Senior Director, Strategic Sourcing - Marketing - job 12 of 24

The Senior Director, Strategic Sourcing at Visa is responsible for leading the development and execution of sourcing strategies for marketing categories, managing agency relationships, and identifying cost-saving opportunities. This role involves cross-functional collaboration, risk management, and negotiation, ensuring that Visa's marketing procurement processes align with overall business objectives.

Candidates for the Senior Director, Strategic Sourcing position at Visa should have extensive experience in marketing procurement, strong leadership skills, and a proven track record in driving cost savings. A deep understanding of the marketing landscape, along with exceptional negotiation skills and the ability to influence stakeholders, are essential for success in this role.

In the role of Senior Director, Strategic Sourcing at Visa, collaboration is crucial. This position works closely with teams in marketing, finance, and legal to align sourcing strategies and ensure successful execution of marketing initiatives. Foster strong relationships with agency management to align on business requirements and achieve shared objectives.

Success as a Senior Director, Strategic Sourcing at Visa hinges on strong negotiation abilities, effective decision-making skills, and a thorough understanding of supplier performance metrics. Leadership and mentorship skills are also vital, as this role involves guiding a team and fostering continuous improvement across sourcing practices.

The Senior Director, Strategic Sourcing position at Visa offers a hybrid work model, allowing for a blend of in-office and remote work. The expectation for days in the office will be confirmed by your Hiring Manager, ensuring flexibility while maintaining effective collaboration within the team.

When answering this question, focus on specific examples from your past roles where you successfully developed and executed sourcing strategies in marketing. Highlight your ability to manage supplier relations, negotiate contracts, and drive cost savings, showcasing your strategic thought process in procurement.

Provide concrete examples of how you fostered collaboration among different departments such as marketing, finance, and legal. Emphasize your communication skills and how you aligned sourcing strategies with business objectives to achieve shared goals efficiently.

In your response, highlight the specific metrics you focus on, such as cost savings, compliance rates, service quality, and supplier reliability. Discuss how you utilize these metrics to make informed decisions and improve the effectiveness of the sourcing strategy.

Share a specific negotiation scenario, detailing the challenges faced and the steps you took to overcome them. Focus on the outcome, demonstrating your negotiation skills and ability to secure favorable terms for your company.

Explain your approach to identifying and mitigating risks in the supply chain. Discuss specific strategies or frameworks you've implemented to ensure compliance, continuity of supply, and how you proactively address potential issues.

Discuss the strategies you implement for effective category management, such as analyzing market trends, spend data, and supplier performance. Convey how these strategies align with broader business goals and contribute to cost-effective sourcing solutions.

Provide a detailed example of a successful initiative that resulted in significant cost savings. Discuss the strategies employed, the collaboration with internal stakeholders, and the long-term impact on the organization's financial performance.

Describe your leadership philosophy and the specific techniques you employ to mentor and develop your team members. Include examples of how you foster a culture of innovation and continuous improvement within your sourcing team.

Discuss your methods for ensuring compliance, such as regular training, audits, and establishing clear processes. Highlight your experience with regulatory requirements and how you maintain standards across the sourcing activities.

Talk about potential challenges like market fluctuations, supplier reliability, or regulatory changes. Discuss your proactive strategies for addressing these challenges and maintaining a resilient sourcing strategy that adapts to evolving demands.