Executive Director, Technology Procurement

Job description

Job Description We are seeking an experienced Executive Director, Technology Procurement to lead global sourcing strategy for technology across the enterprise. In this high-impact leadership role, you will partner with senior technology and business leaders to shape procurement strategy, drive commercial value, manage supplier risk, and support the company’s digital transformation agenda. This role requires a strategic thinker with deep expertise in technology sourcing, executive stakeholder management, and complex negotiations. You will lead a global team, oversee strategic supplier relationships, and help ensure procurement is a proactive enabler of innovation, resilience, and value creation. Key Responsibilities Lead global procurement strategy for technology categories, including software, cloud, infrastructure, cybersecurity, telecom, data & analytics, AI, hardware, and professional services. Partner closely with the CIDO, senior technology leaders, and cross-functional stakeholders to align sourcing strategy with business priorities and digital transformation goals. Identify, prioritize, and deliver value creation opportunities through cost optimization, demand management, supplier consolidation, and innovation-led sourcing. Lead enterprise-wide sourcing initiatives, including RFPs, supplier evaluations, commercial negotiations, and contract execution using e-sourcing tools. Negotiate complex global technology agreements while ensuring business requirements, risk controls, and service expectations are fully addressed. Manage strategic supplier relationships, including performance governance, commercial oversight, issue resolution, and continuous improvement. Embed procurement early in technology planning and investment decisions to improve outcomes, reduce risk, and strengthen delivery. Advise senior leaders on sourcing strategy, commercial structures, supplier risk, and market trends. Champion modern procurement practices, leveraging analytics, automation, AI, and digital tools to improve speed, insight, and decision-making. Partner with Digital Strategy & Insights teams to enhance data visibility, category intelligence, and procurement effectiveness. Ensure compliance with procurement policies, cybersecurity standards, regulatory requirements, and third-party risk management processes. Develop and execute inclusive sourcing strategies, with a strong focus on diverse supplier engagement in the U.S. and globally. Lead, coach, and develop a high-performing global Technology Procurement organization. Qualifications Required Bachelor’s degree in Technology, Business, Supply Chain, or a related field. 15+ years of progressive experience in technology procurement, strategic sourcing, supplier management, technology operations, consulting, or a related discipline. Strong knowledge of technology vendors, service providers, and procurement operating models. Demonstrated people leadership experience within procurement or indirect procurement organizations. Proven experience leading enterprise technology sourcing and commercial negotiations across software, cloud, infrastructure, telecommunications, cybersecurity, and professional services. Strong financial acumen with the ability to analyze complex data, build business cases, and influence decision-making. Experience managing multiple high-visibility programs in a global, matrixed environment. Strong negotiation, communication, analytical, and stakeholder management skills. Excellent written and verbal communication skills. Ability to work independently, manage competing priorities, and operate effectively in a fast-paced environment. Cultural fluency and experience working with global, remote teams. Willingness to travel up to 20% as needed. Preferred Master’s degree in Business Administration, Supply Chain Management, Engineering, Technology Management, or a related field. Demonstrated success partnering with senior executives, including CIO, CDO, CFO, and business leadership teams. Experience in highly regulated industries such as pharmaceuticals, healthcare, life sciences, manufacturing, or financial services. Exposure to digital transformation, AI, cloud modernization, or enterprise technology strategy initiatives Why This Role Matters This is a pivotal leadership role at the intersection of technology, sourcing, and enterprise value creation. You will help shape how the organization invests in and governs technology—driving smarter decisions, stronger partnerships, and measurable business impact. Required Skills: Digital Strategy, Digital Transformation, Driving Continuous Improvement, Executive Relationship Management, IT Strategic Planning, Pharmaceutical Supply Chain Management, Procurement, Procurement Leadership, Sourcing Strategies, Stakeholder Management, Strategy Development, Supplier Engagement, Supplier Relationship Management, Supplier Risk Management Preferred Skills: Current Employees apply HERE Current Contingent Workers apply HERE US and Puerto Rico Residents Only: Our company is committed to inclusion, ensuring that candidates can engage in a hiring process that exhibits their true capabilities. Please click here if you need an accommodation during the application or hiring process. As an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer, we provide equal opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibit discrimination on the basis of race, color, age, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, protected veteran status, disability status, or other applicable legally protected characteristics.  As a federal contractor, we comply with all affirmative action requirements for protected veterans and individuals with disabilities.  For more information about personal rights under the U.S. Equal Opportunity Employment laws, visit: EEOC Know Your Rights EEOC GINA Supplement​ We are proud to be a company that embraces the value of bringing together, talented, and committed people with diverse experiences, perspectives, skills and backgrounds. The fastest way to breakthrough innovation is when people with diverse ideas, broad experiences, backgrounds, and skills come together in an inclusive environment. We encourage our colleagues to respectfully challenge one another’s thinking and approach problems collectively. Learn more about your rights, including under California, Colorado and other US State Acts The primary location for this posting is: USA - New Jersey - Rahway Where required by law, the compensation range for this role is provided below. The salary range for the primary location of this role is: $231,900.00 - $365,000.00 This range reflects the Company's reasonable expectation of the base salary applicable to this role at the time of posting. An employee’s position within the salary range will be based on several factors including, but not limited to relevant education, qualifications, certifications, experience, skills, geographic location, government requirements, and business or organizational needs. The successful candidate will be eligible for annual bonus and long-term incentive, if applicable. We offer a comprehensive package of benefits. Available benefits include medical, dental, vision healthcare and other insurance benefits (for employee and family), retirement benefits, including 401(k), paid holidays, vacation, and compassionate and sick days. More information about benefits is available at https://jobs.merck.com/us/en/compensation-and-benefits. Additional location(s): Please note the salary range above applies to the Primary Location of the position. Where a role has other listed locations, different compensation guidelines may apply. You may find the salary ranges for additional locations below. If the salary range is not listed for the location you are applying to, our Talent Acquisition team will provide further information to you relevant to your location. Additional location(s) Compensation Inform