Job Information
EY Strategic Procurement Advisor-Associate Director-Anywhere in the US in Columbia, South Carolina
EY focuses on high-ethical standards and integrity among its employees and expects all candidates to demonstrate these qualities. At EY, you’ll have the chance to build a career as unique as you are, with the global scale, support, inclusive culture and technology to become the best version of you. And we’re counting on your unique voice and perspective to help EY become even better, too. Join us and build an exceptional experience for yourself, and a better working world for all.
Strategic Procurement Advisor-Associate Director -Anywhere in the US
At EY, you’ll have the chance to build a career as unique as you are, with the global scale, support, inclusive culture and technology to become the best version of you. And we’re counting on your unique voice and perspective to help EY become even better, too. Join us and build an exceptional experience for yourself, and a better working world for all.
The opportunity
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. Sample activities for the SPA include face-to-face relationship building opportunities with clients including C-level client roles, participating in account planning workshops, virtual networking with client procurement teams and timely introductions of new offerings throughout the client ecosystem leveraging client procurement introductions. With a focus on the most complex deals and/or business situations, the SPA will collaborate with the Pursuit & Commercial Excellence (P&CE) teams, account teams, CEs, and GCSPs to support new and existing key client relationships. A key element of the SPA role is to have the ability to thrive in new and unfamiliar environments, as each client situation is different, and navigate the client’s behavior and tactics to drive business development through strategic influence of client procurement. 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.
Your key responsibilities
Responsible for collaboration with P&CE leaders, GCSPs and account managers to help develop a plan that prioritizes accounts and opportunities where the 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. Sample activities may include: assess client procurement relationships using EY power map methodology, analyze contractual terms, pricing and scoping issues so EY can improve competitive position
Provides strategic guidance to GCSPs and account managers before and during negotiations for favorable impact; assists and advises on account related tangibles, such as, Master Services Agreements (MSA), Rate Cards, Preferred Provider Programs, Supplier Enabled Innovation, etc. detailing essential information related to scope of services and associated terms and conditions
Assesses coaching needs, develops and executes training approach 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; assorted topics could include collaboration with P&CE Strategic Pricing & Insights Group, P&CE Negotiations Group and others for overview/service offerings, negotiation preparation/strategies, coaching on client discussion (e.g., script writing), contractual terms and conditions development strategies, etc.
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; understands client expectations by developing key onsite relationships with senior level client executives, understands the client decision-making process and helps them see how EY is supporting them
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
The candidate must have strong analytical and problem-solving abilities, with the capacity to identify opportunities for optimization and innovation.
This role will exercise considerable independent judgment when analyzing information and evaluating results to recommend the best strategy and solution; is responsible for developing and maintaining account team relationships to advise and prepare them for client relationship building interactions by leveraging client procurement channel influence; and will interface with the most senior leaders at client organizations (CPO, CFO, Controller, etc.) and will be expected to do so with limited guidance or oversight from others.
To qualify for the role, you must have
Knowledge and Skills Requirements:
Minimum 10 years of progressive experience in procurement, strategic sourcing, and business development.
Bachelor's degree in Business, Supply Chain Management, or related field; certification (e.g., CSCP, CPSM) preferred.
Extensive expertise in Procurement, IT, and business process services, including managed services models and industry trends.
Proven negotiation skills and experience in strategic account planning and business development.
In-depth knowledge of relevant laws, legal codes, and government regulations affecting business decisions.
Strong teaming and negotiation skills with the ability to communicate effectively both verbally and in writing.
Exceptional problem-solving abilities and keen judgment in decision-making.
A customer-focused mindset with a commitment to exceeding client expectations
Independent worker managing multiple priorities with minimal oversight.
Experienced in managing teams, including performance management, training, and development.
Effective business partnering and ability to build compelling narratives for diverse audiences.
Commitment to quality, ethical procurement practices, and sustainability initiatives.
