Strategic Sourcing Manager (Direct)

Sonder; Ontario; Hybrid; CAD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

Sonder is seeking a Direct Sourcing Manager to lead a new department, optimizing spend and managing vendor relationships. The role involves coaching team members, driving savings, and overseeing sourcing processes to ensure quality delivery. The ideal candidate thrives in ambiguity and is proactive in building new processes.

Benefits

Competitive salary

Stock options

Medical, dental, and vision insurance

Flexible vacation policy

Annual free credits and discounts on stays

Qualifications

• Minimum 8 years of procurement and sourcing experience.
• Strong negotiation skills managing contracts.

Responsibilities

• Lead the Direct Sourcing department.
• Manage sourcing processes for timely, budget-friendly product delivery.
• Monitor vendor performance and address issues.

Skills

Negotiation

Project Management

Communication

Job description

Sonder is revolutionizing hospitality through innovative, tech-powered service and thoughtfully designed accommodations, providing a seamlessly managed experience. Since its launch in 2014, Sonder offers a variety of accommodation options—from rooms to suites and apartments—in over 40 cities across 10 countries and three continents. Its app empowers guests with self-service features and 24/7 support, blending the best of hotel amenities with a casual, non-formal atmosphere.

Our growing Direct Sourcing team is seeking a leader to set the vision for a newly created department. This role will support our Supply Chain, Market Operations, and other teams by optimizing spend, driving savings, and managing Total Cost of Ownership (TCO). The position involves management and coaching of team members, fostering best-in-class contract management and negotiation skills, as well as hands-on leadership in complex negotiations impacting our markets. The ideal candidate thrives in ambiguity and is willing to build new processes and systems. As a Direct Sourcing Manager, you will oversee vendor relationships, cost negotiations, and quality control for all direct purchases, including consumables, linens, and other categories.

At Sonder, you will:

1. Lead the Direct Sourcing department.
2. Collaborate with cross-functional teams globally to identify new product needs arising from market opportunities or projects.
3. Work closely with merchandising and interior design teams to improve design quality and reduce costs, and enhance existing product quality.
4. Partner with inventory management and logistics teams to troubleshoot production and delivery issues.
5. Manage sourcing processes to ensure timely, budget-friendly, and high-quality product delivery, including comparative studies and cost negotiations.
6. Monitor vendor performance, provide feedback, and address issues as needed.
7. Lead discussions with business partners to draft detailed requirements and facilitate RFP/RFQ processes.
8. Maintain the Contract Lifecycle Management platform with up-to-date contract information.
9. Create project plans and workflows to meet sourcing milestones.
10. Prioritize, execute, and manage KPIs to improve team effectiveness and efficiency.
11. Present data insights to procurement and senior leadership to facilitate quick decision-making.

What we look for:

• Minimum 8 years of procurement and sourcing experience related to direct spend, with leadership in team building, coaching, and mentoring.
• Preferred experience in the hospitality industry.
• Strong negotiation skills managing contracts involving FF&E, OS&E, consumables, linens, etc.
• Ability to implement total cost of ownership strategies and cost-saving initiatives through data analysis.
• Experienced in contract management, working with legal teams from initiation to signing.
• Excellent project management skills with the ability to handle multiple priorities.
• Exceptional communication skills, comfortable interfacing with senior stakeholders.
• Proactive attitude with a willingness to handle operational tasks as needed.

We also offer benefits to support your work-life balance, including:

• Competitive salary
• Stock options
• Medical, dental, and vision insurance where applicable
• Flexible vacation policy
• Annual free credits and discounts on stays at Sonder properties

Join a company with a bold vision, a dynamic environment, and a team of ambitious, smart, and fun colleagues! We support workplace flexibility for remote positions. #ABetterWaytoWork