Director, Procurement

When you join Sallie Mae, you become a champion for all students.

We’re on a mission to power confidence as students begin their unique journey. To help them plan their higher education, successfully finish, and prepare for life after school. To help them Start smart. Learn big.

Students need guidance navigating this important time in their life. They need someone who acknowledges that their education path is unique. They need a partner willing to evolve and not only meet but surpass their expectations. We’re changing. Because students need a better way.

We’re looking for people who are excited to drive this transformation. To break barriers and think of new ways to adapt, help, and create better experiences for students—and for each other.

This is where diverse backgrounds, beliefs, and perspectives matter. It’s where you’re empowered to bring your authentic self to work.

Feeling your best allows you to do your best. Our benefits take care of the whole you—from physical and mental to financial and professional. You’ll get opportunities to further your education and career, support for you and your family (including your pets!), paid time off to volunteer for the things that matter to you, and more.

We’re obsessed with impact and making a real difference. For us, that means putting relationships first, asking “why not?” when tackling challenges, and continuously learning new skills.

Come do more than join something, change something. For students, for future generations, for the future of education.

What You'll Contribute

The Director, Procurement will be responsible for developing and implementing procurement strategies, managing supplier relationships, ensuring cost efficiency, and driving operational excellence in the procurement process.

What You'll Do

• Develop and implement procurement strategies and policies aligned with the company's objectives and financial goals.
• Lead and manage a team of procurement professionals, providing guidance, support, and fostering a collaborative work environment.
• Establish and maintain strong relationships with suppliers, ensuring reliable and cost-effective sourcing of goods and services.
• Negotiate contracts and agreements with suppliers, optimizing terms, conditions, and pricing to achieve the best value for the organization.
• Monitor supplier performance, evaluate and manage risks, and implement strategies for supplier improvement and relationship development.
• Conduct market research and analysis to identify trends, opportunities, and potential risks impacting the procurement function.
  

The above information is intended to describe the general nature and level of work performed by employees assigned to this job; it is not designed to contain or be interpreted as a comprehensive inventory of all duties, responsibilities and qualifications required of employees in this role.

What you have

Minimum: Indicate minimum education, skills and experience required.

• Strong knowledge of procurement processes, contract negotiations, and supplier relationship management.
• Excellent leadership and team management skills, with the ability to motivate and develop a high-performing procurement team.
• Exceptional negotiation and communication abilities, with a proven track record of successfully managing supplier relationships.
• Analytical mindset with strong problem-solving skills, capable of identifying cost-saving opportunities and implementing process improvements.
• Familiarity with procurement systems and technologies to streamline operations and improve efficiency.
• Strong business acumen and financial literacy, with the ability to analyze data, budgets, and financial reports.
  

Preferred: Indicate “nice to haves” regarding education, skills, and experience.

• Bachelor's degree in business, supply chain management, or a related field. Master's degree is a plus.
• 7+ years of experience in procurement, with progressive responsibilities and a focus on strategic sourcing and supplier management.
  

The Americans with Disabilities Act

The Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (ADA) prohibits discrimination by employers, in compensation and employment opportunities, against qualified individuals with disabilities who, with or without reasonable accommodation, can perform the “essential functions” of a job. A function may be essential for any of several reasons, including: the job exists to perform that function, the employee holding the job was hired for his/her expertise in performing the function, or only a limited number of employees are available to perform that function.

• Competitive base salaries 

• Bonus incentives 

• Generous PTO, Floating Holidays and 12 Federal Holidays observed

• Support for financial-well-being and retirement 401k with employer match

• Comprehensive medical, dental, vision, hospital indemnity, critical illness, pet insurance and more

• Employer paid short-term/long-term disability and basic life insurance  

• Flexible hybrid working arrangements.

• Paid parental leave and adoption reimbursement programs

• Free access to on-site staffed fitness centers (in Delaware) and gym subsidy (for locations outside Delaware) 

• Confidential counseling support (EAP), Health Advocacy services and Wellness program with financial incentives

• Tuition Reimbursement and Family Scholarship Programs

• Career development and training opportunities

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