MRO Strategic Sourcing Manager

WD is building the infrastructure behind the AI-driven data economy.

As AI scales, so does data. Every interaction, every model, every system generates data that must be stored, managed, and made accessible over time. That’s where we come in.

We combine deep engineering expertise with global-scale manufacturing to deliver the storage systems that make AI possible, powering hyperscale data centers, cloud platforms, and enterprise infrastructure worldwide.

This isn’t theoretical work. It’s real systems, at real scale, people solving some of the hardest challenges in technology today.

We’re looking for people who want to build, solve, and operate at that level.

Join us and let’s shape the future of data.

• The MRO Commodity Manager, supporting Global Commodity Manager, is responsible for the negotiations on all contracts focused to support local commodity and supplier management, supply assurance, local market assessment, drivers and trends, Support Material Planner(s), VMI/Consignment as needed.  Participates in cross functional team activities with NPI, engineering, business, planning, legal, finance, EH&S and inventory management and quality. Research and prepare Commodity Briefs and Source Plans.  Develop and maintain a program of evaluation for the supplier base which includes certification requirements. The position involves developing negotiation strategies, advising requestors on contract terms and conditions, monitoring cost and scope of assigned contracts to assure compliance, best value and validate/improve pricing. The MRO Commodity Manager may recommend cost saving proposals including alternative sourcing and will exercise independent judgment within defined practices and procedures to determine appropriate action.

• Essential Duties and Responsibilities

  Strategic Sourcing

• Develop commodity strategies for local area to integrate with GCM strategies
• Work with various business stakeholders’ groups to identify and qualify new or existing capable suppliers, initiate requests for proposals/quotations (RFPs/RFQs), advise requestors with respect to contract terms and conditions
• Conduct RFP and lead cross functional teams through the selection process of preferred suppliers with effective scoring criteria to critically evaluate supplier proposals in accordance with company policies
• Lead negotiations on Procurement agreements, including, but not limited to, Master Agreements, Statements of Work, Change Orders balancing business deliverables, legal interests and pricing
• Conduct analysis on proposals for services & products in support of various factory, research and development functions
• Analyze total costs, assist business functions with ROI analysis, price and rate benchmarking and negotiate favorable business terms to leverage Western Digital purchasing power
• Provide global contract expertise for sourcing of MRO for various business units
• Evaluate single sourcing requests and ensure competitiveness

• Category Management

• Develop, refine and implement category strategies and tactics that enable the procurement of MRO products and services at the highest value benefit to the company
• Add value by becoming the subject matter expert on MRO categories/commodities for internal clients on industry trends, benchmarking, and best practices
• Lead cross-functional meetings with various business functions and develop a communication strategy to keep internal clients informed about procurement processes, supplier strategy, and procurement policies

• Supplier Management

• Manage supplier relationships with focus on supply risk management, contract risk management and cost management
• Mediate supplier issues and resolve customer / supplier contract disputes if necessary
• Lead and participate in supplier performance reviews with vendors to review performance and support mutually agreed upon improvement programs as required
• Support ad-hoc reporting needs including supplier scorecards and other reporting

• Contract Management

• Evaluate processes and recommend improvements to standardize lifecycle contract and sourcing processes and systems
• Ensure pricing & deliverables as negotiated are included in the contract; coordinate comparison of proposals and final contract terms
• Ensure contract execution & retention, preferably through electronic signature process
• Provide timely updates, support management reporting of quarterly reports and address any issues quickly 

Education and/or Experience

Bachelor’s degree required with 3+ years of experience in category management and/or strategic sourcing of MRO or related commodities   

• Degree in business or engineering preferred
• Subject matter expertise in sourcing & contracting tools (SAP and/or Oracle)
• Contract Negotiation / Vendor Mgmt. / Influencing Skills

Specific Knowledge

• Demonstrated skills in negotiating and formulating marketing contracts, understanding cost models and various price structures, management of contractual, IP and labor law risks
• Demonstrated skills in project management required
• Ability to work well in a high-pace dynamic environment, handle multiple projects simultaneously, and ensure task completion and deadlines are met as required
• Proficient with Microsoft Office applications: Excel, Word, PowerPoint

Communication Skills:

• Communicate well in English both in verbal and written form
• Strong project management, organizational, and analytical skills required
• Excellent team facilitation and presentation skills required
• Ability to present to all level of management / stakeholders and articulate strategies and performance metrics

WD 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.

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