Director, IT Strategic Sourcing

SearchWorks, LLC; Illinois; Hybrid; USD 180,000 - 260,000; Full time

Job summary

SearchWorks, LLC in Chicago, IL, seeks a Director, IT Strategic Sourcing to lead sourcing strategies, vendor governance, and cost optimization across hardware, software, cloud, and services.

Reporting to CIO, you will drive end-to-end negotiations, RFx processes, and cross-functional collaboration to deliver measurable savings and strategic value.

This hybrid on-site role combines strategic leadership with hands-on execution in a global, matrixed environment.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Business, IS, or related field or equivalent experience.
• Extensive IT strategic sourcing and procurement experience.
• Proven success in negotiating high‑value contracts.
• Strong analytical skills and data-driven sourcing strategies.
• Ability to influence senior leaders in a matrix organization.

Responsibilities

• Develop and execute IT sourcing and contracting strategies.
• Lead end-to-end negotiations for hardware, software, cloud, and services.
• Manage RFx processes and governance with cross-functional teams.
• Monitor contract performance and drive cost savings.
• Mentor and share expertise with teams.

Skills

IT sourcing

Vendor management

Contract negotiation

Stakeholder management

Data-driven decision making

RFx processes

Education

Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience

Job description

Our client is one of the world’s leading manufacturers of electric motors, powering nearly everything.

They operate across hundreds of companies globally. Rooted in craftsmanship and continuous improvement, they combine global capability with local.

Job Description

The Director, IT Strategic Sourcing, is responsible for leading the development and execution of sourcing and contracting strategies that optimize technology spend, manage vendor risk, and deliver measurable financial value. Reporting to the CIO, this role partners closely with IT and business stakeholders to ensure technology investments are commercially sound, scalable, and aligned with organizational objectives.

This position leads complex sourcing initiatives across hardware, software, cloud, and professional services, with accountability for high‑value contracts and significant cost‑saving outcomes. The role requires strong commercial judgment, advanced negotiation expertise, and the ability to influence within a matrixed environment. The Director is empowered to lead sourcing strategy and negotiation decisions, with escalation to the CIO and executive leadership as appropriate for materially impactful or high‑risk agreements.

What You’ll Do

• Develop and execute strategic sourcing plans that optimize cost structure, reduce risk, and drive sustained financial value.
• Align sourcing strategies with technology roadmaps and evolving business priorities.
• Deliver against defined annual savings and value‑creation targets.

Own Commercial Negotiation

• Lead end‑to‑end sourcing and negotiations across key IT categories, including enterprise software, cloud services, cybersecurity, infrastructure, and professional services.
• Negotiate and manage contracts ranging from approximately $50K to $50MM+ annually.
• Apply strong contracting expertise across master agreements, SaaS and software licenses, statements of work, amendments, and confidentiality agreements.

Execute and Govern Sourcing Initiatives

• Manage RFx processes (RFI, RFQ, RFP), from requirements development through supplier selection.
• Partner with Legal, Finance, IT, and business teams to ensure appropriate governance, risk awareness, and compliance.
• Monitor vendor and contract performance, including SLA adherence and issue remediation.

Leverage Data & Market Insight

• Use data, analytics, and market benchmarking to inform sourcing strategies and negotiation positions.
• Maintain commercial intelligence on pricing, contract terms, and market trends.
• Continuously improve sourcing processes, tools, and best practices to drive efficiency and consistency.
• Build strong, trusted relationships with suppliers, internal partners, and senior leaders.
• Communicate sourcing progress, outcomes, and risks clearly to the CIO and key stakeholders.
• Operate effectively in a matrixed, multicultural environment.

Build Capability & Share Expertise

• Serve as a subject‑matter expert and advisor on IT sourcing and contracting.
• Mentor and support colleagues and cross‑functional teams.
• Enable consistent delivery through shared tools, playbooks, and best‑practice guidance.

What We’re Looking For

• Bachelor’s degree in Business, Information Systems, Supply Chain, Finance, or a related field, or equivalent relevant professional experience.
• Extensive experience in IT strategic sourcing, procurement, vendor management, or a related discipline.
• Demonstrated success leading complex IT sourcing initiatives and negotiating high‑value contracts.
• Proven ability to deliver sustained cost savings and improve commercial outcomes.
• Strong analytical capability, including experience using data to support sourcing strategies and negotiations.
• Ability to influence stakeholders at multiple organizational levels, including senior leadership.
• Excellent written and verbal communication, presentation, and stakeholder‑engagement skills.
• Experience working within large, matrixed, and/or global organizations.
• Comfort operating in environments with ambiguity, competing priorities, and evolving business needs.
• Willingness to travel as business needs require.

This role will be a hybrid position (4 days/week) on‑site in the Company's Chicago location.

Why Join

• High visibility and partnership with IT and enterprise leadership
• Opportunity to shape how a complex organization engages with technology suppliers
• Meaningful responsibility with real financial and strategic impact
• Collaborative environment that values expertise, judgment, and results