Strategic Sourcing Manager, Engineering - Western Digital

At Western Digital, our vision is to power global innovation and push the boundaries of technology to make what you thought was once impossible, possible.

At our core, Western Digital is a company of problem solvers. People achieve extraordinary things given the right technology. For decades, we’ve been doing just that. Our technology helped people put a man on the moon.

We are a key partner to some of the largest and highest growth organizations in the world. From energizing the most competitive gaming platforms, to enabling systems to make cities safer and cars smarter and more connected, to powering the data centers behind many of the world’s biggest companies and public cloud, Western Digital is fueling a brighter, smarter future.

Binge-watch any shows, use social media or shop online lately? You’ll find Western Digital supporting the storage infrastructure behind many of these platforms. And, that flash memory card that captures and preserves your most precious moments? That’s us, too.

We offer an expansive portfolio of technologies, storage devices and platforms for business and consumers alike. Our data-centric solutions are comprised of the Western Digital®, G-Technology™, SanDisk® and WD® brands.

Today’s exceptional challenges require your unique skills. It’s You & Western Digital. Together, we’re the next BIG thing in data.

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.

• 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

Western Digital is committed to providing equal opportunities to all applicants and employees and will not discriminate based on their race, color, ancestry, religion (including religious dress and grooming standards), sex (including pregnancy, childbirth or related medical conditions, breastfeeding or related medical conditions), gender (including a person’s gender identity, gender expression, and gender-related appearance and behavior, whether or not stereotypically associated with the person’s assigned sex at birth), age, national origin, sexual orientation, medical condition, marital status (including domestic partnership status), physical disability, mental disability, medical condition, genetic information, protected medical and family care leave, Civil Air Patrol status, military and veteran status, or other legally protected characteristics. We also prohibit harassment of any individual on any of the characteristics listed above. Our non-discrimination policy applies to all aspects of employment. We comply with the laws and regulations set forth in the Equal Employment Opportunity is the Law poster.

Western Digital thrives on the power and potential of diversity. As a global company, we believe the most effective way to embrace the diversity of our customers and communities is to mirror it from within. We believe the fusion of various perspectives results in the best outcomes for our employees, our company, our customers, and the world around us. We are committed to an inclusive environment where every individual can thrive through a sense of belonging, respect and contribution.

Western Digital is committed to offering opportunities to applicants with disabilities and ensuring all candidates can successfully navigate our careers website and our hiring process. Please contact us at staffingsupport@wdc.com to advise us of your accommodation request. In your email, please include a description of the specific accommodation you are requesting as well as the job title and requisition number of the position for which you are applying.

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