IT Procurement Digital Transformation Lead

At Western Digital, our vision is to power global innovation and push the boundaries of technology to make what you thought was once impossible, possible.

At our core, Western Digital is a company of problem solvers. People achieve extraordinary things given the right technology. For decades, we’ve been doing just that. Our technology helped people put a man on the moon.

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Binge-watch any shows, use social media or shop online lately? You’ll find Western Digital supporting the storage infrastructure behind many of these platforms. And, that flash memory card that captures and preserves your most precious moments? That’s us, too.

We offer an expansive portfolio of technologies, storage devices and platforms for business and consumers alike. Our data-centric solutions are comprised of the Western Digital®, G-Technology™, SanDisk® and WD® brands.

Today’s exceptional challenges require your unique skills. It’s You & Western Digital. Together, we’re the next BIG thing in data.

Job Summary:

We are seeking an accomplished Senior IT Manager to lead our IT procurement team and spearhead the implementation of SAP Ariba across the organization. In this pivotal role, you will oversee the daily operational support of SAP procurement modules, ensure the successful execution of system configurations, and drive continuous improvements in procurement processes. Your leadership and deep expertise in SAP procurement systems will be essential in delivering a robust and efficient procurement function that aligns with our strategic objectives.

Key Responsibilities:

• Team Leadership: Manage, mentor, and develop the IT procurement team, fostering a culture of excellence, collaboration, and continuous improvement. Provide strategic direction and oversee the team’s daily activities to ensure high performance and alignment with business goals.
• SAP Ariba Implementation: Lead the full-cycle implementation of SAP Ariba, from planning and requirements gathering to deployment and post-implementation support. Ensure the successful integration of SAP Ariba with existing systems and processes, optimizing procurement workflows and enhancing system capabilities.
• Operational Support: Provide daily operational support for SAP procurement modules, including Self Service Requisition, Procurement, Supplier Model, Sourcing, Enterprise Contract, and related peripheral applications. Ensure business process continuity and the achievement of departmental objectives.
• Incident Management: Oversee the prompt response to incident tickets and enhancement requests, ensuring timely resolution to maintain high levels of customer satisfaction.
•  System Configuration: Lead the configuration and implementation tasks for SAP modules, including approval rule configuration, buyer assignments, and other system maintenance activities. Ensure the effective configuration and implementation of procurement subsystems.
• Application Personalization: Oversee the customization and extension of SAP applications to meet specific business needs, enhancing user experience and ensuring system flexibility.
• Requirements Gathering and Solution Design: Collaborate with business stakeholders to define requirements, design solutions, and configure SAP applications. Oversee the preparation and execution of unit testing, test scripts, system integration testing, and deployment plans. Ensure comprehensive post-implementation support is provided.
• Vendor Collaboration: Work closely with SAP and other technology vendors to troubleshoot system issues, explore improvement opportunities, and drive innovation. Ensure that vendor engagements are managed effectively and deliver optimal value.
• Documentation and Training: Ensure that system configurations are thoroughly documented, and that training is provided to business users when new functionalities or changes are introduced. Promote knowledge sharing and continuous learning within the team.
• Cross-Functional Collaboration: Engage with global and cross-functional teams to resolve issues, support system enhancements, and ensure the seamless integration of SAP systems across the organization. Act as a key liaison between IT and business units to align technology solutions with business needs.
• Process Improvement: Continuously evaluate new technologies and industry trends to identify opportunities for process enhancements. Translate business needs into system specifications and drive initiatives that improve efficiency, reduce costs, and enhance the overall effectiveness of procurement operations.

• Implementation Expertise: Proven experience leading at least three full cycles of SAP Source-to-Pay (STP) module implementations, with strong skills in approval rule configuration, conversion activities, and SAP Ariba integration.
• Leadership Experience: Demonstrated ability to lead and manage IT teams, with a focus on driving results, fostering teamwork, and developing talent.
• Technical Proficiency: Deep knowledge of SAP procurement modules, including hands-on experience with STP-related configurations such as transaction account builder, approval rules, and SAP Ariba.
• Strategic Thinking: Ability to align IT procurement strategies with overall business goals, driving innovation and delivering value through effective technology solutions.
• Education and Experience: Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Information Technology, Business Administration, or a related field, with over 10 years of experience supporting and implementing SAP STP modules and procurement systems.
•  Analytical and Problem-Solving Skills: Strong analytical abilities with a focus on identifying system improvements, optimizing procurement processes, and implementing effective solutions.
• Communication Skills: Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to engage and influence stakeholders at all levels of the organization.

Western Digital thrives on the power and potential of diversity. As a global company, we believe the most effective way to embrace the diversity of our customers and communities is to mirror it from within. We believe the fusion of various perspectives results in the best outcomes for our employees, our company, our customers, and the world around us. We are committed to an inclusive environment where every individual can thrive through a sense of belonging, respect and contribution.

Western Digital is committed to offering opportunities to applicants with disabilities and ensuring all candidates can successfully navigate our careers website and our hiring process. Please contact us at [email protected] to advise us of your accommodation request. In your email, please include a description of the specific accommodation you are requesting as well as the job title and requisition number of the position for which you are applying.

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Compensation & Benefits Details

• An employee’s pay position within the salary range may be based on several factors including but not limited to (1) relevant education; qualifications; certifications; and experience; (2) skills, ability, knowledge of the job; (3) performance, contribution and results; (4) geographic location; (5) shift; (6) internal and external equity; and (7) business and organizational needs.
• The salary range is what we believe to be the range of possible compensation for this role at the time of this posting.  We may ultimately pay more or less than the posted range and this range is only applicable for jobs to be performed in California, Colorado, New York or remote jobs that can be performed in California, Colorado and New York.  This range may be modified in the future.
• You will be eligible to participate in Western Digital’s Short-Term Incentive (STI) Plan, which provides incentive awards based on Company and individual performance.  Depending on your role and your performance, you may be eligible to participate in our annual Long-Term Incentive (LTI) program, which consists of restricted stock units (RSUs) or cash equivalents, pursuant to the terms of the LTI plan. Please note that not all roles are eligible to participate in the LTI program, and not all roles are eligible for equity under the LTI plan. RSU awards are also available to eligible new hires, subject to Western Digital’s Standard Terms and Conditions for Restricted Stock Unit Awards.
• We offer a comprehensive package of benefits including paid vacation time; paid sick leave; medical/dental/vision insurance; life, accident and disability insurance; tax-advantaged flexible spending and health savings accounts; employee assistance program; other voluntary benefit programs such as supplemental life and AD&D, legal plan, pet insurance, critical illness, accident and hospital indemnity; tuition reimbursement; transit; the Applause Program, employee stock purchase plan, and the Western Digital Savings 401(k) Plan.
• Note: No amount of pay is considered to be wages or compensation until such amount is earned, vested, and determinable. The amount and availability of any bonus, commission, benefits, or any other form of compensation and benefits that are allocable to a particular employee remains in the Company's sole discretion unless and until paid and may be modified at the Company’s sole discretion, consistent with the law.