Senior Director, Strategic Sourcing - Marketing - job 23 of 24

As the Senior Director of Strategic Sourcing at Visa, your primary responsibilities include developing comprehensive sourcing strategies for marketing categories such as media, digital technologies, and events. You will manage agency relationships, analyze market trends for cost savings opportunities, and ensure compliance with corporate policies. Additionally, you’ll collaborate cross-functionally with finance, legal, and others to align sourcing strategies with business requirements.

To be considered for the Senior Director, Strategic Sourcing role at Visa, candidates should possess a robust background in marketing procurement and strategic sourcing, along with strong leadership skills. A track record of delivering cost savings and value creation is essential, along with negotiation expertise in complex environments. A bachelor's degree in business, marketing, or a related field is often required, with advanced degrees being a plus.

Collaboration is vital in the Senior Director, Strategic Sourcing position at Visa. You will need to work closely with various teams, such as marketing, finance, and agency management, to ensure that your sourcing strategies align with Visa's business objectives and marketing needs. Building strong relationships with internal stakeholders is crucial to implementing successful sourcing strategies.

For the Senior Director, Strategic Sourcing role at Visa, essential skills include strong negotiation abilities, data analysis expertise, and team leadership. You'll need to interpret market trends and spend data to inform sourcing strategies, while also nurturing a culture of continuous improvement and innovation within your team. Decision-making skills that significantly impact the company’s sourcing and financial performance are also critical.

The Senior Director, Strategic Sourcing role at Visa is a hybrid position, providing flexibility to work both remotely and in the office. Specific in-office days will be established by your Hiring Manager, allowing you to enjoy the benefits of collaborative in-person work while maintaining a balance with remote flexibility.

When answering, highlight specific projects or strategies you’ve implemented in past roles that directly relate to marketing procurement. Discuss how you’ve developed sourcing strategies, managed supplier relationships, and achieved cost savings.

Describe your approach to negotiations, emphasizing your preparation process and the importance of understanding the agency's needs. Share examples of successful negotiations you’ve led, and your techniques for creating win-win outcomes.

Talk about the resources you utilize to keep updated on marketing trends, including industry publications, webinars, and networking with professionals. Mention any relevant conferences you attend or online courses you complete to enhance your knowledge.

Provide a specific scenario where you encountered a conflict with a vendor, detailing the steps you took to resolve it. Focus on your communication skills, problem-solving abilities, and the ultimate positive outcome.

Explain the key performance indicators (KPIs) you track, such as cost savings, supplier performance metrics, and compliance rates. Discuss how you regularly review these metrics to refine your strategies and improve outcomes.

Emphasize your proficiency in using data analytics to drive sourcing decisions, including how you analyze spend data and market trends to identify opportunities for improvement. Share a concrete example where data led to significant savings or efficiencies.

Discuss your leadership style and methods for developing talent within your team. Highlight specific training or development initiatives you’ve implemented and how you provide feedback and coaching to encourage growth.

Mention common challenges such as evolving market conditions, managing multiple stakeholders, or ensuring compliance. Explain how your experience has prepared you to tackle these challenges effectively.

Talk about the systems and processes you put in place to guarantee adherence to corporate policies, including regular audits and compliance checks. Highlight your understanding of the importance of risk management in procurement.

Illustrate your ability to work with diverse teams by sharing examples of how you've successfully collaborated with finance, legal, and marketing departments. Emphasize the importance of open communication and alignment in achieving common goals.