Senior Director, Strategic Sourcing - Marketing - job 14 of 24

As a Senior Director, Strategic Sourcing at Visa, you will primarily lead the development and execution of sourcing strategies for various marketing categories, including media, digital marketing, and events. You'll build and maintain strong vendor relationships while overseeing spend data analysis and market trends to uncover cost-saving opportunities. Your role will also require cross-functional collaboration, risk management, negotiation, and the mentorship of a team of sourcing professionals.

To excel as a Senior Director, Strategic Sourcing at Visa, you should possess extensive experience in marketing procurement, along with strong leadership and negotiation skills. A proven track record of delivering cost savings and enhancing supplier relationships is essential. Ideal candidates typically have advanced degrees in business or a related field and possess a deep understanding of marketing strategy and sourcing dynamics.

In the Senior Director, Strategic Sourcing role at Visa, agency management involves establishing and nurturing strong relationships with key vendors and agencies. You'll work alongside the Agency Management Team to ensure a comprehensive, performance-driven approach encompassing contract negotiations and incentive programs that align with Visa’s overall objectives in marketing.

The Senior Director, Strategic Sourcing at Visa plays a crucial role in impact cost savings through strategic sourcing initiatives. By analyzing spend data and supplier performance, you'll identify areas for improvement and negotiate favorable terms with suppliers, directly contributing to financial efficiency and optimized return on marketing investments.

At Visa, the Senior Director, Strategic Sourcing can expect a hybrid work environment that promotes flexibility while maintaining strong collaboration among teams. The specifics on in-office days will be determined in conjunction with your Hiring Manager, ensuring a balanced approach that suits the team's needs.

To optimize the sourcing process as a Senior Director in marketing, I would analyze existing spend patterns and supplier performance data to identify inefficiencies. Implementing standardized procedures for evaluating suppliers and establishing key performance indicators would enhance decision-making and drive value across engagements.

In my previous role, I successfully negotiated a contract by first understanding the supplier's position and interests. I prepared a strong case that highlighted mutual benefits, used data to back my arguments, and maintained open lines of communication, ultimately reaching an agreement that was advantageous for both parties.

I ensure alignment by actively collaborating with marketing leaders to understand their objectives, then integrating those insights into sourcing strategies. Regular communication and alignment meetings are key, allowing us to adapt and tailor our approaches as marketing strategies evolve.

In my experience, managing risks in sourcing involves a proactive approach. This means regularly assessing the market landscape, compliance requirements, and supplier reliability. Developing contingency plans and maintaining close communication with suppliers allows us to mitigate risks effectively.

To develop a mentorship program, I would begin by assessing the strengths and growth areas of team members. Pairing experienced professionals with those looking to develop specific skills fosters a culture of learning. Regular check-ins to discuss progress and sharing best practices would enrich the experience.

Key performance indicators for sourcing success include cost savings achieved, supplier performance metrics, compliance with contracts, and the effectiveness of negotiations. Additionally, monitoring team engagement and stakeholder satisfaction can provide insights into overall performance success.

I stay updated by regularly attending industry conferences, participating in webinars, and subscribing to relevant marketing and procurement publications. Networking with peers in the field also provides valuable insights into emerging trends and best practices.

My approach to fostering cross-functional collaboration includes hosting regular meetings with other departments, encouraging open communication, and establishing shared goals. Building relationships based on trust and mutual respect is crucial in creating an environment where collaboration thrives.

In my last position, I led a successful sourcing project where we consolidated marketing vendors to streamline processes and reduce costs. By renegotiating contracts and fostering partnerships, we achieved a 20% reduction in overall spending while improving service delivery quality.

Handling conflicts begins with understanding the stakeholders' perspectives. I focus on open dialogue to address concerns and find a suitable compromise. Utilizing data and collaborating on solutions is crucial for resolving disagreements while maintaining productive working relationships.