Sr. Manager, Strategic Sourcing – Technology

Okta; San Francisco (CA); Hybrid; USD 179,000 - 246,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health, dental & vision insurance

401(k) plan with company contribution

Job summary

Okta is seeking a Sr. Manager, Strategic Sourcing, to lead technology category strategies, drive cost optimization, and negotiate complex contracts. You will partner with Finance, Legal, Security, and Tech teams to align sourcing programs with business objectives and risk management.

This hybrid role requires in-office weeks in San Francisco Bay Area or Bellevue, WA. You will build and mentor a high-performing team, own the budget, develop long-term category strategy, and report progress to

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree required; Master's preferred.
• 10+ years in strategic sourcing/procurement with leadership.
• Deep experience in Technology sourcing (Infrastructure, SaaS, IaaS, AI).
• Strong contract negotiations, supplier management, and cost optimization.
• Data-driven decision making and cross-functional collaboration.

Responsibilities

• Lead execution of strategic sourcing strategies for Technology categories.
• Develop 3–5 year category strategies with stakeholders.
• Define KPIs and govern sourcing processes and policies.
• Identify cost-saving opportunities and negotiate terms/SLA.
• Mitigate risks and manage complex tech purchase agreements.
• Collaborate with Finance, Legal, Security, Privacy, and Tech teams.
• Mentor, develop, and oversee a high-performing Category team.
• Manage supplier relationships and oversee performance and issues.
• Provide market analysis and drive supplier selection.

Skills

Strategic sourcing

Leadership

Contract negotiations

Supplier management

Cost optimization

Stakeholder management

Data-driven decisions

Procurement software

Education

Bachelor's degree in Business or Supply Chain

Master's degree preferred

Tools

Coupa

Workday Strategic Sourcing/Scout

SAP

Oracle

Ariba

Job description

Secure Every Identity, from AI to Human

Identity is the key to unlocking the potential of AI. Okta secures AI by building the trusted, neutral infrastructure that enables organizations to safely embrace this new era. This work requires a relentless drive to solve complex challenges with real-world stakes. We are looking for builders and owners who operate with speed and urgency and execute with excellence. This is an opportunity to do career-defining work. We're all in on this mission.

As a Sr. Manager, Strategic Sourcing, you will establish operational objectives, policies, and work plans for the Technology category function, and will delegate and oversee execution across your team. You will drive the strategy and success of the most complex, highest-value Technology sourcing initiatives — often working through ambiguous, undefined problems that lack established precedent — while ensuring alignment with company-wide objectives. You will be accountable for your team's budget and its impact on the broader business segment, and will be expected to advise SS&P and cross-functional leadership on moderately-to-highly complex Technology sourcing matters.

You will need to work closely with senior stakeholders internally and across the Technology organization to build long-term category strategy and execute tactical short-term actions aligned with strategic objectives, while strengthening existing supplier partnerships and building new ones in line with that strategy.

You will be responsible for creating and enforcing policies to drive the Technology category strategy, developing your team's capabilities, and optimizing sourcing resources to deliver improved operational efficiency and value to the business. This role will report to the Director of Sourcing & Procurement.

This hybrid office role, 2 days a week in office, requires being based in either Bellevue, WA, or the San Francisco Bay Area.

Key Responsibilities:

