Kearney Strategic Operations Source Principal

kearney; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 245,000 - 270,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive compensation

Comprehensive medical insurance

Retirement savings plan

Performance bonus potential

Job summary

Kearney’s SOP Source practice seeks a Principal to lead and scale our sourcing and procurement offerings. You will advise senior clients, drive end-to-end engagements, and shape strategic initiatives across multiple industries.

The role emphasizes leadership, client impact, and growth, with a focus on delivering measurable value, expanding accounts, and mentoring teams within a high-performing consulting environment.

Qualifications

• MBA (preferred) or equivalent business qualification.
• 10+ years of professional experience in top-tier management consulting.
• Deep expertise in strategic sourcing, procurement and supplier management.
• Proven ability to lead large-scale procurement transformations and cost optimization programs.
• Strong commercial acumen with a track record of business development and revenue growth.

Responsibilities

• Lead large-scale sourcing and procurement engagements from diagnostic through execution and value realization.
• Serve as trusted advisor to C-suite leaders on procurement strategy and transformation.
• Drive initiatives across category management, operating model design, cost optimization, and supplier collaboration.
• Oversee multiple workstreams and cross-functional teams with accountability for delivery and outcomes.

Skills

MBA (preferred)

Strategic sourcing

Procurement transformation

Supplier management

Business development

Executive presence

Team leadership

Travel willingness

Education

MBA (preferred)

Job description

As a Principal within Kearney’s Strategic Operations (SOP) Practice – Source, you will play a critical leadership role in shaping and scaling our sourcing and procurement offering. This is a high-impact position for a seasoned leader with deep expertise across strategic sourcing, supplier management, and procurement transformation.

You will serve as a trusted advisor to senior client stakeholders, leading complex sourcing engagements end-to-end while driving measurable cost, resilience, and value outcomes. In parallel, you will contribute to the growth of the practice through business development, thought leadership, and team development.

What you’ll do:

Client Leadership & Delivery

• Lead large-scale sourcing and procurement engagements from diagnostic through execution and value realization
• Serve as a trusted advisor to C-suite leaders (CPOs, CFOs, COOs) on procurement strategy and transformation
• Drive initiatives across:
  • Strategic sourcing and category management
  • Procurement operating model design
  • Cost optimization and value capture
  • Supplier collaboration and risk management
• Oversee multiple workstreams and lead cross-functional teams with full accountability for delivery and outcomes

Functional Expertise

• Bring deep expertise across core sourcing capabilities, including:
  • Category management
  • Strategic sourcing
  • Procurement and digital purchasing transformation
  • Supplier relationship management (SRM)
  • Vendor negotiation and contracting strategies
• Apply expertise across industries to improve procurement efficiency, resilience, and innovation
• Develop and contribute to thought leadership on emerging procurement trends (e.g., digital procurement, ESG sourcing, supply risk)

Business Development & Practice Growth

• Originate and expand client relationships, driving revenue growth across new and existing accounts
• Lead proposal development, client pitches, and commercial strategy for sourcing engagements
• Help define and scale Kearney’s SOP Source offering and market positioning
• Build long-term client partnerships with sustained impact

Team Leadership & Development

• Lead, mentor, and develop high-performing consulting teams
• Foster a collaborative and inclusive team culture
• Support capability building within the sourcing and procurement practice

Who you are:

We believe this business is about making connections—between data, insights, strategies, and people. We are looking for leaders who are analytical, commercially minded, and collaborative, with the ability to challenge thinking and lead with confidence and authenticity.

We want to hear from you if you have:

• An MBA (preferred) and 10+ years of professional experience
• Significant Principal-level experience in top-tier management consulting
• Deep expertise in strategic sourcing, procurement, and supplier management
• Proven experience leading large-scale procurement transformations and cost optimization programs
• Strong commercial acumen with a track record of business development and revenue growth
• Experience working with Fortune 500 clients across industries
• Executive presence with the ability to influence senior stakeholders and C‑suite clients
• Demonstrated success in leading teams, mentoring talent, and managing complex engagements
• Exceptional problem‑solving, analytical, and communication skills
• Willingness to travel as required

What we can offer you:

Every day, our people make a difference for our clients, communities, and colleagues. We support them with a competitive compensation package and comprehensive benefits, including:

• Principal base salary– $245,000-$270,000. It is important to note that at Kearney, it is not typical for an individual to be hired at the top of the range for their role. Individual salaries within each range are determined through a wide variety of factors including but not limited to education, experience, knowledge, and skills. Kearney reviews compensation regularly and may adjust base salaries to reflect market competitiveness. In addition to salary, individuals may be eligible for a discretionary performance bonus. Our full suite of benefits includes paid time off, 401(k) match and profit sharing, medical, dental and vision coverage, healthcare concierge, backup child/adult care, annual employer HSA contribution, home office stipend, subsidized Gympass and annual wellness program, and leaves of absence when needed to support employees’ physical, mental, and emotional well-being. #LI-DNP
• Generous retirement/pension savings contributions
• Comprehensive medical insurance for employees and immediate family
• Gym membership discounts
• Non-partner equity-based awards (for consulting managers and above)
• Structured and on-the-job learning and development opportunities
• Personalized career pathways, including mobility programs, flexible work arrangements, and externships