Senior Sourcing Manager, MRO

Primary Function of Position 

The Strategic Sourcing Manager, MRO will lead sourcing initiatives related to maintenance, repair, and operations (MRO) as well aspects of research and development, to ensure Intuitive Surgical (Intuitive) secures services and products at optimal value. This role plays a pivotal part in driving innovation by supporting our internal teams. Key spend categories include R&D lab and other technical equipment, consumables, safety equipment and supplies (PPE), and preventative maintenance and calibration services. The individual will work closely with Intuitive's engineering teams, operations, and supplier quality departments.

The ideal candidate will possess the ability to conduct comprehensive supplier and category/market research, including market index analysis, data analysis, baseline development, RFP development, bid management, contract negotiations, offer analysis, and category strategy development. This role also involves post-bid management activities, such as contract and business reviews, spend analysis, and supplier management. Additionally, the candidate will manage multiple projects concurrently and support ad-hoc project requests.

1. Supplier Relationship Management:

• Build and sustain strong supplier partnerships to promote collaboration, trust, and mutual success.

• Act as the main liaison for suppliers concerning performance and strategic initiatives.

• Regularly review supplier performance, evaluate capabilities, and implement plans to boost performance and reliability.

• Set global standards to evaluate supplier performance and minimize business risks.

2. Strategic Sourcing:

• Independently manage the RFx or strategic sourcing process for complex projects, from initiation to completion.

• Analyze spending patterns and conduct market and supplier assessments to uncover cost-saving and innovation opportunities.

• Lead cross-functional teams to develop category strategies aligned with business goals and market trends.

• Optimize buying channels and create strategies for assigned spend categories, considering Procure to Pay (P2P) requirements.

• Provide comprehensive financial analysis for bid comparisons and alternative proposals.

3. Contract Management:

• Negotiate and manage supplier contracts, ensuring compliance with company policies and industry standards.

• Monitor contract performance and compliance with terms and conditions.

• Possess in-depth knowledge of terms and conditions included in MRO and related R&D contracts.

• Identify opportunities for contract optimization or consolidation to enhance cost efficiency and reduce risks.

• Secure favorable terms, quality, service compliance, and discounts while mitigating company risk.

4. Category Management:

• Establish a baseline for current spend categories and define future success criteria considering business goals and market conditions.

• Analyze market trends, risks, and potential new suppliers.

• Define key performance indicators (KPIs) to assess the health of managed spend categories.

• Implement spend treatment plans for all levels of spend and risk within the category.

• Work with suppliers and stakeholders to execute the category strategy.

Required Skills and Experience

• 6+ years of experience, with at least 4 years in a strategic sourcing & category management role.

• Proven experience working with suppliers and stakeholders for MRO categories.

• Exceptional negotiation skills, capable of guiding teams through complex and ambiguous situations.

• Strong conceptual thinking abilities to navigate and resolve intricate challenges.

• Ability to thrive in a dynamic, fast-paced environment.

• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, suitable for engaging with team members and company leadership.

• Superior analytical skills to quickly assess situations, perform root cause analysis, and draw meaningful conclusions.

• Extensive experience in managing change across diverse stakeholder groups.

• Proven ability to influence senior leadership on strategic directions, value propositions, and sourcing recommendations.

• Strong skills in contract and vendor negotiation to secure favorable outcomes.

• Ability to build consensus and act as an impartial mediator to achieve sourcing objectives without compromising service quality or increasing risk/cost.

• Expertise in concurrently managing multiple projects and tasks, with a solid understanding of business requirements and project management methodologies.

• Meticulous attention to detail and a commitment to accuracy with minimal supervision.

• Proficient in listening, understanding, and communicating effectively with employees at all levels.

• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships within Intuitive and with suppliers.

Required Education and Training 

• Minimum Bachelor’s Degree Required (Business, Supply Chain management, Finance, or related Discipline preferred)

Due to the nature of our business and the role, please note that Intuitive and/or your customer(s) may require that you show current proof of vaccination against certain diseases including COVID-19.  Details can vary by role.

Intuitive is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We provide equal employment opportunities to all qualified applicants and employees, and prohibit discrimination and harassment of any type, without regard to race, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, color, age, religion, protected veteran or disability status, genetic information or any other status protected under federal, state, or local applicable laws.

Mandatory Notices

U.S. Export Controls Disclaimer:  In accordance with the U.S. Export Administration Regulations (15 CFR §743.13(b)), some roles at Intuitive Surgical may be subject to U.S. export controls for prospective employees
who are nationals from countries currently on embargo or sanctions status.

Certain information you provide as part of the application will be used for purposes of determining whether Intuitive Surgical will need to (i) obtain an export license from the U.S. Government on your behalf (note: the government’s licensing process can take 3 to 6+ months) or (ii) implement a Technology Control Plan (“TCP”) (note: typically adds 2 weeks to the hiring process).  

For any Intuitive role subject to export controls, final offers are contingent upon obtaining an approved export license and/or an executed TCP prior to the prospective employee’s
start date, which may or may not be flexible, and within a timeframe that does not unreasonably impede the hiring need. If applicable, candidates will be notified and instructed on any requirements for these purposes. 

We will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records in accordance with fair chance laws.

Preference will be given to qualified candidates who do not reside, or plan to reside, in Alabama, Arkansas, Delaware, Florida, Indiana, Iowa, Louisiana, Maryland, Mississippi, Missouri, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, or Tennessee.

This position may be filled at a different job level than listed here depending on
business need and/or on the selected candidate’s experience, knowledge and skills.
Compensation will be based primarily on the job level at which the role is filled and the
candidate’s qualifications, consistent with applicable law.

We provide market-competitive compensation packages, inclusive of base pay, incentives, benefits, and equity. It would not be typical for someone to be hired at the top end of range for the role, as actual pay will be determined based on several factors, including experience, skills, and qualifications. The target compensation ranges are listed.