Lead Procurement Manager

$94,420 - $125,890/Yr

Lumen Technologies - Annapolis, MD

Full-time - Mid Level

Remote - Annapolis, MD

Telecommunications

About the position

The Lead Procurement Manager at Lumen is responsible for overseeing the strategy, sourcing, negotiation, and contracting of complex services and products. This role involves developing and implementing procurement strategies that align with business objectives, optimizing supplier performance, and managing critical supplier relationships. The position requires monitoring market trends, analyzing spend data, and identifying risks and opportunities to enhance procurement processes.

Responsibilities

• Conduct internal and external analysis of category including spend at sub-category, supplier, and business unit level.
• Track changes in supplier landscape, market dynamics, and innovation opportunities within the category.
• Incorporate findings from analyses into category strategy plans aligned with business unit goals and budget targets.
• Identify and pursue opportunities to drive savings through RFPs, negotiations, and demand management.
• Manage high-complexity contracts and assist with handing off tactical contracts to the Contracting Excellence team.
• Develop RFX strategy within the category to drive savings and manage high-complexity RFX events.
• Align with business stakeholders to understand upcoming needs and establish a calendar for key meetings.
• Own relationships with suppliers, orchestrating interactions and preparing for communications with business stakeholders.
• Monitor supplier performance regularly and provide constructive feedback for continuous improvement.
• Identify strategic suppliers and segment them based on spend, business criticality, and market dynamics.

Requirements

• Minimum 8 years of related experience or 5 years with a Bachelor's degree.
• Exceptional interpersonal and communication skills for managing senior-level internal relationships and complex suppliers.
• Experience overseeing supplier relationships for assigned products and services, including performance reviews.
• Proven background in negotiating high complexity and high dollar contracts in a fast-paced environment.
• Ability to work independently and in a team environment; self-motivated with strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Intermediate to advanced experience in reviewing contract terms.
• Strong to expert knowledge of procurement systems such as SAP and Ariba.
• Excellent time management and organizational skills.
• Experience in a fast-paced, high visibility environment with frequently shifting priorities.
• Advanced Microsoft Office skills, particularly in Excel.

Nice-to-haves

• 3 years of experience in a spend category management role.
• Experience supporting Procurement transformations (functions, systems, processes).
• Experience applying AI to improve processes and reduce administrative functions.

Benefits

• Health insurance coverage
• Life insurance coverage
• Voluntary lifestyle benefits
• Short-term incentives or sales compensation
• Long-term incentive eligibility for Director and VP positions