Director, Strategic Sourcing Indirect

Illumina; San Diego (CA); On-site; USD 171,000 - 256,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health/dental/vision

Retirement benefits

Paid time off

Bonus or incentive programs

Job summary

Illumina is seeking a Director of Strategic Sourcing Indirect to lead IT, software, services and travel procurement, manage a team of sourcing professionals, and partner with IT and business leaders to deliver cost-effective, compliant procurement. Focus areas include software licensing, cloud services, and vendor governance to support R&D, manufacturing, and commercial operations.

The role requires deep experience in indirect sourcing, supplier management, and strong leadership, with a track

Qualifications

• Experience managing suppliers and outsourced development partners.
• Strong IT Sourcing, Professional Services, Marketing and Travel experience.
• Strategic thinking with ability to translate business goals into sourcing actions.
• Excellent stakeholder management and communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Lead and develop a high-performing indirect sourcing team.
• Set strategic direction, goals, and talent development plans.
• Develop and execute sourcing strategies for software, IT services, infrastructure, and cloud.
• Oversee supplier governance, contracts, and risk management.
• Partner with IT, Legal, and executives to align sourcing with business outcomes.

Skills

Leadership

Vendor management

IT sourcing

Software licensing

Cloud technologies

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Business/IT/SC

MBA or MS (advanced degree)

Tools

Microsoft Office

SAP

Oracle

Contract management tools

Job description

What if the work you did every day could impact the lives of people you know? Or all of humanity? At Illumina, we are expanding access to genomic technology to realize health equity for billions of people around the world. Our efforts enable life-changing discoveries that are transforming human health through the early detection and diagnosis of diseases and new treatment options for patients. Working at Illumina means being part of something bigger than yourself. Every person, in every role, has the opportunity to make a difference. Surrounded by extraordinary people, inspiring leaders, and world changing projects, you will do more and become more than you ever thought possible.

Position Summary

The Director, Strategic Sourcing Indirect will lead sourcing strategy, supplier management, and commercial execution across Software, IT, Professional Services, Marketing and Travel covering approx. $400M of spend and supporting R&D, manufacturing, and commercial functions. This role is responsible for managing a team of sourcing professionals and leaders and serving as the Business Partner for the IT organization to enable compliant, scalable, and cost-effective procurement of Software licenses, IT services, Infrastructure, and Cloud technologies.

Responsibilities

• Leadership & Team Development
  • Lead and develop a high-performing sourcing team and leaders supporting Indirect categories
  • Set strategic direction, performance goals, and talent development plans
  • Ensure diversity of thought and inclusive teamwork with a culture of accountability, collaboration, and continuous improvement
• Category Strategy
  • Develop and execute world-class sourcing strategies built on rigorous facts, data, and analysis to create value across all dimensions (financial, risk, quality, supply, reputation).
  • Deliver financial, quality, supply, and risk-mitigation goals.
  • Ensure savings reported are credible and compliant with the approved methodology.
  • Category and subject matter expertise in Software licensing (SaaS, enterprise systems such as SAP, Oracle, etc.) and IT infrastructure, cloud (AWS/Azure) and digital services is preferred
• Supplier & Contract Management
  • Oversee strategic vendor relationships to maximize value and minimize risks for Illumina, leveraging the Illumina Supplier Relationship framework
  • Lead complex negotiations including but not limited to: Master Service Agreements, Statement of work, Consulting agreements and policies, Application managed services agreements including SLA frameworks
  • Establish supplier governance frameworks, including performance metrics, innovation reviews, and risk assessments
  • Oversee contract lifecycle, ensuring compliance with regulatory and quality standards
• Stakeholder Engagement/Business Partnering
  • Provide thought leadership on vendor market capabilities (innovation, efficiency, etc.) and identify clear limits on supplier capabilities. Expertly balance cost optimization, execution speed and quality required to meet dynamic project timelines and business outcome
  • Promote consistent use of agreed sourcing tools, frameworks, and methodologies. Act as a proactive and collaborative partner skillfully navigating both internal and external organizational dynamics
  • Translate complex scientific and technical requirements into sourcing strategies and commercial models
  • Demonstrate exceptional verbal and written communication skills, with a proven ability to clearly translate technical concepts across IT, Legal, and executive leadership

