Role Overview for Head of Strategic Procurement, IT/Software with a Public Tech Co. – San Jose, CA
JRG Partners is proud to represent a premier, publicly-traded technology company at the forefront of innovation in San Jose, CA. We are seeking a visionary and results-driven Head of Strategic Procurement to lead their dynamic IT and Software sourcing function. This is a critical leadership position that will shape the company’s technological capabilities and drive significant financial and operational impact. The ideal candidate is a seasoned procurement expert with a deep understanding of the complex IT/Software landscape, including SaaS, cloud infrastructure, cybersecurity, and enterprise applications.
As the Head of Strategic Procurement for IT/Software, you will be more than a category manager; you will be a strategic partner to the CIO, CTO, and other C-level executives. You will be responsible for developing, implementing, and leading a sophisticated, multi-year procurement strategy that aligns directly with the company’s aggressive growth and innovation objectives. Your primary mission will be to optimize the company’s multi-hundred-million-dollar technology spend, ensuring maximum value, mitigating risks, and fostering strategic relationships with key technology partners. You will lead a talented team of procurement professionals, mentoring them to become trusted advisors to the business. This role requires a unique blend of market intelligence, masterful negotiation skills, financial acumen, and the ability to build consensus and influence decisions at the highest levels of the organization. Your leadership will be instrumental in building a world-class procurement function that is not just a cost-saving center, but a true competitive advantage for the company.
Key Responsibilities of Head of Strategic Procurement, IT/Software with a Public Tech Co. – San Jose, CA
Strategic Sourcing & Category Management
Develop and execute comprehensive, forward-looking sourcing strategies for all IT and Software categories, including but not limited to SaaS, IaaS (AWS, Azure, GCP), PaaS, data centers, hardware, telecommunications, cybersecurity solutions, and contingent labor/professional services.
Leadership & Team Development
Recruit, lead, mentor, and develop a high-performing team of procurement managers and specialists. Foster a culture of excellence, continuous improvement, and strategic business partnership. Set clear goals and performance metrics for the team.
Complex Negotiations & Contract Management
Personally lead and orchestrate high-stakes negotiations for enterprise-level agreements with major technology vendors like Microsoft, Oracle, Salesforce, AWS, and others. Demonstrate mastery in structuring complex deals that optimize commercial terms, mitigate risk, and provide long-term value. Oversee the entire contract lifecycle.
Supplier Relationship Management (SRM)
Design and implement a robust SRM program to govern relationships with strategic technology partners. Drive performance management through scorecards, regular business reviews (QBRs), and executive-level meetings to foster innovation and continuous improvement.
Financial Analysis & Reporting
Own the financial outcomes of your categories. Develop sophisticated financial models for total cost of ownership (TCO), lease vs. buy, and ROI analyses. Establish and track key performance indicators (KPIs), delivering regular, insightful reports on savings, cost avoidance, and value creation to the executive leadership team.
Stakeholder Engagement & Influence
Build and maintain strong, collaborative relationships with key internal stakeholders, including IT, Engineering, Finance, and Legal leadership. Act as a trusted advisor, understanding their strategic roadmaps and translating business needs into effective procurement strategies.
Process & Technology Optimization
Drive continuous improvement initiatives within the procurement function. Evaluate and leverage procurement technologies, such as e-sourcing platforms and contract management systems, to enhance efficiency, visibility, and data-driven decision-making.
Risk & Compliance Management
Proactively identify and mitigate supply chain, financial, and contractual risks associated with the IT/Software portfolio. Ensure all procurement activities are conducted in compliance with company policies, industry regulations, and ethical standards.
Requirements for the Head of Strategic Procurement, IT/Software with a Public Tech Co. – San Jose, CA
Educational Background
A Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain Management, Business Administration, Finance, or a related field is required. An MBA or other advanced degree is strongly preferred.
Professional Experience
A minimum of 12-15 years of progressive experience in strategic sourcing and procurement, with at least 7-10 years focused specifically on IT/Software categories within a large, complex, and preferably public technology organization.
Leadership Experience
A minimum of 7 years of demonstrated success in a leadership role, managing and developing teams of procurement professionals. Proven ability to inspire and motivate a team to achieve ambitious goals.
Deep Category Expertise
Expert-level knowledge of the IT/Software market, including key vendors, pricing models, licensing structures (perpetual, subscription, consumption-based), and emerging technology trends across SaaS, cloud computing, cybersecurity, and enterprise hardware.
Negotiation Mastery
A proven track record of successfully leading complex, high-value negotiations and structuring multi-faceted enterprise agreements. Must possess an exceptional ability to influence and persuade.
Financial & Analytical Skills
Strong quantitative, analytical, and problem-solving skills. Expertise in financial modeling, TCO analysis, and using data to drive strategic decisions is essential.
Stakeholder Management
Superior interpersonal and communication skills, with the proven ability to build relationships, gain credibility, and partner effectively with senior executives and cross-functional teams.
Certifications & Systems
Professional certifications such as CPSM (Certified Professional in Supply Management) or C.P.M. are highly desirable. Hands-on experience with procure-to-pay (P2P) systems like Coupa, Ariba, or Oracle is required.
Benefits & Perks Offered
Our client is committed to investing in its people and provides a comprehensive and competitive benefits package designed to support your health, well-being, and financial security. As a key member of the leadership team, you can expect:
Competitive Compensation
An attractive base salary, annual performance-based bonus, and a significant equity package (RSUs).
Comprehensive Health Coverage
Premium medical, dental, and vision insurance plans for you and your dependents with low employee contributions.
Retirement Savings
A robust 401(k) plan with a generous company match to help you plan for your future.
Work-Life Balance
A generous paid time off (PTO) policy, paid holidays, and flexible work arrangements to support a healthy work-life integration.
Wellness Programs
A corporate wellness program including gym memberships or stipends, mental health resources, and employee assistance programs.
Professional Growth
A strong commitment to your career development with opportunities for continuous learning, tuition reimbursement, and attendance at industry conferences.
Additional Perks
Commuter benefits, employee stock purchase plan (ESPP), and other corporate discounts.
How to Apply
This is a unique opportunity to lead a high-impact function within a category-defining technology company. If you are a visionary procurement leader with a passion for technology and a track record of delivering exceptional results, we encourage you to apply. JRG Partners specializes in placing elite talent in transformative roles. To be considered for this confidential search, please submit your resume and a compelling cover letter outlining your qualifications and accomplishments to our executive search team via our secure portal.
