Sr. Manager, Strategic Sourcing – Technology

Secure Every Identity, from AI to Human Identity is the key to unlocking the potential of AI. Okta secures AI by building the trusted, neutral infrastructure that enables organizations to safely embrace this new era. This work requires a relentless drive to solve complex challenges with real-world stakes. We are looking for builders and owners who operate with speed and urgency and execute with excellence. This is an opportunity to do career-defining work. We're all in on this mission. If you are too, let's talk. As a Sr. Manager, Strategic Sourcing, you will establish operational objectives, policies, and work plans for the Technology category function, and will delegate and oversee execution across your team. You will drive the strategy and success of the most complex, highest-value Technology sourcing initiatives — often working through ambiguous, undefined problems that lack established precedent — while ensuring alignment with company-wide objectives. You will be accountable for your team's budget and its impact on the broader business segment, and will be expected to advise SS&P and cross-functional leadership on moderately-to-highly complex Technology sourcing matters. You will need to work closely with senior stakeholders internally and across the Technology organization to build long-term category strategy and execute tactical short-term actions aligned with strategic objectives, while strengthening existing supplier partnerships and building new ones in line with that strategy. You will be responsible for creating and enforcing policies to drive the Technology category strategy, developing your team's capabilities, and optimizing sourcing resources to deliver improved operational efficiency and value to the business. This role will report to the Director of Sourcing & Procurement. This hybrid office role, 2 days a week in office, requires being based in either Bellevue, WA, or the San Francisco Bay Area. Key Responsibilities: • Implement Sourcing Strategy: Lead the execution of strategic sourcing strategies for Technology categories (Software, Network, SaaS, IaaS, Telephony, AI) to optimize procurement in line with company objectives, including cost reduction, risk mitigation, and driving efficiency. • Strategic Planning: Develop 3–5 year rolling category strategies for Technology spend by working closely with Technology stakeholders to understand long-term needs and translate those insights into operational sourcing strategy. • Process & Governance: Develop, implement, and oversee KPIs for Technology sourcing activities; help strengthen and operationalize SS&P processes and policies, establishing a governance model to drive performance, mitigate risk, and continuously improve outcomes. • Cost Optimization: Identify and implement cost-saving initiatives through strategic sourcing decisions, process improvements, and high-stakes supplier negotiations. Develop and track KPIs to measure savings and supplier performance. • Contract Negotiation & Risk Management: Lead the most complex contract negotiations, ensuring favorable terms, pricing, and SLAs. Identify and mitigate internal and external risks associated with Technology purchase transactions, including risks arising from tech contract law and commercial terms. • Cross-Functional Collaboration: Partner with senior stakeholders across Finance, Legal, Security, Privacy, and the Technology organization to align sourcing strategies with organizational needs, ensuring policies and procedures are followed and met. • Team Leadership & Development: Lead, mentor, and develop a high-performing team of Category Managers, fostering a culture of collaboration, continuous improvement, and accountability. Assign and monitor individual and team goals, driving accountability for performance. • Supplier Relationship Management: Build and maintain strategic relationships with key Technology suppliers, ensuring they meet performance expectations and contractual agreements. Act as the primary point of contact for critical supplier issues. • Market Analysis & Supplier Selection: Conduct market research and competitive analysis on Technology categories to identify potential suppliers, assess market trends, and lead supplier selection processes. • M&A Support: Drive M&A activity from a Strategic Sourcing perspective, including contract novation and consolidation of Technology agreements. • Stakeholder Reporting & Communication: Regularly update senior leadership on Technology sourcing strategy progress, savings, supplier performance, and market trends, presenting insights in an executive format. • Compliance & Ethical Sourcing: Ensure all Technology sourcing activities adhere to ethical standards, legal requirements, and corporate social responsibility initiatives. Minimum Qualifications: • Bachelor's degree in Business, Supply Chain Management, or a related field. Master's degree preferred. • 10+ years of experience in strategic sourcing and procurement, with a proven track record in a leadership role, and deep experience in Technology sourcing (Infrastructure, SaaS, Telecom, IaaS, AI, etc.). • Strong understanding of strategic sourcing methodologies, contract negotiations, supplier management, and cost optimization techniques, including deep understanding of tech contract law and commercial terms. • Excellent leadership, communication, and interpersonal skills, with the ability to collaborate effectively with cross-functional teams and executive leadership. • Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to make data-driven decisions on ambiguous, undefined problems. • Experience with procurement software and tools, as well as advanced Excel skills (Coupa, Workday Strategic Sourcing/Scout, SAP, Oracle, Ariba, etc.). • Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, dynamic environment, managing multiple priorities and a team simultaneously. Preferred Qualifications: • Broad experience across multiple technology cate