Strategic Sourcing Leader: Indirect Spend & Innovation

Zs Associates; Chicago (IL); Hybrid; USD 110,000 - 140,000; Full time

Job summary

ZS is seeking a Sourcing Manager, Indirect Procurement to execute strategic sourcing projects across HR, IT, Marketing, Legal, and Professional Services. You will optimize total value by balancing cost, quality, service, risk, and sustainability, partnering with global stakeholders across ZS regions and functions.

The role requires 7-9+ years in strategic sourcing, fluency in English, and a client-first mindset. A hybrid work model and travel are expected as part of client-facing engagements.

Qualifications

• S. / B.A. degree in Business or a related field; CIPS, CPSM, or equivalent certification preferred.
• 7-9+ years of strategic sourcing or procurement experience across indirect categories.
• Proven ability to deliver value beyond price including savings, cost avoidance, and quality improvements.
• Experience in a professional services or life sciences environment preferred.

Responsibilities

• Develop and maintain category profiles, sourcing pipelines, and category strategies for indirect categories (HR, IT, Marketing, Legal, Professional Services).
• Execute sourcing events end-to-end: define requirements, manage RFIs/RFPs/RFQs, identify suppliers, analyze bids, evaluate and recommend.
• Lead negotiations and contract development (MSA/SOW) to maximize total value.
• Incorporate total cost/value modeling, spend analysis, market intelligence, and benchmark insights into sourcing.
• Embed responsible sourcing and sustainability criteria into category strategies and supplier management.
• Define and report total value delivered including hard savings, avoidance, service and quality improvements, and risk reductions.

Skills

Sourcing

Procurement

Cross-functional leadership

Communication skills

Project management

Stakeholder influence

English fluency

Education

Bachelor's degree in Business or related field

CIPS/CPSM or equivalent certification (preferred)

Tools

Source-to-Pay

Contract lifecycle management

Job description

ZS is seeking a Sourcing Manager, Indirect Procurement to execute strategic sourcing projects across HR, IT, Marketing, Legal, and Professional Services. You will optimize total value by balancing cost, quality, service, risk, and sustainability, partnering with global stakeholders across ZS regions and functions.

The role requires 7-9+ years in strategic sourcing, fluency in English, and a client-first mindset. A hybrid work model and travel are expected as part of client-facing engagements.