Senior Director, Strategic Sourcing - Marketing - job 5 of 24

As the Senior Director, Strategic Sourcing at Visa, you will be responsible for leading the development and execution of comprehensive sourcing strategies for marketing categories including media planning, digital marketing, MarTech services, as well as events and sponsorships. You will manage vendor relationships, interpret spend data, identify opportunities for cost savings, and work collaboratively across various departments to ensure the smooth implementation of sourcing strategies.

The ideal candidate for the Senior Director, Strategic Sourcing role at Visa should possess a deep understanding of marketing procurement, strong leadership abilities, and a proven track record in delivering significant cost savings. Additionally, excellent negotiation skills, a strategic mindset, and the ability to collaborate with cross-functional teams are essential. A background in marketing and data analysis will also be beneficial in interpreting market trends and supplier performance.

Collaboration is a key aspect of the Senior Director, Strategic Sourcing role at Visa. You will work closely with the marketing, finance, and legal teams to align sourcing strategies with business objectives. By understanding business requirements and facilitating effective communication across departments, you will ensure seamless execution of marketing initiatives and stakeholder engagement.

Risk management is crucial for the Senior Director, Strategic Sourcing role at Visa, as it involves identifying and mitigating potential risks associated with the marketing supply base. You will be responsible for ensuring continuity of supply, compliance with regulatory standards, and adherence to corporate policies to protect the company’s interests and safeguard its marketing operations.

As a Senior Director, Strategic Sourcing at Visa, you're expected to exhibit strong leadership qualities such as mentorship, strategic thinking, and the ability to inspire a culture of continuous improvement. You will lead a team of sourcing professionals, guiding them in best practices while fostering an environment of innovation and collaboration to drive significant value for the marketing department.

In developing sourcing strategies for marketing categories, I focus on gathering insights from market trends, analyze spend data, and involve key stakeholders to align with business objectives. Open communication with teams helps in tailoring strategies that maximize value while minimizing costs.

I have extensive experience in managing agencies, ensuring strong partnerships that drive results. I believe in fostering collaboration, negotiating favorable terms, and continuously evaluating performance to ensure that we're achieving our marketing goals effectively.

Effective negotiation requires preparation, understanding the other party's needs, and presenting a win-win scenario. I typically leverage market data to support my positions and ensure clarity in terms to achieve favorable outcomes for Visa while maintaining positive relationships.

To ensure stakeholder alignment, I proactively engage with relevant teams early in the strategy development process. Regular meetings and updates allow for collective input and ensures that all perspectives are considered, thus promoting buy-in across the board.

I focus on identifying potential risks through thorough analysis of the supply chain and establishing mitigation strategies. This includes regular assessments and fostering strong relationships with suppliers to ensure compliance and continuity of services.

Mentoring a team involves sharing knowledge and best practices while encouraging ongoing learning and innovation. I lead by example, setting clear expectations and providing feedback to help team members grow and succeed in their roles.

In a previous role, I led a cost-saving initiative by renegotiating contracts with key suppliers based on market analysis and competitive benchmarking. As a result, we achieved over a 15% reduction in overall marketing expenses without compromising quality.

Conflicts with agency partners require open communication and a solution-oriented approach. I focus on collaboratively finding common ground while addressing any concerns, ensuring that we resolve issues while maintaining a healthy working relationship.

Data analysis is fundamental in my sourcing decisions. It helps in uncovering trends, assessing supplier performance, and identifying opportunities for improvement, ensuring that all sourcing strategies are evidence-based and aligned with organizational goals.

Balancing strategic priorities with daily tasks involves effective time management and prioritization. I prioritize initiatives based on their impact on the organization and delegate responsibilities where necessary, ensuring that there's a continuous focus on long-term goals while managing immediate needs.