Manager 5, Program Management (Procurement)

Company Description

At Western Digital, we are on a mission to unlock the potential of data so people, companies and organizations everywhere can create what’s next. To fulfill our vision, we are always on the lookout for potential team members who share our passion for solving problems to empower others.

When you join Western Digital, you join a legacy more than 50 years in the making. Across our Western Digital®, SanDisk®, SanDisk® Professional, WD® and WD_BLACK™ brands, we have brought some of the most storied advancements in memory and data storage technology to market—and our best, most innovative work is yet to come.

From energizing gaming platforms, to enabling systems to make cities safer and cars smarter and more connected, to powering the data centers behind many of the world’s biggest companies and public cloud, Western Digital is fueling a brighter, smarter future.

Here’s how you can help.

Job Description

As the Program Manager of Procurement Cost Management, you will be responsible for leading critical cost management programs and supporting cross-functional initiatives. Working closely with Global Commodity Managers (GCM), procurement leadership, and finance teams, you will drive cost-saving initiatives, manage should-cost modeling, and provide key insights to improve price negotiations with suppliers.

This role emphasizes program management, stakeholder engagement, and project planning to align procurement strategies with business objectives. You will also contribute to comprehensive cost reporting, tracking savings opportunities, and supporting key financial and strategic goals.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Program Management: Lead procurement cost management programs, developing and executing project plans with milestones, timelines, and cost-saving targets.
• Should-Cost Modeling: Participate in should-cost modeling activities for both direct and indirect spend, identifying cost drivers, improvement opportunities, and providing insights to support price negotiations with suppliers.
• Stakeholder Engagement: Collaborate with Global Commodity Managers, finance teams, and cross-functional stakeholders to align procurement initiatives with company goals. Ensure clear communication and transparency in tracking cost-saving initiatives.
• Cost Projections and Reporting: Manage cost projection processes across business verticals and work with finance to ensure accurate forecasts. Provide insights into supplier and component costs to drive strategic quarterly cost-saving targets.
• Tracking and Implementation: Track cost-saving opportunities, ensuring Global Commodity Managers implement identified improvements. Consolidate data and reports to ensure accuracy and timely updates.
• Contract Management: Assist in creating best-in-class contract negotiation frameworks, mitigating cost risks, and driving savings through effective supplier contract management.
• Support Functions: Provide data and reporting support, including presentations, to assist in driving cost optimization initiatives. Support the team in the creation of cost-related reports and documentation for executive reviews.
• Cross-Timezone Collaboration: Collaborate with global teams across multiple time zones, ensuring smooth coordination and project alignment.
• Individual Contributor Role: This is a hands-on role that does not involve direct people management.

Critical Function:

Manage key procurement programs, leading the end-to-end execution of cost management initiatives, including risk mitigation and savings implementation. This involves developing detailed project plans and collaborating with stakeholders to ensure alignment with company-wide objectives.

Qualifications

REQUIRED:

• Bachelor’s degree in business management, supply chain, finance, engineering, or related field. Advanced degree preferred.
• Minimum of 7-10 years of experience in procurement, supply chain, or finance, with a strong focus on cost management and program leadership.
• High fluency in spoken and written English is a must.
• Proven track record in project management, working with cross-functional teams to drive cost-saving initiatives.
• Ability to work in an in-office setting in Penang, with some travel required.
• Willingness to work across time zones, coordinating with global teams.

PREFERRED:

• Familiarity with Power Query, Tableau, Python, and VBA is a plus.
• Manufacturing industry background (e.g., automotive or semiconductor) with cost or procurement experience is highly preferred.

SKILLS:

• Proficiency in Excel and PowerPoint, with strong data analysis and presentation skills.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills, fluent in written and spoken English.
• Experience with should-cost models, both bottom-up and top-down, to identify cost drivers and support negotiations.
• Experience consolidating data and reports in a systematic and highly accurate manner.
• Results-oriented, proactive, and systematic approach to managing complex programs and projects.

Additional Information

Western Digital thrives on the power and potential of diversity. As a global company, we believe the most effective way to embrace the diversity of our customers and communities is to mirror it from within. We believe the fusion of various perspectives results in the best outcomes for our employees, our company, our customers, and the world around us. We are committed to an inclusive environment where every individual can thrive through a sense of belonging, respect and contribution.

Western Digital is committed to offering opportunities to applicants with disabilities and ensuring all candidates can successfully navigate our careers website and our hiring process. Please contact us at [email protected] to advise us of your accommodation request. In your email, please include a description of the specific accommodation you are requesting as well as the job title and requisition number of the position for which you are applying.

NOTICE TO CANDIDATES: Western Digital has received reports of scams where a payment is requested on Western Digital’s behalf as a condition for receiving an offer of employment. Please be aware that Western Digital and its subsidiaries will never request payment as a condition for applying for a position or receiving an offer of employment. Should you encounter any such requests, please report it immediately to Western Digitals Ethics Helpline or email [email protected]