Strategic Sourcing and Vendor Management Specialist

Position Summary:

The Strategic Sourcing professional serves as a trusted advisor to business stakeholders and leads complex sourcing initiatives across facilities-related categories and professional services. This role is responsible for developing sourcing strategies, leading negotiations, managing supplier relationships, and delivering commercial value while balancing risk, compliance, and stakeholder objectives. The successful candidate will thrive in a fast-paced, highly matrixed environment and bring strong procurement expertise, critical thinking, data analysis capabilities, and the ability to influence diverse stakeholder groups. This individual will proactively identify opportunities, recommend innovative solutions, and help drive continuous improvement across sourcing and supplier management activities.

Responsibilities

• Lead complex strategic sourcing initiatives and competitive events across facilities and professional services categories.

• Partner with business stakeholders to understand requirements, shape sourcing strategies, and provide procurement expertise throughout the sourcing lifecycle.

• Negotiate contracts, commercial terms, pricing, service levels, and risk provisions to maximize business value.

• Manage supplier relationships and support vendor management activities, including performance reviews, issue resolution, and continuous improvement initiatives.

• Conduct market research, spend analysis, supplier assessments, and category evaluations to identify opportunities and emerging trends.

• Interpret contract requirements and communicate commercial, legal, and operational implications to stakeholders.

• Act as a trusted advisor by recommending sourcing, contracting, and supplier management strategies aligned with business objectives.

• Collaborate with Legal, Risk, Compliance, Finance, and business partners to facilitate informed and timely decision-making.

• Develop and execute category strategies that balance cost, quality, innovation, and risk management considerations.

• Drive sourcing process compliance and ensure accurate maintenance of supplier, contract, and sourcing data within procurement systems.

• Navigate ambiguous situations, solve complex business challenges, and proactively develop creative solutions to meet stakeholder needs.

• Support global sourcing initiatives and supplier engagements across regions where Vanguard conducts business.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent combination of education, training, and relevant professional experience.

• Significant experience in strategic sourcing, procurement, supplier management, category management, or a related discipline.

• Demonstrated experience leading sourcing events, supplier negotiations, and contract execution for complex services categories.

• Strong understanding of procurement principles, contract management, and supplier relationship management practices.

• Experience supporting multiple stakeholders and managing competing priorities in a highly matrixed environment.

• Strong analytical and critical thinking skills with the ability to leverage data to inform business decisions.

• Excellent communication, relationship management, and influencing skills.

• Experience with facilities-related services, construction, professional services, consulting, legal, tax, security, or other indirect spend categories is preferred.

• Experience with procurement platforms and sourcing technologies is preferred.

• Professional certifications such as CPSM, CIPS, or similar credentials are a plus.

Special Factors

Sponsorship

About Vanguard

At Vanguard, we don't just have a mission—we're on a mission.

To work for the long-term financial wellbeing of our clients. To lead through product and services that transform our clients' lives. To learn and develop our skills as individuals and as a team. From Malvern to Melbourne, our mission drives us forward and inspires us to be our best.

How We Work

Vanguard has implemented a hybrid working model for the majority of our crew members, designed to capture the benefits of enhanced flexibility while enabling in-person learning, collaboration, and connection. We believe our mission-driven and highly collaborative culture is a critical enabler to support long-term client outcomes and enrich the employee experience.