Learning Strategic Sourcing Manager

Job Description

Job Description:

The Learning Strategic Sourcing Manager will play a pivotal role in driving the strategic sourcing efforts within Mars learning organization. This role is responsible for understanding the learning vendor market landscape, identifying emerging trends, optimizing vendor relationships, and leading effective contract negotiations. With a strong focus on vendor relationships and quality, the Learning Strategic Sourcing Manager will lead a team and collaborate across functions to ensure the organization's learning initiatives are supported by best-in-class vendors.

What are we looking for?

• Proven experience (3+ years) in strategic sourcing, vendor management, and contract negotiation, preferably within the corporate learning or training industry.
• In-depth knowledge of the learning vendor landscape, including learning developers, learning delivery vendors and institutions, learning technology, and related services.
• Strong understanding of procurement processes, vendor evaluation methodologies, and risk mitigation strategies.
• Track record of successfully leading cross-functional teams and managing direct reports.

What will be your key responsibilities?

Vendor Market Analysis and Trends:

• Conduct comprehensive analysis of the learning vendor market, including learning developers, trainers and facilitators, learning technology providers, and other related services.
• Stay informed about industry trends, innovations, and emerging technologies that impact the learning vendor landscape.
• Translate market insights into actionable strategies to enhance the sourcing and procurement process.

Vendor Relationship Management:

• Establish and nurture strategic partnerships with key learning vendors to ensure alignment with the organization's goals and objectives.
• Collaborate closely with vendors to understand their capabilities, offerings, and potential for collaboration in driving innovative learning solutions.
• Maintain an up-to-date vendor database and assess vendor performance on an ongoing basis.

Strategic Sourcing Strategy Development:

• Develop and implement a strategic sourcing framework that aligns with the organization's learning objectives and budget constraints.

Contract Negotiation and Management:

• Lead contract negotiations with learning vendors, ensuring favorable terms, cost-effectiveness, and adherence to legal and compliance standards.
• Collaborate with legal and procurement teams to develop contracts that protect the organization's interests and ensure deliverables are met.

Team Leadership and Management:

• Lead a team of direct reports, providing guidance, mentorship, and support in their professional development.
• Foster a collaborative and results-driven team environment, promoting a culture of innovation and continuous improvement.

What can you expect from Mars?

• Work with over 130,000 diverse and talented Associates, all guided by the Five Principles.
• Join a purpose driven company, where we’re striving to build the world we want tomorrow, today.
• Best-in-class learning and development support from day one, including access to our in-house Mars University.
• An industry competitive salary and benefits package, including company bonus.

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Mars is an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law. If you need assistance or an accommodation during the application process because of a disability, it is available upon request. The company is pleased to provide such assistance, and no applicant will be penalized as a result of such a request.