Identifies, researches, and evaluates suppliers that meet the standards of price, quality, timing, and reliability of products and service. Ensure contracts are negotiated and executed in a timely and accurate manner. The role will be in the IT Category and aligned to on-boarding and evaluating AI platforms and other IT services. This role partners with internal leadership teams to define sourcing needs, monitor market trends, drive supplier integration and continuous improvement programs.

Are you a Sourcing Specialist who thrives in complexity and is energized by innovation?

This role navigates the evolving AI ecosystem and AI infrastructure platforms to deliver measurable business value through supplier partnerships. In this role, youll drive supplier innovation, negotiate complex deals, and influence how cutting-edge technology is brought into Vanguard.

Core Responsibilities

• Serves as a subject matter expert in managing high complexity strategic sourcing transactions, negotiations, and supplier selection for AI products and SAAS services. Manages relationships for suppliers within category. Executes category strategy to drive maximum value.
• Performs supply market data analysis and recommends suppliers and vendors to the business. Identifies and is knowledgeable of industry trends and category strategies to recommend linkages to business needs. Coaches team members on supply and market analysis.
• Drives engagements, resolves escalated and complex issues and involves stakeholders as needed. Interfaces with other sourcing operations teams, business leaders and legal & risk partners for each transaction.
• Interprets and communicates contract requirements, obligations, and risk exposures to key stakeholders, including sourcing professionals and business leaders. Performs regular performance monitoring and reviews of key suppliers.
• Champions sourcing process compliance. Educates key stakeholders about commercial, legal, policy and other considerations in support of the negation process.
• Ensures supplier and contract data is submitted and current into the management systems and databases.
• Monitors market dynamics that impact materials/services availability and/or pricing.
• Partners with internal clients to identify sourcing needs, develop buyer/market profiles, identify marketplace trends, and define acceptable service levels.

Qualifications and Skills

• 8 years or more of experience in strategic sourcing, supplier management, or procurement
• Previous IT/SAAS sourcing background is required, having an AI sourcing skills is a nice plus
• Bachelors degree in Supply Chain Management, Business Administration, Engineering, or a related field
• Strong communication, analytical thinking, and commercial acumen with demonstrated ability to manage high-complexity deals and cross-functional collaboration
• Proficiency with sourcing and procurement systems such as Sirion Labs, Globality, Oracle and ServiceNow
• Preferred certifications include CPSM (Certified Professional in Supply Management), CSCP (Certified Supply Chain Professional), or CIPS certification
• Ability to manage multiple priorities in a dynamic environment, with a focus on driving business value and risk mitigation

Special Factors

Sponsorship

Vanguard is not offering visa sponsorship for this position.

About Vanguard

At Vanguard, we don't just have a missionwe're on a mission.

To work for the long-term financial wellbeing of our clients. To lead through product and services that transform our clients' lives. To learn and develop our skills as individuals and as a team. From Malvern to Melbourne, our mission drives us forward and inspires us to be our best.

How We Work

Vanguard has implemented a hybrid working model for the majority of our crew members, designed to capture the benefits of enhanced flexibility while enabling in-person learning, collaboration, and connection. We believe our mission-driven and highly collaborative culture is a critical enabler to support long-term client outcomes and enrich the employee experience.