Senior Strategic Sourcing Manager Engineering Software, IP & R&D Services

Senior Strategic Sourcing Manager Engineering Software, IP & R&D Services

WD is building the infrastructure behind the AI-driven data economy.

As AI scales, so does data. Every interaction, every model, every system generates data that must be stored, managed, and made accessible over time. That's where we come in.

We combine deep engineering expertise with global-scale manufacturing to deliver the storage systems that make AI possible, powering hyperscale data centers, cloud platforms, and enterprise infrastructure worldwide.

This isn't theoretical work. It's real systems, at real scale, people solving some of the hardest challenges in technology today.

We're looking for people who want to build, solve, and operate at that level.

Join us and let's shape the future of data.

Job Description

Essential duties and responsibilities:

• Perform sourcing and contracts related activities for R&D and Engineering teams in WD. The position requires extensive knowledge and experience in the Software/IP licensing (engineering EDA SW preference for ASIC/FPGA development) and Engineering Development Services. The Strategic Sourcing Manager will ensure that their business owners are supported in a fast-paced, tight deadlines environment. This position requires a MS/MA degree or equivalent with 8 or more years of related experience. The ideal individual should have superior negotiation skills.
• The Strategic Sourcing Manager will need to provide excellent strategic sourcing support to business partners to ensure a competitive advantage for Western Digital. She or he will drive improvements in key metrics such as cost, quality, deliverables and cycle-time. The SSM will drive process-improvements, assist with projects and provide feedback to management on market conditions, supplier relationships, and quality and customer service issues.
• Manage supplier relationships, including supplier selection and qualification process, Quarterly business reviews and scorecards, supplier corrective actions, cost reduction programs. Perform should cost analysis for major services and spend areas and implement cost reduction initiatives. Lead and support implementation of best-in-class practices and continuous improvement of systems and processes.
• The ideal individual must have proven ability to achieve results in a fast moving, dynamic environment. Self-motivated and self-directed, however, must have demonstrated ability to work well with people. A proven desire to work as a team member, both on the same team and outside of the team. Ability to troubleshoot and analyze complex problems. Ability to multi-task and meet deadlines. Excellent communication (written and verbal) and interpersonal skills.

Qualifications

• Ensure timely and cost effective acquisition of products (EDA SW, IP Licensing), services and equipment (HW Emulation, Prototyping) while driving contract compliance.
• Focal point for all the relevant Engineering and R&D organizations in USA. Develop strong collaborative relationships with internal clients to strategically manage spend and the supply base for assigned categories.
• Completing day-to-day activities that include specification clarification, source/supplier identification, proposal analysis, review & clarification, contract knowledge, supplier performance management, supplier/customer conflict resolution.
• Drive improvements in key metrics (cost, quality, deliverables, cycle-time, etc.)
• Provide feedback to management on market conditions, vendor relationships, supply and equipment standardization, quality issues.
• Assist with projects and perform other related duties that may become necessary as directed by management.
• Review and analyze purchase requisitions and coordinate purchasing activities with relevant departments within Procurement and cross functionally to process purchase requisitions, purchase change orders and requests for quotes to suppliers.
• Negotiate, manage, coordinate, and support Engineering sourcing activities for services, SW licensing and HW including preparing RFx, managing the process and analyzing competitive bids.
• Analyze spend data, internal requirements, and external supply markets to develop strategic sourcing strategies and plans aligned with the business goals.
• Prepare, redline and negotiate commercial contracts - services agreements, licenses, statements of work and amendments.
• Act as procurement subject matter expert in Engineering SW/HW and Services with the business to identify, develop and deploy best practice procurement, category management and supplier management.
• Develop strong partnerships with procurement operations, accounts payable, and legal teams.
• Manage, coordinate and support special projects as needed