• Implement Sourcing Strategy: Lead the execution of strategic sourcing strategies for Technology categories (Software, Network, SaaS, IaaS, Telephony, AI) to optimize procurement in line with company objectives, including cost reduction, risk mitigation, and driving efficiency.
• Strategic Planning: Develop 3–5 year rolling category strategies for Technology spend by working closely with Technology stakeholders to understand long-term needs and translate those insights into operational sourcing strategy.
• Process & Governance: Develop, implement, and oversee KPIs for Technology sourcing activities; help strengthen and operationalize SS&P processes and policies, establishing a governance model to drive performance, mitigate risk, and continuously improve outcomes.
• Cost Optimization: Identify and implement cost-saving initiatives through strategic sourcing decisions, process improvements, and high-stakes supplier negotiations. Develop and track KPIs to measure savings and supplier performance.
• Contract Negotiation & Risk Management: Lead the most complex contract negotiations, ensuring favorable terms, pricing, and SLAs. Identify and mitigate internal and external risks associated with Technology purchase transactions, including risks arising from tech contract law and commercial terms.
• Cross-Functional Collaboration: Partner with senior stakeholders across Finance, Legal, Security, Privacy, and the Technology organization to align sourcing strategies with organizational needs, ensuring policies and procedures are followed and met.
• Team Leadership & Development: Lead, mentor, and develop a high-performing team of Category Managers, fostering a culture of collaboration, continuous improvement, and accountability. Assign and monitor individual and team goals, driving accountability for performance.
• Supplier Relationship Management: Build and maintain strategic relationships with key Technology suppliers, ensuring they meet performance expectations and contractual agreements. Act as the primary point of contact for critical supplier issues.
• Market Analysis & Supplier Selection: Conduct market research and competitive analysis on Technology categories to identify potential suppliers, assess market trends, and lead supplier selection processes.
• M&A Support: Drive M&A activity from a Strategic Sourcing perspective, including contract novation and consolidation of Technology agreements.
• Stakeholder Reporting & Communication: Regularly update senior leadership on Technology sourcing strategy progress, savings, supplier performance, and market trends, presenting insights in an executive format.
• Compliance & Ethical Sourcing: Ensure all Technology sourcing activities adhere to ethical standards, legal requirements, and corporate social responsibility initiatives.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in Business, Supply Chain Management, or a related field. Master's degree preferred.
• 10+ years of experience in strategic sourcing and procurement, with a proven track record in a leadership role, and deep experience in Technology sourcing (Infrastructure, SaaS, Telecom, IaaS, AI, etc.).
• Strong understanding of strategic sourcing methodologies, contract negotiations, supplier management, and cost optimization techniques, including deep understanding of tech contract law and commercial terms.
• Excellent leadership, communication, and interpersonal skills, with the ability to collaborate effectively with cross-functional teams and executive leadership.
• Strong analytical and problem‑solving skills, with the ability to make data‑driven decisions on ambiguous, undefined problems.
• Experience with procurement software and tools, as well as advanced Excel skills (Coupa, Workday Strategic Sourcing/Scout, SAP, Oracle, Ariba, etc.).
• Ability to thrive in a fast‑paced, dynamic environment, managing multiple priorities and a team simultaneously.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Broad experience across multiple technology categories and industries preferred.
• Professional certifications such as CSCP, CPSM, or CPIM.
• Experience in the SaaS industry leading a sourcing function.
• Prior managerial/leadership experience with direct reports.

The annual base salary range for this position for candidates located in the San Francisco Bay area is between: : $179,000 USD - $246,400 USD

Below is the annual base salary range for candidates located in California (excluding San Francisco Bay Area), Colorado, Illinois, New York and Washington. Your actual base salary will depend on factors such as your skills, qualifications, experience, and work location. In addition, Okta offers equity (where applicable), bonus, and benefits, including health, dental and vision insurance, 401(k), flexible spending account, and paid leave (including PTO and parental leave) in accordance with our applicable plans and policies. To learn more about our Total Rewards program please visit: https://rewards.okta.com/us.

The annual base salary range for this position for candidates located in California (excluding San Francisco Bay Area), Colorado, Illinois, New York, and Washington is between:: $160,000 USD - $220,000 USD

The Okta Experience

• Driving Social Impact
• Developing Talent and Fostering Connection + Community

We are intentional about connection. Our global community, spanning over 20 offices worldwide, is united by a drive to innovate. Your journey begins with an immersive, in-person onboarding experience designed to accelerate your impact and connect you to our mission and team from day one.

Okta is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, ancestry, marital status, age, physical or mental disability, or status as a protected veteran. We also consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and convictions records, consistent with applicable laws.

If reasonable accommodation is needed to complete any part of the job application, interview process, or onboarding pleaseuse this Form to request an accommodation.

Notice for New York City Applicants & Employees: Okta may use Automated Employment Decision Tools (AEDT), as defined by New York City Local Law 144, that use artificial intelligence, machine learning, or other automated processes to assist in our recruitment and hiring process. In accordance with NYC Local Law 144, if you are an applicant or employee residing in New York City, pleaseclick here to view our full NYC AEDT Notice.