SAM Manager

Role: SAM Manager
Work location: Bay Area

JD:
We are seeking a highly strategic and results-driven leader to manage enterprise software procurement, vendor strategy, and commercial optimization initiatives across a complex global technology environment. The ideal candidate will drive sourcing strategy, supplier governance, contract negotiations, cost optimization, and cross-functional stakeholder alignment while supporting large-scale technology and AI transformation programs.
This role requires deep expertise in enterprise software licensing, SaaS commercial models, vendor relationship management, procurement operations, and strategic sourcing within fast-paced technology organizations.
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Key Responsibilities
Strategic Procurement & Sourcing
• Lead enterprise-wide sourcing initiatives for software, SaaS, cloud, AI, infrastructure, and technology services.
• Develop and execute vendor strategy aligned with business, engineering, security, legal, and finance objectives.
• Drive competitive sourcing events including RFIs, RFPs, RFQs, and strategic negotiations.
• Evaluate supplier capabilities, pricing structures, licensing models, and long-term strategic fit.
Vendor Management & Governance
• Build and manage strategic relationships with global technology vendors and partners.
• Establish vendor governance frameworks, KPIs, SLAs, QBRs, and performance scorecards.
• Drive supplier accountability, operational excellence, and risk mitigation strategies.
• Lead escalations and executive-level supplier negotiations.
Commercial Negotiations
• Negotiate complex enterprise agreements including:
o SaaS contracts
o Cloud agreements
o AI platform licensing
o Enterprise software renewals
o Professional services agreements
o Consumption-based commercial models
• Optimize commercial terms, pricing, renewals, and contractual protections.
• Partner closely with legal and finance teams to mitigate contractual and operational risks.
Financial & Operational Optimization
• Identify opportunities for cost savings, vendor consolidation, and procurement efficiencies.
• Analyze software spend, utilization trends, license optimization opportunities, and ROI metrics.
• Support budgeting, forecasting, and financial planning initiatives for technology investments.
Cross-Functional Leadership
• Partner with Engineering, IT, Security, Legal, Finance, Procurement Operations, and Executive Leadership teams.
• Support enterprise transformation initiatives involving AI, cloud, infrastructure modernization, and procurement automation.
• Influence senior stakeholders through data-driven insights and strategic recommendations.
Risk, Compliance & Controls
• Ensure vendor compliance with security, privacy, legal, and regulatory standards.
• Support software governance, procurement policies, and audit readiness initiatives.
• Manage supplier risk assessments and business continuity considerations.
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Required Qualifications
• Bachelor’s degree in Business, Supply Chain, Finance, Technology, or related field.
• 10 years of experience in:
o Software Procurement
o Strategic Sourcing
o Vendor Management
o Technology Commercial Negotiations
• Experience managing enterprise software vendors in large-scale technology environments.
• Strong understanding of:
o SaaS licensing
o Cloud commercial models
o Enterprise software agreements
o Procurement operations
• Proven experience negotiating multi-million-dollar technology contracts.
• Strong executive communication and stakeholder management skills.
• Experience working with global cross-functional teams.
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Preferred Qualifications
• Experience within large technology companies or Fortune 500 enterprises.
• Exposure to AI, cloud, infrastructure, and enterprise platform procurement.
• Familiarity with procurement tools such as:
o Coupa
o SAP Ariba
o Oracle
o Workday
o ServiceNow
• Knowledge of supplier risk management and governance frameworks