Strategic Sourcing Manager

Senior IT Sourcing / Procurement Manager

Location: Palo Alto, CA 94304 - Hybrid

Duration: 5+ Months Hybrid with the expectation of working in the Palo Alto (HQ) office 3 days per (M-W)

Role Summary

We are seeking a highly analytical and commercially driven IT sourcing professional with strong deal financial expertise to lead strategic sourcing initiatives. This role requires deep experience in financial evaluation of technology deals, alongside procurement execution, to deliver optimized business outcomes.

Key Responsibilities

• Partner with IT, Engineering, and InfoSec stakeholders to develop sourcing strategies aligned to business and financial goals
• Lead end-to-end sourcing events (RFPs, RFQs, negotiations) with a strong focus on value creation and financial optimization
• Analyze deals at both macro and micro levels, including pricing structures, cost drivers, and commercial terms
• Build and evaluate financial models for technology deals (software, hardware, SaaS, cloud)
• Assess and drive decisions using TCO (Total Cost of Ownership), ROI, cost-benefit, and benchmarking analysis
• Conduct market and supplier research to support sourcing decisions and negotiation strategies
• Manage supplier relationships and act as the primary escalation point for issues
• Drive procurement lifecycle activities including contract renewals, new agreements, and vendor onboarding
• Identify cost-saving opportunities and optimize contract value across vendor portfolio
• Clearly communicate complex financial and commercial insights in simple business terms
• Stay informed on market trends and apply insights to negotiation strategies

Required Qualifications

• 7+ years of experience in IT sourcing, procurement, or strategic vendor management
• Proven track record of negotiating IT software, hardware, and/or cloud contracts
• Strong experience in deal financials, including financial modeling and cost analysis
• Demonstrated ability to evaluate and structure deals using TCO, ROI, and pricing benchmarks
• Strong quantitative and analytical skills with attention to detail
• Excellent communication skills with the ability to translate complex financial concepts into layman's terms
• Ability to influence cross-functional stakeholders and drive decision-making

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in high-growth or tech-driven organizations
• Exposure to SaaS, cloud (AWS/Azure/GCP), and enterprise software licensing models
• Background in finance, economics, or business analytics (MBA or equivalent is a plus)
• Experience working closely with Finance teams on budgeting and forecasting

Why TalentBurst?

At TalentBurst, we deliver more than talent, we deliver outcomes. We partner with you to move quickly and connect you to opportunities aligned with your skills and long term growth.

Backed by precision, transparency, and results, we connect top talent with leading organizations through trusted partnerships.

We offer competitive compensation and comprehensive benefits, including medical, dental, vision, and retirement options.

TalentBurst is an equal opportunity employer committed to an inclusive and diverse workforce.