Sr. Sourcing Manager - Software/IT

OPENTEXT - THE INFORMATION COMPANY

As the Information Company, our mission at OpenText is to create software solutions and deliver services that redefine the future of digital. Be part of a winning team that leads the way in Enterprise Information Management. 

The Opportunity

The Global Sourcing and Procurement team helps maximize value from OpenText’s vendor relationships and ensures our business unit stakeholders have the goods and services they need to succeed.  Reporting to the Senior Team Lead Software Sourcing, the Senior Sourcing Manager – Software/IT will play a key role in managing a complex portfolio of spend within the Software/IT categories.

You will be the senior Sourcing professional in the team and will influence category strategies to address internal business needs in various technology areas, but mainly focused on the Software category. Key accountabilities include developing sourcing strategies and programs aligning with strategic objectives; enhancing supplier relationships; ensuring commitments are fulfilled to meet internal client’s needs; presenting recommendations and collaborating with senior management and business unit leads.

You will deliver projects in all aspects of the sourcing process, from category assessment, cost savings opportunities, vendor due diligence, RFx, contract negotiations, and vendor management. Categories in scope will include but are not limited to: SW, SaaS & Subscriptions, IT Services and Cloud hyper-scaler solutions.

You will act as a change agent as part of our broader Sourcing & Procurement Transformation initiative and collaborate closely with various business partners across the stakeholder groups for their Sourcing needs including Finance and Legal.  In this position, you will get a broad understanding of OpenText’s overall business and will provide great visibility and understanding across the organization.

You Are Great At

• Building and enhancing relationships with key stakeholders within the IT organization and develop sourcing strategies to meet their requirements
• Assist in developing a high performing Software Sourcing team responsible for proactively managing their relationships and pipeline
• Develop and implement category management plans to reduce costs and increase supplier performance within the Software/IT category .
• Provide IT SW, Hyperscaler and IT Services expertise to business stakeholders to support informed purchase decisions.
• Ensure all category related initiatives include requirements globally to maximize OpenText’s purchasing power and leverage.
• Lead RFX planning & execution. Lead cross-functional teams through major sourcing initiatives.
• Manage the supplier selection process and provide analytics to ensure informed decisions.
• Lead commercial negotiations
• Manage and optimize supplier performance, including contract compliance, continuous improvement, innovations, and reduced total cost of ownership.
• Lead and drive continuous improvement within the Sourcing & Procurement Organization
• Participate in financial planning and budgeting development and execution, detailing expected sourcing activity and results for assigned categories.
• Support the identification of post-merger and acquisition contract and software synergies.
• Benchmark and identify key industry trends which impact the Software/IT category and/or other products/services as assigned.
• Develop a continuous network of both internal and external peer relationships and affiliation with related professional organizations.
• Maintain sound knowledge of industry dynamics and supplier business and pricing models within the category.

What It Takes

Skills and Knowledge:

• High degree of business ethics and accountability
• Category Management and Sourcing experience, including deep understanding of Strategic Sourcing best practices.
• In depth experience & knowledge of IT Software, SaaS, Hyperscalers and IT Services
• Oracle, Microsoft, SAP, VMware, AWS, Google and other large B2B licensing and service models
• Effectively manage supplier relationship globally – in collaboration with other relevant stakeholders & sourcing teams:
  • Quarterly business review with strategic suppliers.
  • Leverage existing supplier base for effective procurement.
  • Gather feedback from stakeholders for supplier performance management
• Is sufficiently experienced in (Canadian/US/UK) contract law to independently identify and suggest alternative contractual term positions before engaging with internal Legal teams to reach eventual contract outcome
• Ability to maintain perspective and confidence in face of difficult contract negotiations, tight deadlines and client expectations
• Spirited team player with the ability to work as a positive role model and catalyst for change
• Ability to foster and motivate cross functional team engagement when leading and negotiating major transactions
• Demonstrated commitment to continuous improvement
• PC skills (knowledge of accounting/workflow systems, MS Office)
• Post-merger and acquisition integration experience considered an asset

Academic/Experience:

• 10+ years of experience in sourcing/procurement
  • Experience in global procurement managing IT/Software category is a must.
  • Proven record of delivering savings.
  • Experience of working with, negotiating, and managing global Software suppliers.
• Bachelor degree in Business/Commerce, MBA, LLB, Engineering, or Supply Chain management preferred (equivalencies in experience considered)
• Professional designation in Supply Chain Management or equivalent preferred (PMAC SCMP / CPP, ISM) or equivalent) - Willingness to complete these designations as a part of your

career development

OpenText's efforts to build an inclusive work environment go beyond simply complying with applicable laws. Our Employment Equity and Diversity Policy provides direction on maintaining a working environment that is inclusive of everyone, regardless of culture, national origin, race, color, gender, gender identification, sexual orientation, family status, age, veteran status, disability, religion, or other basis protected by applicable laws. If you need assistance and/or a reasonable accommodation due to a disability during the application or recruiting process, please contact us at hr@opentext.com.