Senior Director, Strategic Sourcing - Marketing - job 18 of 24

The Senior Director, Strategic Sourcing at Visa plays a pivotal role in leading sourcing strategies across various marketing categories, such as media planning, digital marketing, and sponsorship. This position also involves managing supplier relationships, optimizing spend, and ensuring compliance with corporate policies while collaborating with various internal departments.

Candidates for the Senior Director, Strategic Sourcing at Visa should have a deep understanding of marketing procurement, strong leadership skills, and a proven history of delivering cost savings. A solid background in negotiation and category management, along with the ability to analyze market trends and spend data, is essential for success in this role.

The Senior Director, Strategic Sourcing collaborates closely with the marketing, finance, and legal teams to align sourcing strategies with business objectives. This cross-functional collaboration ensures seamless execution and helps address business requirements effectively while driving value for Visa’s marketing initiatives.

In the role of Senior Director, Strategic Sourcing, risk management revolves around identifying and minimizing risks associated with the marketing supply base. This includes ensuring continuity of supply, compliance with regulatory requirements, and adherence to corporate policies to safeguard Visa's interests and operational integrity.

The hybrid work arrangement for the Senior Director, Strategic Sourcing at Visa allows for a flexible work environment, with the expectation of days in-office determined by the hiring manager. This setup supports work-life balance while allowing for essential in-person collaboration as needed.

To optimize marketing spend, I would analyze spend data to identify inefficiencies, develop strategic partnerships with high-performing agencies, and implement performance metrics to evaluate effectiveness. Continuous engagement with stakeholders would ensure alignment and adaptation to changing market trends.

In my previous roles, I developed strong relationships with key suppliers by promoting open communication and providing feedback. I believe in building partnerships based on trust and transparency, which facilitates better negotiation and better outcomes over time.

Success can be measured through key performance indicators (KPIs) such as cost savings, supplier performance, and stakeholder satisfaction. Regular reviews of these metrics allow for adjustments and improvements to ensure goals are met.

One challenge was aligning diverse stakeholder interests. I addressed this by establishing regular communication channels and engaging stakeholders early in the sourcing process to ensure their needs were understood and prioritized.

I subscribe to industry publications, attend relevant conferences, and engage in professional networks. Continuous learning helps me adapt strategies based on emerging trends and technologies in marketing procurement.

I employ a hands-on approach with regular training sessions and one-on-one coaching. Encouraging team members to take on challenging projects helps them grow while promoting a culture of innovation and continuous improvement.

I would approach the situation with a collaborative mindset, aiming to understand their viewpoint while clearly communicating our requirements. Finding a compromise that benefits both parties is essential to maintaining a good working relationship.

My negotiation style is based on preparation and collaboration. I focus on understanding interests rather than positions, aiming for mutually beneficial outcomes while remaining firm on key objectives.

The ability to influence and collaborate is key. A successful Senior Director must not only be a strategic thinker but also an effective communicator who can build strong relationships across departments and with suppliers.

I prioritize proactive risk identification and mitigation strategies, including thorough supplier evaluations and diversification of sourcing options. Regular assessments and compliance checks also help ensure continuity and reduce exposure to potential risks.