Senior Manager, Global Procurement

Job Posting Organization:
The International Rescue Committee (IRC) is a prominent international humanitarian non-governmental organization (INGO) founded in 1933 at the behest of Albert Einstein. The organization operates in over 40 countries and 29 U.S. cities, focusing on responding to the world's most severe humanitarian crises. The IRC's mission is to restore health, safety, education, economic wellbeing, and power to individuals affected by conflict and disaster. With a workforce dedicated to delivering impactful solutions, the IRC aims to help millions of people survive, reclaim control of their futures, and strengthen their communities. The organization prides itself on being a force for humanity, emphasizing the importance of dignity, hope, and lasting change in the lives of those it serves.

Job Overview:
The Senior Manager, Global Procurement indirect is a pivotal role within the IRC, responsible for leading strategic procurement initiatives across the Fundraising and Mass Marketing categories. This position entails category ownership, sourcing strategy development, and the cultivation of a robust supplier ecosystem that encompasses various marketing and fundraising services. The Senior Manager will manage complex procurement processes, engage with senior stakeholders, and foster long-term supplier relationships that align with the IRC's fundraising objectives. The role requires a strategic mindset to ensure that procurement activities deliver commercial value, operational continuity, and compliance with organizational policies. The Senior Manager will collaborate closely with various departments, including External Relations, Finance, IT, Legal, and Risk & Compliance, to ensure that sourcing outcomes meet the organization's needs and objectives.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Senior Manager will be responsible for a comprehensive set of duties, including:

• Strategic Sourcing, Procurement, & Category Management: - Own and develop the category strategy for Marketing and Fundraising procurement, covering areas such as acquisition agencies, direct mail, digital channels, telemarketing, and marketing technology. - Maintain a clear procurement planning pipeline with stakeholders to determine optimal sourcing strategies. - Create and update a category sourcing guide that outlines recommended approaches, market landscapes, pricing models, and contract structures. - Lead end-to-end sourcing processes for high-value procurements, including facilitation of procurement processes, governance of evaluations, negotiation, and award decisions. - Conduct market analysis to inform sourcing strategies and identify opportunities for consolidation and efficiency. - Ensure procurement timelines align with campaign cycles and operational requirements. - Identify opportunities for innovation and cost savings.
• Supplier Ecosystem Development: - Build and manage a structured supplier ecosystem, including framework agreements and strategic partnerships. - Support waiver and single-source processes as needed, ensuring compliance with policies. - Facilitate quarterly supplier reviews to monitor performance and drive continuous improvement.
• Stakeholder Engagement & Business Partnering: - Act as the primary procurement partner for External Relations and Mass Marketing leadership, providing advisory support on vendor strategy and sourcing decisions. - Translate fundraising and marketing objectives into actionable procurement plans. - Collaborate with business teams to define scopes of work and evaluation criteria.
• Analytics, Reporting & Continuous Improvement: - Maintain visibility of spend and category performance data to support sourcing decisions. - Identify opportunities to enhance commercial outcomes through improved planning and supplier frameworks. - Contribute to broader procurement process improvement initiatives.
• Risk & Compliance: - Ensure all procurement activities comply with IRC policies and donor regulations. - Maintain sourcing documentation to audit-ready standards.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates for the Senior Manager position should possess the following qualifications: - CIPS Level 4 or above is strongly preferred; equivalent certifications or substantial strategic sourcing experience will be considered. - A Bachelor's degree is required, while a Master's degree is preferred. - Experience in marketing, fundraising, or agency procurement is preferred, particularly knowledge of direct mail, digital acquisition, telemarketing, or face-to-face fundraising sectors. - A minimum of 7 years of progressive procurement experience is required, demonstrating a trajectory into category management and strategic sourcing. - Proven experience in leading high-value RFP processes, multi-vendor evaluations, and contract negotiations is essential. - Strong commercial negotiation and supplier management skills are necessary. - The ability to build effective relationships with senior stakeholders and translate business needs into sourcing strategies is crucial. - Strong analytical skills, including spend analysis and market assessment, are required.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes a Bachelor's degree as a minimum requirement, with a preference for candidates holding a Master's degree. The educational qualifications should ideally be complemented by certifications in procurement or supply chain management, such as CIPS Level 4 or higher, which would enhance the candidate's profile and demonstrate their commitment to the field.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of 7 years of progressive procurement experience. Candidates should have a demonstrated history of advancing into roles focused on category management and strategic sourcing. Experience leading high-value RFP processes, conducting multi-vendor evaluations, and negotiating contracts is essential. Candidates should also have a strong background in marketing and fundraising procurement, with familiarity in sectors such as direct mail, digital acquisition, telemarketing, or face-to-face fundraising.

Languages:
While the job description does not specify mandatory languages, proficiency in English is likely essential given the international nature of the organization and the role's requirements. Additional language skills may be considered advantageous, particularly if they align with the regions in which the IRC operates or with the demographics of the stakeholders involved.

Additional Notes:
The working environment for this position is a standard office setting, with travel requirements being less than 10%. The compensation for the role varies based on factors such as labor market conditions, job type, internal equity, and budget considerations. The US pay range for this position is between $86,262 and $103,451, while the UK pay range is between £58,736 and £68,52

• The IRC offers a comprehensive benefits package, including paid time off, medical and dental insurance, retirement savings plans, and an Employee Assistance Program. The organization is committed to equal opportunity employment and adheres to professional standards that emphasize integrity, service, equality, and accountability.