Proven track record in client negotiation and business development at the "C-suite" level.
Speaker at Procurement Industry events with CPO connections.
Proficient in procurement software, Microsoft Office Suite, and demonstrated consulting or advisory experience.
Willingness to travel and work beyond normal business hours based on client needs.
Experience leading virtual teams and promoting diversity for successful outcomes.
What we look for
We are looking for you to make a significant contribution to the Procurement Advisory & TPA Relations CoE, under the Pursuits & Commercial Excellence organization. You will bring new thinking, energy and enthusiasm alongside expertise in deal management to a team that’s contributing to EY’s new global strategy. We are seeking a highly skilled and motivated Strategic Procurement Advisor (SPA) to join our team, focusing on client engagement and interactions with client Procurement organizations. As a Strategic Procurement Advisor, you will serve as a key liaison between our organization and our clients, ensuring seamless collaboration, strategic alignment, and exceptional client service. Leveraging your expertise in procurement, negotiation, and client relationship management, you will play a critical role in driving successful interactions with client Procurement teams. This role offers an exciting opportunity to contribute to our clients' success while influencing our organization's growth through strategic procurement advisory.
We foster a diverse and inclusive work environment where innovation and collaboration thrive. If you are a strategic thinker with a passion for delivering exceptional client experiences and influencing successful outcomes, we invite you to join us in shaping our clients' and organization's future success.
What we offer:
As part of this role, you'll work in a highly integrated, globally diverse team with the opportunity and tools to grow, develop and drive your career forward. Here, you can combine global opportunity with flexible working conditions. The EY benefits package goes above and beyond too, focusing on your physical, emotional, financial and social well-being. Your recruiter can talk to you about the benefits available in your country. Here’s a snapshot of what we offer:
Continuous learning: You’ll develop the mindset and skills to navigate whatever comes next
Success as defined by you: We’ll provide the tools and flexibility, so you can make a meaningful impact, your way
Transformative leadership: We’ll give you the insights, coaching and confidence to be the leader the world needs
What we offer
We offer a comprehensive compensation and benefits package where you’ll be rewarded based on your performance and recognized for the value you bring to the business. The salary range for this job in most geographic locations in the US is $129,600 to $242,400. The salary range for New York City Metro Area, Washington State and California (excluding Sacramento) is $155,600 to $275,500. Individual salaries within those ranges are determined through a wide variety of factors including but not limited to education, experience, knowledge, skills and geography. In addition, our Total Rewards package includes medical and dental coverage, pension and 401(k) plans, and a wide range of paid time off options. Under our flexible vacation policy, you’ll decide how much vacation time you need based on your own personal circumstances. You’ll also be granted 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.
Continuous learning: You’ll develop the mindset and skills to navigate whatever comes next.
Success as defined by you: We’ll provide the tools and flexibility, so you can make a meaningful impact, your way.
Transformative leadership: We’ll give you the insights, coaching and confidence to be the leader the world needs.
Diverse and inclusive culture: You’ll be embraced for who you are and empowered to use your voice to help others find theirs.
If you can demonstrate that you meet the criteria above, please contact us as soon as possible.
The exceptional EY experience. It’s yours to build.
EY | Building a better working world
EY exists to build a better working world, helping to create long-term value for clients, people and society and build trust in the capital markets.
Enabled by data and technology, diverse EY teams in over 150 countries provide trust through assurance and help clients grow, transform and operate.
Working across assurance, consulting, law, strategy, tax and transactions, EY teams ask better questions to find new answers for the complex issues facing our world today.
EY is an equal opportunity, affirmative action employer providing 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. If you have a disability and either need assistance applying online or need to request an accommodation during any part of the application process, please call 1-800-EY-HELP3, type Option 2 (HR-related inquiries) and then type Option 1 (HR Shared Services Center), which will route you to EY’s Talent Shared Services Team or email SSC Customer Support at ssc.customersupport@ey.com