Strategic Procurement Lead – Engineering & Services

Procurement People; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 120,000 - 170,000; Full time

Job summary

Procurement People in Chicago is seeking a Procurement Manager to support the development and execution of sourcing strategies across professional and technology services. This role partners with senior stakeholders, influences business decisions, and drives measurable value through strategic sourcing and supplier management within a high‑performing procurement function.

The position offers high visibility across the organisation and requires strong negotiation, data analysis, and

Qualifications

• 8+ years of procurement, sourcing, or category management experience.
• Experience managing professional services, consulting, technology services, or broader indirect spend.
• Experience in a CPG, FMCG, consumer products, food & beverage, or manufacturing environment preferred.
• Strong negotiation and contract management skills.
• Ability to influence stakeholders at multiple levels.
• Experience leading complex sourcing projects and delivering measurable financial results.
• Strong analytical skills to translate data into sourcing strategies.

Responsibilities

• Develop and execute category strategies aligned to business objectives and long-term growth plans.
• Lead end-to-end sourcing initiatives, including RFPs, RFQs, supplier evaluations, negotiations, and contract execution.
• Manage strategic supplier relationships and establish performance frameworks to drive continuous improvement.
• Partner with stakeholders across technology, operations, finance, legal, HR, engineering, and other corporate functions.
• Deliver cost savings, cost avoidance, and value creation initiatives while balancing quality, service, and risk considerations.
• Conduct market analysis, supplier benchmarking, and commercial assessments to support sourcing decisions.
• Support supplier consolidation, standardization, and preferred vendor programs where appropriate.
• Negotiate commercial agreements, service levels, and contract terms with key service providers.
• Identify opportunities to improve procurement processes, governance, and stakeholder engagement.

Skills

Procurement strategy

Category management

Stakeholder management

Negotiation

Sourcing analytics

Job description

Procurement People in Chicago is seeking a Procurement Manager to support the development and execution of sourcing strategies across professional and technology services. This role partners with senior stakeholders, influences business decisions, and drives measurable value through strategic sourcing and supplier management within a high‑performing procurement function.

The position offers high visibility across the organisation and requires strong negotiation, data analysis, and