Requirements

• Must have experience managing suppliers and outsourced development partners
• Strong experience in IT Sourcing, Professional Services, Marketing and Travel
• Strategic thinker: anticipates and develops business opportunities and priorities for future action while also executing on concrete business objectives
• Customer focused, very responsive, and action oriented to meet business needs while maintaining a positive, professional outlook.
• Ability to travel up to 25% of the time; both domestic and international
• Strong analytical skills that allow the successful candidate to extract core data from a variety of sources, draw conclusions and insights, and translate those insights into actions.
• Ability to deal effectively with pressure, multiple tasks, deadlines, and rapidly changing priorities.
• Aptitude to multi-task and lead projects / negotiations
• Ability to work and interact with all departments within Illumina
• Willingness to challenge the status quo with sound rationale
• Proficient in use of Microsoft Office (Project, Word, Excel, Outlook, Access)

Qualifications Required

• Bachelor’s degree in Business, Supply Chain, IT, Life Sciences, or related field
• 10-12+ years of experience in strategic sourcing, procurement, or supplier management
• Proven experience sourcing IT/software and managing complex supplier ecosystems
• Experience negotiating complex, IT, consulting and marketing contracts:
  • 5-7+ years of people leadership experience Preferred
  • Experience in the Life Sciences sector (pharma, biotech, medtech)
  • Knowledge of regulated industry requirements
  • Exposure to AI/ML, data platforms, or digital health technologies OR
  • Advanced degree (MBA, MS)

The estimated base salary range for the Director, Strategic Sourcing Indirect role based in the United States of America is: $170,600 - $255,800. Should the level or location of the role change during the hiring process, the applicable base pay range may be updated accordingly. The range reflects long‑term growth in the role; therefore, most candidates are hired between the minimum and middle of the range. Placement depends on experience, skills, location, and internal equity. Additionally, all employees are eligible for one of our variable cash programs (bonus or commission) and eligible roles may receive equity as part of the compensation package.

• access to genomics sequencing
• family planning
• health/dental/vision
• retirement benefits
• paid time off
• one of our variable cash programs (bonus or commission) and eligible roles may receive equity as part of the compensation package
• Employee Resource Groups (ERG) that deliver career development experiences, increase cultural awareness, and offer opportunities to engage in social responsibility

We are a company deeply rooted in belonging, promoting an inclusive environment where employees feel valued and empowered to contribute to our mission.

Built on a strong foundation, Illumina has always prioritized openness, collaboration, and seeking alternative perspectives to propel innovation in genomics.

We are proud to confirm a zero-net gap in pay, regardless of gender, ethnicity, or race.

Illumina conducts background checks on applicants for whom a conditional offer of employment has been made. Qualified applicants with arrest or conviction records will be considered for employment in accordance with applicable local, state, and federal laws. Background check results may potentially result in the withdrawal of a conditional offer of employment. The background check process and any decisions made as a result shall be made in accordance with all applicable local, state, and federal laws.

Illumina prohibits the use of generative artificial intelligence (AI) in the application and interview process. If you require accommodation to complete the application or interview process, please contact [e-mail].

To learn more, visit: https://www.dol.gov/ofccp/regs/compliance/posters/pdf/eeopost.pdf.

The position will be posted until a final candidate is selected or the requisition has a sufficient number of qualified applicants. This role is not eligible for visa sponsorship.

The potential of genomics to change the world is unparalleled. At Illumina, we are leading the way. Our technology empowers researchers and clinicians globally to improve cancer treatments, change the course of diseases, protect the environment, and fight food insecurity. We are made up of dedicated professionals, all-in on creating a better world – and we need every skill set on our path to making genomics useful for all.

Learn more about life at Illumina.