Senior Director, Strategic Sourcing - Marketing - job 22 of 24

The Senior Director, Strategic Sourcing at Visa plays a pivotal role, primarily focusing on developing and implementing sourcing strategies for marketing-related services. This includes managing media planning, digital marketing, and events. Additionally, you'll oversee agency and supplier management, ensure seamless cross-functional collaboration, and lead negotiations to secure optimal terms for the organization. Risk management and data analysis are also critical to identifying opportunities for cost savings and enhancing supplier performance.

To thrive as a Senior Director, Strategic Sourcing at Visa, a deep understanding of marketing procurement is essential. Candidates should bring strong leadership skills, a proven track record of delivering cost savings, and experience in managing agency relationships. An analytical mindset is necessary for interpreting spend data and market trends, along with robust negotiation skills in complex environments. A commitment to mentoring and developing sourcing talents is also key for this position.

Collaboration is at the heart of the Senior Director, Strategic Sourcing role at Visa. You'll work closely with marketing, finance, legal, and various internal stakeholders to align sourcing strategies with business objectives. This cross-functional partnership ensures that strategies meet the operational and financial needs of the company, facilitating efficient execution and achieving mutual goals.

Risk management is critical for the Senior Director, Strategic Sourcing at Visa, as it involves identifying and mitigating risks associated with the marketing supply chain. Ensuring compliance with regulatory requirements and continuity of supply is paramount to protect Visa's interests and operational integrity. The ability to foresee potential disruptions and implement contingency plans will be vital in maintaining a stable sourcing strategy.

Working at Visa as the Senior Director, Strategic Sourcing means embracing a culture of innovation, collaboration, and continuous improvement. You'll have the opportunity to lead a dynamic team while fostering relationships across various functions. The hybrid work environment also emphasizes flexibility, encouraging a balance to enhance productivity and employee well-being, all within a supportive team atmosphere.

When developing a sourcing strategy for media services at Visa, I would start by analyzing the current spend data and market trends to identify key opportunities. Engaging with internal stakeholders and understanding marketing needs would be crucial. I would then create a comprehensive plan that outlines vendor selection criteria, negotiation tactics, and performance metrics to ensure long-term value creation.

In my previous role, I negotiated a contract with a major digital marketing agency that resulted in significant cost savings and enhanced service quality. I effectively communicated our needs and built a strong rapport with the vendor, enabling us to reach a beneficial agreement that included performance incentives and improved deliverables.

Prioritization as a Senior Director, Strategic Sourcing involves assessing the company's strategic goals, aligning sourcing projects accordingly, and ensuring the urgency of tasks. I create a clear action plan that incorporates deadlines and stakeholder input, allowing me to manage competing priorities effectively while delivering high-quality results.

Success in sourcing strategies can be measured by evaluating cost savings achieved, supplier performance improvements, and the overall alignment of these strategies with business objectives. Furthermore, tracking KPIs such as contract compliance, quality of service received, and stakeholder satisfaction also provides a comprehensive view of effectiveness.

Building relationships with agency partners requires clear communication, trust, and collaborative engagement. I prioritize regular check-ins to understand their challenges and success stories, fostering an environment of transparency. Creating opportunities for joint strategic discussions ensures we are aligned and work effectively towards common goals.

Data analysis is fundamental in my sourcing decisions as it provides actionable insights into spending patterns and supplier performance. By analyzing data, I can identify trends, measure efficiency, and substantiate negotiations. It serves as a roadmap for understanding market fluctuations and demand, allowing for strategic decision-making that reflects real-time scenarios.

Handling conflict with a key supplier involves open dialogue and seeking mutual understanding. I would engage in direct communication to discuss the issues, listen to their perspective, and work collaboratively towards a resolution that aligns both our interests. Ensuring transparency throughout the process helps maintain a strong relationship post-conflict.

Key skills for a Senior Director, Strategic Sourcing include strategic thinking, strong negotiation abilities, effective communication, and leadership capabilities. The ability to analyze data for informed decision-making and the skill to foster collaboration across departments are also crucial for success in this role.

My approach to risk management in sourcing involves thorough assessment of suppliers and their capabilities, continuous monitoring of market conditions, and developing contingency plans. By proactively identifying potential risks, I can implement strategies to mitigate them, ensuring the resilience and reliability of the supply chain.

To keep my team motivated and productive, I focus on creating a supportive and open environment where team members feel valued and heard. I set clear expectations while also encouraging professional development through training and mentorship. Recognizing individual and team achievements fosters a culture of positivity and drives consistent performance.