Sr Strategic Sourcing Partner

WHO WE ARE
GDM Seeds is a global leader in plant genetics, dedicated to transforming agriculture through technological innovation. With a continuous focus on research and development, we bring the most advanced and high‑performing seed varieties to the market, creating new growth opportunities for our partners and for the future of agribusiness.

Our North America portfolio includes leading brands like AgriGold®, DONMARIO®, Mustang™, PRIDE® Seeds, Revere®, and Virtue, supported by a network of research superstations, one of the largest corn genetic pools and the fourth-largest corn research program. Through our combined expertise, we continue to push the boundaries of innovation, delivering top-tier seed solutions to help farmers grow and succeed. GDM’s region-first brand model reinforces the company’s long-standing promise to deliver top-performing genetics and robust agronomic support - ensuring farmers have the right genetics, in the right place, at the right time.

OUR DNA

We are passionate about what we do and driven by curiosity. We believe that learning and innovation are the foundation for transforming the future of agriculture. Our focus is on cutting‑edge genetic development, creating solutions that make a difference in the field and in the global market.

Our DNA not only guides us but also connects us: we work with empathy, transparency, and respect, ensuring agile and flexible operations. Here, you are the protagonist of your career, because we believe every individual plays an essential role in building something greater.

If you are passionate about learning and want to be part of evolving agriculture, GDM is the right place for you!

We are proud to offer a competitive benefits package, which includes:

• Medical, dental, and vision coverage
• 401(k) with company match (eligible 1st of the month following date of hire)
• Generous vacation time & paid holidays
• Volunteer Time Off
• Paid parental leave
• Tuition and Health Club reimbursement
• Other benefits: Company paid Long-term and short-term disability insurance, company paid life insurance and optional supplemental life insurance, health savings account (HSA) with a company contribution and Flexible Spending Account (FSA)

GDM is an equal opportunity employer. We are proud to welcome candidates from all backgrounds and encourage you to apply.

Learn more about us at gdmseeds.com or follow us on LinkedIn and Twitter @GDMSeeds.

Job Summary

The Strategic Sourcing Senior Partner leads strategic sourcing and procurement initiatives for organizational expenditures exceeding $100,000 across Direct Materials, Indirect Goods and Services, Professional Services, Fleet, and Capital Investment (CAPEX). This role partners with business leaders to develop sourcing strategies that optimize costs, improve supplier performance, mitigate risk, and support organizational objectives.

The Strategic Sourcing Senior Partner oversees the full sourcing lifecycle, including category strategy development, supplier identification and evaluation, competitive bid processes, negotiations, contract management, and supplier relationship management. The role is responsible for delivering measurable business value through cost savings, process improvements, supplier innovation, operational efficiency, and procurement best practices while ensuring compliance with company policies.

Candidates must be legally authorized to work in the U.S. We are unable to provide visa sponsorship or employment-based immigration support for this role, now or in the future.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Lead strategic sourcing initiatives for expenditures exceeding $100,000, providing recommendations based on commercial, operational, financial, and risk considerations.
• Partner with business stakeholders to understand requirements and develop sourcing strategies aligned with organizational goals.
• Develop and execute category management strategies across assigned spend categories.
• Manage the end-to-end sourcing process, including spend analysis, market assessments, supplier qualification, RFI/RFQ/RFP processes, supplier evaluation, negotiations, and contract execution.
• Conduct market research and benchmarking to identify cost savings, innovation opportunities, and industry best practices.
• Negotiate pricing, commercial terms, service levels, and supplier agreements.
• Prepare and present sourcing strategies, business cases, supplier recommendations, and negotiation outcomes to leadership.
• Build and maintain strategic supplier relationships through performance reviews, scorecards, and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Monitor supplier performance and implement corrective action plans as needed.
• Identify and mitigate supplier, operational, commercial, and supply chain risks.
• Collaborate with Legal, Finance, Operations, IT, HR, and other cross-functional teams to support successful procurement outcomes.
• Analyze spend data and purchasing trends to identify sourcing opportunities and support strategic decision-making.
• Develop business cases supporting sourcing recommendations and capital investment decisions.
• Support budgeting, forecasting, and long-term procurement planning.
• Report sourcing performance, savings, supplier metrics, and category insights to leadership.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Required Skills and Abilities

• Strong knowledge of strategic sourcing, category management, supplier relationship management, and procurement best practices.
• Advanced negotiation, contract management, and commercial acumen.
• Strong financial and analytical skills, including total cost of ownership analysis.
• Ability to develop sourcing strategies that deliver measurable business results.
• Excellent project management, organizational, and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to influence and collaborate effectively across all levels of the organization.
• Strong written, verbal, presentation, and interpersonal communication skills.
• Knowledge of supplier risk management and procurement governance.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite and procurement/ERP systems.

Education and Experience

• Bachelor's degree in Business, Supply Chain Management, Finance, Engineering, or a related field.
• Minimum five (5) years of progressive experience in strategic sourcing, procurement, category management, supply chain, or a related discipline.
• Demonstrated experience leading sourcing initiatives and contract negotiations for expenditures exceeding $100,000.
• Experience managing supplier contracts, supplier performance, and strategic supplier relationships.
• Experience sourcing Direct Materials, Indirect Goods and Services, Professional Services, and/or CAPEX projects.
• Experience with SAP, Ariba, Coupa, or similar procurement and ERP systems.

Supervisory Responsibilities

• This position has no supervisory responsibilities.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to lift up to 20 pounds, if required.
• Ability to travel up to 10-15%, including occasional overnight travel.
• Valid driver's license and the ability to meet company motor vehicle record (MVR) requirements.