Job Details

Senior Supply Chain Account Manager

At Western Digital, our vision is to power global innovation and push the boundaries of technology to make what you thought was once impossible, possible. At our core, Western Digital is a company of problem solvers. People achieve extraordinary things given the right technology. For decades, we've been doing just that. Our technology helped people put a man on the moon. We are a key partner to some of the largest and highest growth organizations in the world. From energizing the most competitive gaming platforms, to enabling systems to make cities safer and cars smarter and more connected, to powering the data centers behind many of the world's biggest companies and public cloud, Western Digital is fueling a brighter, smarter future. Binge-watch any shows, use social media or shop online lately? You'll find Western Digital supporting the storage infrastructure behind many of these platforms. And, that flash memory card that captures and preserves your most precious moments? That's us, too. We offer an expansive portfolio of technologies, storage devices and platforms for business and consumers alike. Our data-centric solutions are comprised of the Western Digital, G-Technology, SanDisk and WD brands. Today's exceptional challenges require your unique skills. It's You & Western Digital. Together, we're the next BIG thing in data.

The Senior Supply Chain Account Manager will play a pivotal role in managing key supplier relationships, driving strategic sourcing initiatives, and ensuring cost-effective procurement across specific commodity categories. This is a principal level individual contributor role focused specifically on unique Hard Disk Drive technologies, reporting to the Sr. Director of Strategic Sourcing for Heads & Media. The ideal candidate will have extensive experience in supplier negotiations, contract management, cost reduction strategies, and commodity market analysis. This individual will work closely with internal stakeholders and suppliers to optimize the end-to-end supply chain, maintain supply continuity, and enhance supplier performance. Candidate will play a key role in coaching team members, fostering a collaborative environment across matrixed teams, and driving continuous improvement in contracting and negotiation skills throughout the organization.

Key Responsibilities:

• Commodity Strategy Development: Lead the development and execution of commodity-specific sourcing strategies to ensure the availability of high-quality, cost-effective materials.
• Supplier Management: Manages strategic supplier relationships at an executive level, while driving value through strategic sourcing decisions. Aligns philosophical business partnership and working model across executive leadership at both companies. Evaluates supplier performance, issues, and drive improvements in quality, delivery, and cost.
• Negotiation and Contracting: Lead negotiations with suppliers on pricing, terms, and service level agreements (SLAs). Develop and manage contracts to meet company objectives. Manages compliance to contracting terms and proactively develops and manages contracting metrics.
• Cost Optimization: Drive cost-saving initiatives within the commodity group. Identify opportunities for cost reductions, alternative suppliers, and process improvements.
• Market Analysis: Monitor commodity market trends and dynamics. Provide insights on pricing trends, potential supply risks, and opportunities for alternative sourcing.
• Collaboration: Work cross-functionally with engineering, product development, logistics, and manufacturing teams to align commodity sourcing with production needs and timelines.
• Risk Mitigation: Proactively identify supply chain risks (e.g., material shortages, supplier disruptions) and develop mitigation plans to ensure continuity of supply.
• Performance Reporting: Track key supplier and commodity performance metrics, including delivery lead times, quality metrics, and cost savings, and report on progress to senior leadership.
• Supplier Development: Work with suppliers to improve their capabilities, drive innovation, and ensure alignment with quality standards and production schedules.

Qualifications:

• Professional: A minimum bachelor's degree in engineering + master's degree in business administration with 10+ years of relevant experience in Contract/Supplier Management.
• Direct experience in Hard Disk Drive or Semiconductor industry.
• Proven experience in supplier negotiations, cost reduction strategies, and market intelligence analysis.
• Deep expertise in contracting and supplier contract negotiations.
• Strong legal acumen.
• Demonstrated excellence in leading and driving organizational transformations.
• Ability to drive results in a matrixed, cross-functional organization through executive presence, stakeholder management, communication and influence.
• Proficiency in ERP systems (e.g., SAP, Oracle) and procurement tools (e.g., Ariba, Coupa).
• Strong analytical skills, with the ability to make data-driven decisions and provide strategic insights to leadership.

Preferred:

• Master's degree (MBA or MS in Supply Chain or Engineering).
• Certification in procurement (e.g., CPSM, CPM) or Six Sigma.
• Experience in designing and implementing supplier development or training programs, particularly around contracting and negotiation.
• Experience in designing and implementing supplier relationship management programs across globally matrixed organizations.

Western Digital is committed to providing equal opportunities to all applicants and employees and will not discriminate against any applicant or employee based on their race, color, ancestry, religion, sex, gender, age, national origin, sexual orientation, medical condition, marital status, physical disability, mental disability, genetic information, protected medical and family care leave, Civil Air Patrol status, military and veteran status, or other legally protected characteristics. We also prohibit harassment of any individual on any of the characteristics listed above. Our non-discrimination policy applies to all aspects of employment. We comply with the laws and regulations set forth in the "Know Your Rights: Workplace Discrimination is Illegal" poster.