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Introduction
At IBM Finance & Operations, we are the backbone of IBM’s transformation driving efficiency, transparency, and smart decision-making across the business. Our teams provide the insight and discipline that guide strategy, ensure financial strength, and enable IBM to invest in innovation and growth. Working in Finance & Operations means combining analytical skills with collaboration and curiosity. You’ll partner with colleagues across functions and geographies, using data, technology, and process excellence to create solutions that improve performance and deliver measurable impact. IBM offers continuous learning, career development, and a culture that values diverse perspectives. Join us and be part of a global team that keeps IBM moving forward, while building your own future in a dynamic and evolving environment.
Your role and responsibilities
As a Procurement Sourcing Professional, you will source commodity demand in line with the global sourcing strategy and follow the 7-step sourcing process. This role requires deep industry knowledge of the commodity being sourced, as well as data and bench-marking insight to drive effective sourcing decisions. Your primary responsibilities will include:
• Develop Sourcing Strategies: Establish the appropriate suppliers providing cost-effective and high-quality supply in line with the global sourcing strategy created by the particular sourcing council. This involves understanding the demand, analyzing data, and supplier bench-marking to inform sourcing decisions.
• Negotiate with Suppliers: Engage in negotiations with suppliers, varying in complexity depending on the sourcing activity, to achieve key goals and targets. Building strong supplier relationships is crucial, influenced by the strategic positioning of the supplier with regards to IBM strategic sourcing decisions.
• Document Sourcing Process: Document sourcing activities in a structured and auditable way, ensuring transparency and accountability throughout the sourcing process.
• Analyze Data and Benchmark: Apply data analysis and bench-marking skills to gain insights into the commodity being sourced, informing effective sourcing decisions and optimizing the sourcing process.
• Manage Supplier Relationships: Establish and maintain strong relationships with suppliers, understanding their strategic positioning and influencing factors to drive effective sourcing outcomes.
Required education
Bachelor's Degree
Required technical and professional expertise
This role is for a Germany based facility management client of IBM and designed for a top‑performing strategic sourcing professional with deep RFx, negotiation, and contract management expertise who is ready to operate one level below Category Manager.
The Strategic Sourcing Buyer will independently lead complex sourcing events, own supplier negotiations, and manage contracts end‑to‑end primarily in HVAC category (heating, ventilation and air-conditioning) but also across Facility Services categories. The role requires a strong commercial mindset, high autonomy, and accountability for outcomes, not just process execution.
Responsibilities :
- Independently lead end‑to‑end strategic sourcing initiatives across Facility Services, from opportunity assessment through contract signature
- Design and execute complex RFx processes (RFI, RFP, RFQ), including bid strategy, evaluation models, and award recommendations
- Own commercial negotiations with strategic and operational suppliers, driving cost reduction, risk mitigation, and contract robustness
- Draft, review, and negotiate commercial contract terms in close collaboration with Legal and internal stakeholders
- Drive contract implementation, compliance, and lifecycle management (renewals, extensions, performance clauses)
- Act as a commercial advisor to stakeholders, challenging demand, specifications, and supplier selection where appropriate
- Conduct market intelligence and spend analysis to identify sourcing levers, innovation opportunities, and supply risks
- Manage suppliers proactively, including performance management, governance cadence, and issue escalation
- Deliver tangible, trackable value through savings, cost avoidance, service improvements, and contract optimization
- Support and gradually assume elements of category strategy development, governance, and stakeholder ownership
- Serve as a succession candidate for Category Manager, demonstrating leadership, judgment, and strategic maturity
Requirements :
- Fluent German (spoken and written) – mandatory
- Fluent English (spoken and written)
- Proven experience as a Strategic Buyer / Strategic Sourcing Specialist in Facility Services or complex direct and indirect categories
- Deep RFx expertise with demonstrated ownership of complex sourcing events
- Strong contract management and commercial negotiation capability
- Hands‑on experience negotiating pricing models, SLAs, KPIs, liabilities, and service scopes
- Ability to operate independently with end‑to‑end sourcing accountability
- Strong analytical and financial acumen; able to build and defend business cases
- Excellent stakeholder management skills, including the confidence to challenge and influence
- Results‑oriented mindset with clear ownership mentality
- Experience working with procurement systems and sourcing tools (e.g. SAP, Ariba, eSourcing platforms)
Preferred technical and professional experience
- 5+ years of experience in strategic sourcing or category procurement
- Familiarity with German facility management regulations and associated German laws
- Prior exposure to category strategy development or partial category ownership
- Experience in international, matrix, or shared‑services environments
- Strong understanding of Facilities Services markets and supplier landscapes
- Professional certification (CIPS, IWFM, or equivalent)
- Proven track record of fast progression in previous role