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About the Role

The Strategic Procurement Advisor (SPA) creates and drives strategic relationships with client procurement teams, specifically the CPO, to positively position EY for competitive and sole source revenue generating opportunities and other account expansion activities. The SPA develops relationships with client procurement, at strategic and tactical levels as required, to become the “go-to EY resource” for influencing client procurement. By positively influencing client procurement teams, the SPA will assist the Global Client Services Partner (GCSP), Client Executive (CE), and other Service Line and Sector leaders to better understand the client procurement organization, its processes and nuances, and bridge gaps in communication required to successfully close new business opportunities. The SPA over time acts as EY’s “Client Procurement Whisperer.” The individual SPA position is also responsible for conducting training and coaching sessions for P&CE and account team members on Procurement COE topics to expand EY broader audience education efforts.

Responsibilities

Responsible for collaboration with P&CE leaders, GCSPs and account managers to help develop a plan that prioritizes accounts and opportunities where SPA’s services can help to drive revenue and improve profitability through client procurement relationships
Leads efforts with account teams to develop and execute negotiation strategies and activities necessary to achieve revenue growth with new and existing client accounts
Provides strategic guidance to GCSPs and account managers before and during negotiations for favorable impact
Assesses coaching needs, develops and executes training approaches and drives business meetings to develop partners, engagement leads and other account team members regarding key negotiating talents needed to support the pursuit and to win the client engagement
Directs internal training sessions/workshops for diverse audiences within P&CE, Sector, and Service Lines
Oversees and collaborates with account teams to provide strategic guidance during the development of EY’s response to Request for Proposals (RFPs) leveraging intelligence gleaned through client procurement channels
Partners with account team to sustain and/or expand existing client procurement relationships
Collaborates closely with cross-functional teams to understand clients' procurement needs, objectives, and expectations, and advises teams on how client procurement translates them into strategic procurement strategies
Acts as a primary point of contact for client Procurement organizations, building and nurturing strong relationships that lead to long-term partnerships and mutual growth
Leads discussions with client Procurement teams to understand their unique requirements and align our solutions to their business goals
Conducts thorough market analysis to provide insights to client procurement organizations on emerging trends, potential risks, and opportunities for strategic sourcing
Leads negotiations with client Procurement teams to secure favorable terms, pricing, and conditions, while maintaining trust and fostering collaboration
Establishes credible relationships and becomes a trusted advisor to client procurement teams, specifically the CPO
Provides expert guidance to clients on procurement best practices, supplier selection, contract management, and sustainability initiatives
Monitors and measures the success of procurement strategies, gathering feedback from client procurement and continuously improving our approach
Stays informed about industry regulations, compliance requirements, and ethical procurement practices to ensure our engagements adhere to relevant standards

Requirements

The SPA is expected to execute multiple high-level responsibilities with minimal oversight
May be responsible for directly managing other resources within the P&CE team – including performance management, training and development
Serves as an informal mentor and coach to improve leadership skills and maintain employee engagement
Strong business partnering skills
Ability to build compelling narratives for non-commercial or non-technical audiences
Curiosity and the desire to learn from colleagues, and to share your experiences as well
Ability to collaborate with stakeholders to solve challenging problems
Commitment to quality in work output
Demonstrates proficiency in leveraging AI platforms to optimize work responsibilities and streamline processes
10+ years of progressive experience in procurement, strategic sourcing, supplier management, and Business Development with a proven track record of successful client engagement
Exceptional negotiation skills, with the ability to lead high-stakes negotiations and maintain collaborative relationships with client Procurement teams
In-depth knowledge of procurement best practices, market trends, and client relationship management
Speaker at Procurement Industry events and has CPO connections
Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to effectively convey complex information to diverse stakeholders
Proficiency in procurement software and tools, as well as Microsoft Office Suite
A customer-focused mindset with a commitment to exceeding client expectations
Demonstrated commitment to ethical procurement practices and sustainability initiatives
Proven ability to work in a collaborative environment and build strong relationships internally and externally
Previous experience in consulting or advisory roles
client negotiation and/or business development experience in the professional services and solutions arena
A proven record for negotiating and selling complex services and solutions at the “C-suite” level of mid to large size companies
Experience working in a large complex global organization
Experience leading and managing high-performance teams
Proven ability to influence and build collaborative relationships with a wide range of stakeholders
Depending on client location / regional geography, some travel may be required, as well as attending leadership meetings / training
Internal and external obligations may require working after normal business hours
Experience leading virtual teams and know how to draw the best from others, embracing differences and encouraging diversity for successful outcomes
Strong interpersonal, communication and writing skills

Skills

In-depth experience and understanding of the Procurement landscape, IT and business process services marketplace, including managed services model, and strategic industry trends (e.g., cost drivers, levers, competitive situations, legal terms and conditions)
In-depth procurement and negotiations background as well as direct negotiation experience
Knowledge of business and management principles involved in strategic account planning and business development
Knowledge of impacting laws, legal codes, precedents, and government regulations that could impact business decisions and contract terms and conditions
Strong teaming and negotiating skills persuading others to agree to pricing, terms and frameworks beneficial to the Firm
Effective verbal and written communication to clearly articulate key information and insights
To use logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems
Keen judgment and decision-making skills; considers the relative costs and benefits of potential actions to choose the most appropriate one
Ability to Identify complex problems, risks and reviews related information to develop, evaluate and implement solutions
Ability to work independently and manage multiple priorities simultaneously

Location

New York City
Boston
Philadelphia
Washington
Chicago
Denver
Phoenix
Dallas
Austin

Work Type

hybrid

Experience Level

10+ years of progressive experience
Advanced degree preferred

Education Level

Bachelor of Arts (BA) or Science (BS) degree (in related discipline, I.e., Business, Supply Chain Management, or related field recommended)
Purchasing/Procurement certification or relevant certification (e.g., CSCP, CPSM) is preferred

Salary/Compensations

The base salary range for this job in all geographic locations in the US is $178,600 to $353,600
The base salary range for New York City Metro Area, Washington State and California (excluding Sacramento) is $214,300 to $401,800

Benefits

medical and dental coverage
pension and 401(k) plans
a wide range of paid time off options
flexible vacation policy
time off for designated EY Paid Holidays, Winter/Summer breaks, Personal/Family Care, and other leaves of absence when needed to support your physical, financial, and emotional well-being

About the Company

At EY, we’re all in to shape your future with confidence.
We’ll help you succeed in a globally connected powerhouse of diverse teams and take your career wherever you want it to go. Join EY and help to build a better working world.
EY is building a better working world by creating new value for clients, people, society and the planet, while building trust in capital markets.
Enabled by data, AI and advanced technology, EY teams help clients shape the future with confidence and develop answers for the most pressing issues of today and tomorrow.
EY teams work across a full spectrum of services in assurance, consulting, tax, strategy and transactions.
Fueled by sector insights, a globally connected, multi-disciplinary network and diverse ecosystem partners, EY teams can provide services in more than 150 countries and territories.

Equal Opportunity

EY provides equal employment opportunities to applicants and employees without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity/expression, pregnancy, genetic information, national origin, protected veteran status, disability status, or any other legally protected basis, including arrest and conviction records, in accordance with applicable law.
EY is committed to providing reasonable accommodation to qualified individuals with disabilities including veterans with disabilities.