Sourcing Manager - IT Software

Job Title

Sourcing Manager – IT Software

Job Location

Global Capability Centre, Pune

Job Description

Do you want to contribute on a strategic level to the Sourcing for Vanderlande Solutions? Are you a team player with sourcing experience and able to work in a multidisciplinary and international environment to achieve best results for our solutions in terms of added value, quality, and competitiveness?

Our goal is to develop and maintain a stable and competitive supply base that supports Vanderlande's projects, services, and ambitious growth. You'll be working closely with our teams in R&D, Engineering, Quality, Service, Projects, and other Supply Chain departments globally, fostering strong collaborations and ensuring we deliver top-notch results.

At Vanderlande, we are seeking passionate and ambitious people, capable of making a positive impact on supply chain, while developing a prosperous career in a fast-paced international environment.

Your role

The Sourcing Manager - IT Software is responsible for managing the global procurement of IT software solutions, including SaaS platforms, enterprise software, cloud services, and licenses. This role focuses on building strategic relationships with software vendors, negotiating contracts, and driving cost-saving initiatives. This role collaborates closely with IT, Legal, Finance, and Operations teams to align procurement activities with business and technology strategies. The ideal candidate will have deep expertise in IT procurement, vendor management, and software licensing, along with a solid understanding of financial and legal considerations related to software procurement across globe. This role demands strategic thinking, and effective communication with global stakeholders to ensure successful outcomes across multiple functions within the organization. You will be integral to projects in the Warehousing, Parcel, and Airport markets.

Your Responsibilities

• Develop and execute global sourcing strategies for software solutions (SaaS, PaaS, enterprise software, etc.) to meet current and future business needs.
• Exposure to cybersecurity & information security standards to ensure end to end compliance related to organization & customer data. (ISO 27001, NIST, SOC 2 etc.)
• Ensuring that the software procured is free from any intellectual property disputes, and all rights are clearly licensed to organization, including third-party libraries or components used within the software.
• Ensuring cloud-based vendors comply with CSA standards for cloud security and data protection is important for maintaining robust cloud security practices.
• Data Localization Requirements knowledge to comply with local data storage requirements.
• Conduct market research to identify trends, innovations, and risks in the software industry.
• Lead the procurement process, including supplier identification, RFP/RFI management, negotiation of pricing, and contract terms.
• Partner with IT and stakeholders to forecast software needs and ensure alignment with business requirements.
• Work closely with the Legal team to draft and finalize software agreements, including licensing terms, renewals, and maintenance.
• Ensure compliance with software licensing policies, GDPR, and other regional regulations.
• Identify cost-saving opportunities through license optimization, volume agreements, and vendor consolidation.
• Implement software asset management best practices to optimize licensing and reduce costs.
• Collaborate with IT teams to ensure procurement supports technology roadmaps and projects.
• Work with global finance and legal teams to manage contract lifecycles, renewals, and compliance.
• Assess and mitigate risks related to software procurement, including vendor dependency and regulatory risks.
• Ensure compliance with global procurement policies, software licensing agreements, and data protection laws.
• Support initiatives to drive the use of sustainable, cloud-based, and energy-efficient software solutions.
• Keep abreast of the latest software technologies and digital transformation trends to recommend new solutions.
• Use data analytics to measure software spend, track vendor performance, and forecast future requirements.
• Provide regular reports and insights to senior management on software procurement activities and cost-saving initiatives.
• Leverage procurement platforms and digital tools for efficient software sourcing.

Job Requirements (skills and experience)

• Bachelor’s degree in supply chain management, Business Administration, Information Technology, or related field with relevant certification like CIPS, CPM, or ITIL etc.
• Minimum 10-15 years of relevant experience in sourcing and procurement, with a focus on IT Software in a global environment and conversant with procurement and ERP systems (e.g., SAP, Oracle).
• Strong background in negotiating software contracts and managing large-scale software vendors.
• In-depth understanding of software categories (SaaS, PaaS, enterprise software, cloud services).
• Excellent negotiation, vendor management, and communication skills.
• Strong financial acumen with experience in managing software budgets and forecasting.
• Proficiency in software asset management tools and procurement systems.
• Cost savings achieved through software sourcing initiatives with exposure to Licensing compliance and optimization.
• Managing vendor performance in terms of service levels, contract compliance, and delivery.
• Excellent interpersonal skills, capable of communicating effectively across all levels of the global organization.
• Effective time management skills, able to prioritize tasks and meet deadlines in fast-paced environments.
• Entrepreneurial spirit, ability to set own goals and get things done with Hands-on experience in costing activities, utilizing cost estimation programs.
• Ability to understand the VOICE of customer and translate that to action and drive the actions for continuous improvement.
• Sense of customer service, cross functional team player, relationship builder
• Familiarity with sustainable procurement practices and emerging trends in IT hardware.
• Familiarity with regulatory compliance, environmental standards, and trade policies related to IT software.
• Strong project management skills with the ability to manage multiple sourcing initiatives globally.
• Ability to collaborate effectively across different time zones and cultures.
• Good command of English, both verbal and written
• Willingness to travel, up to 30%.

What we offer

In the challenging and responsible position of Sourcing Manager – IT Software you will have the chance to make a significant contribution to the growth and profitability of Vanderlande Industries. Our organization has been named for several years in a row as ‘Top Employer’ and ‘Best Employer’. We offer a full-time position in an informal and professional working environment with a lot of scope for personal development.
 

About the Company: Vanderlande

Website: www.vanderlande.com

Vanderlande is a market-leading, global partner for future-proof logistic process automation in the warehousing, airports, and parcel sectors. Its extensive portfolio of integrated solutions – innovative systems, intelligent software, and life-cycle services – results in the realisation of fast, reliable and efficient automation technology.

Established in 1949, Vanderlande has more than 9,000 employees, all committed to moving its customers’ businesses forward at diverse locations on every continent. It has established a global reputation over the past seven decades as a highly reliable partner for future-proof logistic process automation.

Vanderlande was acquired in 2017 by Toyota Industries Corporation, which will help it to continue its sustainable profitable growth. The two companies have a strong strategic match, and the synergies include cross-selling, product innovations, and research and development.

Why should you join Vanderlande India Global Capability Center (GCC)

• We are certified as Great Place to Work by the prestigious Great Place to Work Institute.
• Flexible and Hybrid Workplace.
• Vanderlande Academy and training facilities to boost your skills.
• Mediclaim benefit including parental coverage.
• On-site company health centers with a gym, employee wellbeing sessions, in house doctor support.
• A variety in Vanderlande Network communities and initiatives.
• Opportunity to collaborate globally.

Being you @Vanderlande (Diversity statement)

Vanderlande is an equal opportunity employer. Qualified applicants will be considered without regards to race, religion, colour, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status.