Strategic Sourcing Manager, Marketing - job 1 of 2

At Intuitive, we are united behind our mission: we believe that minimally invasive care is life-enhancing care. Through ingenuity and intelligent technology, we expand the potential of physicians to heal without constraints.

As a pioneer and market leader in robotic-assisted surgery, we strive to foster an inclusive and diverse team, committed to making a difference. For more than 25 years, we have worked with hospitals and care teams around the world to help solve some of healthcare's hardest challenges and advance what is possible.

Intuitive has been built by the efforts of great people from diverse backgrounds. We believe great ideas can come from anywhere. We strive to foster an inclusive culture built around diversity of thought and mutual respect. We lead with inclusion and empower our team members to do their best work as their most authentic selves.

Passionate people who want to make a difference drive our culture. Our team members are grounded in integrity, have a strong capacity to learn, the energy to get things done, and bring diverse, real world experiences to help us think in new ways. We actively invest in our team members to support their long-term growth so they can continue to advance our mission and achieve their highest potential.

Join a team committed to taking big leaps forward for a global community of healthcare professionals and their patients. Together, let's advance the world of minimally invasive care.

The Strategic Sourcing Manager, Marketing will lead marketing-related sourcing projects to help Intuitive Surgical Inc. (Intuitive) procure the best services and products at competitive costs that meet company requirements. This role is responsible for managing and executing the sourcing strategy for marketing procurement categories such as creative services, market research, agency relationships, public relations, events and sponsorships, and other related sub-categories. The individual will collaborate closely with Intuitive’s Sales and Marketing departments as well as other business units to develop sourcing strategies that deliver significant value and impact to Intuitive’s operations. 

This role involves leading sourcing projects from start to finish, including tasks such as requirements gathering, supplier research, category and market research, market index analysis, data analysis, baseline development, RFP development, bid management, negotiations, offer analysis, and scenario development. The candidate is expected to solve problems, recommend alternative solutions, and mitigate business risks. Additionally, the role encompasses post-bid management activities such as contract management, spend analysis, and supplier management. The individual must manage multiple projects concurrently while also supporting ad-hoc sourcing inquiries and improvement initiatives. 

Effective collaboration with Sales & Marketing, Privacy, Contracts, Finance, and other business teams is essential for success in this role. Excellent project management and communication skills are necessary, as this individual will need to influence and effectively navigate complex decisions within the company. 

Responsibilities: 

• Develop Strategic Relationships: Foster strong internal and external partnerships. 
• Drive Strategic Sourcing and RFP Process Execution: Lead and manage strategic sourcing and RFP processes effectively, including creating RFPs, analyzing supplier responses, and presenting award recommendations. Ensure alignment with goals, foster collaboration, and refine processes for continuous improvement 
• Collaborate with Business Partners: Work with stakeholders to maximize Marketing ROI and achieve overall business objectives. 
• Act as a Business Advisor: Provide market insights, assess commercial and operational risks, assist in supplier selection, and negotiate favorable legal and commercial terms. 
• Identify Cost Savings Opportunities: Find and implement cost-saving measures while mitigating business risks. 
• Enhance Procurement and Contracting Efficiency: Streamline processes to benefit business partners and key suppliers. 
• Facilitate Key Decisions: Bring decision-makers together to influence critical business decisions when necessary. 
• Conduct Market and Supplier Research: Perform detailed research and communicate findings through comprehensive summaries. 
• Manage Project Timelines: Develop and oversee project timelines and lead relevant meetings. 
• Proactively Manage Marketing Contracts: Review existing contracts and create sourcing project pipeline based on business needs and expiration dates. 
• Address Contract Concerns: Meet with contract owners, managers, and the Legal team to resolve supplier contract issues. 
• Negotiate Contract Terms: Independently review, redline, and negotiate contract terms and conditions in collaboration with Marketing partners. 
• Partner with Legal/Contracts Team: Collaborate with the contracts and legal teams to achieve optimal contract terms and minimize risk when escalations are necessary. 
• Update Project Pipeline: Regularly update project pipelines and cost savings estimates. 
• Deliver Presentations: Develop and deliver effective presentations for internal stakeholders and key leadership when necessary. 
• Adapt to Fast-Paced Environments: Work efficiently in a dynamic environment while ensuring quality results. 

Skills/Job Requirements: 

• Educational Background: Bachelor's degree required (business, supply chain, finance, or related discipline preferred). 
• Experience: 6+ years of experience, with 2-4 years supporting sales and marketing-related categories. 
• Negotiation Skills: Strong contract negotiation skills with the ability to prepare and execute negotiations effectively. 
• Marketing Knowledge: Understanding of various marketing strategies, channels, tools, including digital marketing, advertising, public relations, and event management. 
• Agency Remuneration Models: Familiarity with different models and their respective pros and cons. 
• Analytical Ability: Superior skills in gathering facts, performing root cause analyses, and drawing conclusions. 
• Conceptual Thinking: Strong ability to lead others through ambiguous or complex issues. 
• Adaptability: Ability to adjust to changing market conditions, emerging trends, and evolving business needs. 
• Change Management: Extensive experience managing change across multiple stakeholder groups. 
• Senior Leadership Influence: Superior negotiation skills to influence senior leadership on strategic directions and sourcing recommendations. 
• Consensus Building: Ability to build consensus and act as an independent arbiter to achieve sourcing outcomes. 
• Project Management: Competence in managing multiple projects concurrently and knowledge of project management principles. 
• Communication Skills: Excellent oral and written communication and interpersonal skills for interaction with team members and senior management. 
• Attention to Detail: Strong focus on accuracy and the drive to achieve high-quality results with minimal supervision. 
• Interpersonal Skills: Ability to listen, understand, and communicate effectively with employees at all levels. 
• Relationship Building: Proven ability to build effective working relationships within the organization. 
• This role requires working onsite in our Sunnyvale office Tuesday Wednesday and Thursday every week.

Desired Skills: 

• Certifications: CPCM (Certified Professional Contract Manager) or ISM (Institute for Supply Management) certification preferred. 

Due to the nature of our business and the role, please note that Intuitive and/or your customer(s) may require that you show current proof of vaccination against certain diseases including COVID-19.  Details can vary by role.

Intuitive is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We provide equal employment opportunities to all qualified applicants and employees, and prohibit discrimination and harassment of any type, without regard to race, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, color, age, religion, protected veteran or disability status, genetic information or any other status protected under federal, state, or local applicable laws.

Mandatory Notices

We will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records in accordance with fair chance laws.

Preference will be given to qualified candidates who do not reside, or plan to reside, in Alabama, Arkansas, Delaware, Florida, Indiana, Iowa, Louisiana, Maryland, Mississippi, Missouri, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, or Tennessee.

We provide market-competitive compensation packages, inclusive of base pay, incentives, benefits, and equity. It would not be typical for someone to be hired at the top end of range for the role, as actual pay will be determined based on several factors, including experience, skills, and qualifications. The target salary ranges are listed.