan with company match.

About Aquent Talent:

Aquent Talent connects the best talent in marketing, creative, and design with the world’s biggest brands.

Our eligible talent get access to amazing benefits like subsidized health, vision, and dental plans, paid sick leave, and retirement plans with a match. We also offer free online training through Aquent Gymnasium. More information on our awesome benefits!

Aquent is an equal-opportunity employer. We evaluate qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, veteran status, and other legally protected characteristics. We’re about creating an inclusive environment-one where different backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives are valued, and everyone can contribute, grow their careers, and thrive.