Indirect Procurement Specialist - Software and Vendor Management

TP-Link; Irvine (CA); On-site; USD 85,000 - 105,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Free snacks and drinks

Paid medical, dental, and vision insurance

401(k) contributions

Health and wellness benefits

Quarterly team-building events

Job summary

TP-Link is hiring an Indirect Procurement Specialist in Irvine, CA to oversee procurement initiatives across various indirect categories including software, technology, and professional services. The candidate will manage the procurement lifecycle, from sourcing strategy development to vendor negotiations.

The role requires a minimum of 5 years of procurement experience, excellent analytical skills, and the ability to effectively communicate with stakeholders. TP-Link offers a salary range of $85K-$105K, fully paid medical insurance, and wellness benefits.

Qualifications

• 5+ years of indirect procurement experience.
• Experience with software and SaaS procurement.
• Strong vendor and stakeholder relationship skills.

Responsibilities

• Lead indirect procurement activities.
• Conduct supplier sourcing and evaluation.
• Manage vendor negotiations and contract terms.

Skills

Vendor management

Negotiation skills

Analytical skills

Communication skills

Procurement experience

Education

Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience

Tools

ERP systems

Procurement software

Contract management systems

Job description

Role Summary

TP-Link is seeking an Indirect Procurement Specialist – Software & Vendor Management to support procurement initiatives across software, technology, facilities, warehouse operations, professional services, and other indirect procurement categories. The role is responsible for managing the full procurement lifecycle, including business‑requirement gathering, sourcing strategy development, supplier evaluation, RFQ/RFP administration, vendor negotiations, contract coordination, purchase‑order execution, vendor relationship management, and procurement recommendation. This role requires demonstrated indirect procurement experience and hands‑on experience supporting software, SaaS, technology, or IT‑related procurement initiatives.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead end‑to‑end indirect procurement activities across software, technology, facilities, warehouse operations, professional services, and operational business categories.
• Partner with stakeholders to understand business requirements, evaluate procurement needs, and develop sourcing strategies.
• Conduct supplier sourcing activities, market research, RFQ/RFP processes, bid analysis, and supplier evaluations.
• Lead vendor negotiations related to pricing, contract terms, service levels, software licensing agreements, subscriptions, and commercial arrangements.
• Prepare sourcing recommendations, vendor comparisons, cost analyses, and business cases for leadership review and decision‑making.
• Present procurement recommendations, sourcing strategies, and project updates to senior leadership and executive stakeholders.
• Support software and technology procurement initiatives, including SaaS platforms, software licensing, subscriptions, cloud‑based services, and technology‑related vendors.
• Manage vendor onboarding activities, compliance documentation, supplier records, and contract administration.
• Coordinate procurement activities across Finance, Operations, Facilities, Warehouse, IT, and other internal stakeholders.
• Monitor supplier performance, procurement timelines, and project deliverables.
• Ensure procurement activities align with company policies, approval workflows, internal controls, and audit requirements.
• Identify opportunities to improve procurement processes, vendor performance, cost management, and operational efficiency.

Procurement Categories Supported

Level 1 – Operational Purchasing

• Office supplies and workplace materials.
• Employee support and breakroom supplies.
• General operational purchasing needs.

Level 2 – Project‑Based Procurement

• Furniture and workplace projects.
• Facilities services and maintenance vendors.
• Electrical, plumbing, cabling, janitorial, and landscaping services.
• Warehouse equipment and operational support services.
• Operational improvement projects.

Level 3 – Strategic Procurement

• Software and SaaS platforms.
• Technology systems and software licensing agreements.
• Professional services and consulting engagements.
• Strategic vendor partnerships.
• Specialized service providers.

What Success Looks Like

• Operates effectively in a fast‑paced, evolving business environment.
• Takes ownership of procurement projects with minimal supervision.
• Builds structure and process where needed.
• Adapts quickly to changing business priorities and stakeholder needs.
• Communicates effectively with vendors, business leaders, and executive stakeholders.
• Balances strategic sourcing initiatives with operational procurement responsibilities.
• Provides thoughtful recommendations that support business objectives and long‑term operational growth.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree preferred or equivalent professional experience.
• Minimum 5 years of indirect procurement experience supporting non‑inventory procurement categories.
• Experience supporting software, SaaS, technology services, software licensing, cloud‑based solutions, or related technology vendors.
• Experience leading RFQ/RFP processes, supplier evaluations, sourcing projects, and vendor negotiations.
• Experience preparing and presenting sourcing recommendations, vendor analyses, business cases, or procurement strategies to leadership teams.
• Strong vendor management and stakeholder relationship skills.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills with the ability to engage professionally with executives, vendors, and cross‑functional business leaders.
• Strong analytical, problem‑solving, and organizational skills.
• Experience with ERP, procurement, purchasing, contract management, or vendor management systems.
• Demonstrated ability to work independently in a fast‑paced, high‑growth, and evolving environment.
• Ability to work onsite in Irvine, CA.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience supporting facilities, warehouse, distribution, operations, or corporate procurement categories.
• Advanced Microsoft Excel skills.
• Experience working within high‑growth, entrepreneurial, or rapidly evolving organizations.
• Experience developing procurement processes, vendor governance practices, or sourcing frameworks.

Benefits

Salary range: $85K-105K (depending on experience)

• Free snacks and drinks.
• Fully paid medical, dental, and vision insurance (partial coverage for dependents).
• Contributions to 401(k) funds.
• Bi‑annual reviews, and annual pay increases.
• Health and wellness benefits, including free gym membership.
• Quarterly team‑building events.

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

We are dedicated to providing equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants, and we prohibit discrimination and harassment of any kind based on race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws.