At TDS Telecom, connecting people is at the heart of everything we do. We are forward thinkers who leverage cutting-edge fiber internet technology to strengthen communities. We are dedicated to excellence, which drives us to succeed together, creating a better world through meaningful connections. Ready to make an impact?

As the Sr. Manager-Strategic Sourcing, you'll partner with business owners related to the specific categories of spend to develop category sourcing and negotiating strategies and a portfolio of suppliers that are proactively aligned with the Companies’ strategy and business growth needs.  Additionally, the position will partner with business owners to maintain an understanding of drivers of demand that can be leveraged for both near term and longer-term sourcing and negotiating purposes.  This position provides direction, coaching and development of specific category managers and partners with business owners on the development of sourcing strategies that result in strong customer satisfaction, an excellent total value proposition, appropriate cost/price reductions, lower overall Total Cost of Ownership (TCO) and appropriate supplier relationship gains.  

This position is responsible for optimizing the supply base through strategic sourcing and the control and management of all suppliers and spend in their assigned categories.  This includes evaluating the effectiveness of new and existing suppliers to identify risks and establish or modify supplier service level agreements.  The role is directly responsible for ensuring appropriate risk mitigation and/or exception approval practices. 

This role will develop and oversee assigned category managers, ensuring consistent sourcing, negotiating and contracting skill set development within the spend categories.  

This position has the ability to work remotely in any of the 40+ States in which TDS Telecom operates.

Category Management & Development

• Collaborate with business leaders to develop specific strategies for sourcing assigned categories to meet present and future supply requirements. This includes collaborating cross-functionally to identify interdependencies with key suppliers that enable TDS Corporate, TDS Telecom, and Array to execute its supply chain strategy.
• Search out new sourcing opportunities and implement as needed to maintain competitive advantage.
• Ensure that best practices drive a continuous improvement of the sourcing and supplier management strategy.
• Analyze supply market via benchmarking; spend analysis, research and networking.

Sourcing Execution

• Develop and lead category management team through the strategic sourcing process. Apply advanced knowledge of purchasing principles, complex negotiation strategy and supplier relationship management.
• Coach/lead on most complex sourcing/negotiation opportunities within assigned spend categories. 
• Oversee the maintenance and continuous improvement of sourcing strategies and tools.  Ensure category management compliance with sourcing policy and processes. 
• Partner with business leaders within assigned spend categories on sourcing strategy concepts, establishing annual savings targets, supplier performance, and risk mitigation goals.  Establish contract specifications including Service Level Agreements (SLA). 
• Coach on Requests for Information (RFI) and Request for Proposal (RFP), including the development and execution of negotiation strategies. Guide the category management team on the supplier selection process and criteria.  Assist the category management team to develop models that portray financial impacts of selecting one supplier or solution over another.  Promote agreements that reflect shared risk between the supplier and business.
• Assist category management team with contract development and execution. Ensure category management and business owner compliance with sourcing policies and processes.  Participate in the review and approval of contracts in accordance with the organization’s policies and procedures.

Performance Management

• Build and sustain partnerships with business leaders.
• Oversee the development of the annual Procurement Business Plan within assigned spend categories that will reflect year over year cost reductions, quality enhancement, and overall continuous improvement.
• Develop performance data with suppliers; monitor supplier performance through the quarterly score card process and manage supplier relationships across the enterprise.
• Implement supplier practices focused on continuous cost and quality improvements.
• Perform savings tracking, and partner with Financial Planning & Analysis to report realized savings on a continuous basis; ensuring realized savings are included in customer/departmental budgets and forecasts.
• Ensure customer satisfaction through implementation of activities and effective customer feedback initiatives (business owner and risk mitigation partners).  Communicate progress with leadership.

Develop Category Managers

• Category Manager Development – mentor and coach staff to reach their full potential.
  • Conduct regular One on One’s with direct reports.
  • Review both in progress work and work at completion to provide insights to coaching opportunities.
  • Perform mid-year and annual reviews with direct reports.
  • Conduct regular team huddles/ meetings within designated category.
• Lead special projects as assigned and/or participate on numerous department work groups. Coordinate information sharing with leadership (TDS Corporate, TDS Telecom, and Array).

Required Qualifications

• Bachelors degree (or higher) -OR- 4+ years of professional work experience.
• 7+ years of sourcing or procurement or supply chain management experience.
• 5+ years of negotiation and supplier management experience.
• 3+ years of experience leading professionals.

Other Qualifications

• CPSM, PMP or Six Sigma certification preferred.
• MBA Preferred.
• High attention to detail and a broad-based exposure to infrastructure and development technologies.
• Demonstrated experience in establishing, negotiating and enforcing supplier contracts and service level agreements.
• Requires ability to understand technical network or IT issues and the ability to apply them to business situations including partnering/negotiating with key strategic suppliers.
• Experience with simultaneously and continuously improving business owner satisfaction, associate satisfaction and productivity in the sourcing and supplier management area.
• Excellent conflict resolution skills; must be able to concretely demonstrate capability of brokering win/win situations.
• Requires strong communication, project planning, leadership, coaching/development skills as well as strategic planning skills in order to achieve quantifiable savings by applying sourcing methods.
• PC Proficiency in Microsoft applications; MS Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint), Reporting & Analysis Tools.
• Requires experience with budgeting, financial analysis, and business case development.

Do you meet the Required Qualifications but are unsure if your experience aligns with the Other Qualifications? We encourage you to apply! Research shows that many candidates hesitate to apply unless they meet 100% of the qualifications, even when they possess the skills and experience needed to succeed in the role. Experience and skills come in many forms, and they may not always match exactly what’s listed on paper, but they can still lead to success. If you meet the Required Qualifications and believe you have the potential to thrive in this role, we encourage you to apply today!

Benefits

We believe in taking care of our team, which is why we offer comprehensive benefits to support your health, financial well-being, and overall happiness. Join us and experience a work environment where your well-being is a top priority!

Associates scheduled to work 20 or more hours per week have access to:

• Medical Coverage
• Dental Coverage
• Vision Coverage
• Life Insurance
• 401(k) Plan
• Generous Vacation & Paid Sick Leave
• Seven Paid National Holidays & One Floating Holiday
• Paid Parental Leave (6 weeks after 12 months of employment)
• Adoption & Surrogacy Assistance
• Employee Assistance & Wellness Programs

Associates working 30 or more hours per week additionally have access to:

• Short-Term & Long-Term Disability
• TDS Service Discounts
• Education Assistance
• Paid Volunteer Time

In addition to these benefits, all associates will have the opportunity to participate in our Associate Resource Groups, which are designed to encourage community and facilitate professional development. To learn more, click here.

Who is TDS Telecom?

TDS Telecom provides high-speed internet, TV entertainment, and phone services to a diverse range of communities, including small to mid-sized urban, suburban, and rural areas across the U.S. With over 50 years of experience, TDS is committed to building and expanding fiber optic networks that bring cutting-edge connectivity to neighborhoods nationwide. Serving over 1 million connections, our mission is to create a better world by delivering innovative communication solutions that enhance the way people live, work, and connect. Visit tdstelecom.com to learn more! 

At TDS, we are committed to Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) and value the difference of backgrounds, experiences and perspectives in our workforce. We consider all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, age, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, status as a protected veteran, or any other status protected by law.

Pay Transparency

The listed pay range reflects the minimum and maximum base salary. Actual offers will be based on factors such as skills, qualifications, experience, location, and role-specific competencies. Some positions may also offer additional compensation, such as bonuses or equity awards.