Job Description

Reporting to the Director of Purchasing, this position is for PURCHASING MANAGER (CATEGORY LEAD) FOR CLOUD OPERATIONS and sourcing based out of our San Jose office.  This role will be responsible for managing the procurement for Cloud Operations Hardware – servers, Networking equipment, MRC services, switches, band width, Software, & SAAS applications. The category lead is responsible for driving the global strategy around use and operations of the full procure to pay process.

The candidate must have have experience in complex negotiation process across the various purchasing segments and must have a proven record of executing a cost-effective purchasing department in a high growth technology company. The candidate must also be detail oriented, have strong organization and communication skills, and be hands-on as this role would be an individual position. The position requires capabilities to communicate with global Cloud Operations team, IT & Engineering to understand their requirements and develop sourcing strategy for the category.

• Execute world-wide purchasing strategy for Cloud Operations equipment - Servers, Networking equipment, MRC services, switches bandwidth etc. in line with Zscaler’ s international footprint and growth requirements
• Be the lead contact for suppliers in these categories, working in close partnership with internal teams
• Partner with key internal Cloud Operations team, & Engineering to understand their requirements and establish approved vendor list for increased efficiencies and cost
• Advises end users of preferred and most cost-effective suppliers.
• Ensures that end-user requirements are sufficiently detailed in an appropriate format for sourcing
• Strategic price and contract negotiations. Manage negotiations, pricing, quality & availability. Research market intelligence & make strategic recommendations for purchasing components
• Benchmark suppliers against metrics to assure logistic and cost performance
• Develop and maintain a portfolio of "best in class" suppliers and assess supplier availability
• Lead contract negotiations and manage the competitive bidding process for identified opportunities
• Partner with Legal to ensure all vendor contracts are current and compliant
• Establishes and maintains a needs-based segmented supply base
• Ensures that local sourcing practices and processes conform to global procurement policies
• Identifies potential contract changes/additions and liaises with the supply chain’s contract management function to ensure contracts are revised accordingly
• Builds cost models to resolve “should” cost and total cost of ownership (TCO) vital to conduct supplier negotiations
• Addresses performance issues with suppliers where appropriate
• Keeps end-users advised regarding risks or issues involving their requirements and the influences that external forces could have on their situation
• Identifies benchmarking opportunities

Qualifications

• 5 - 7 years' of hands-on working experience in procurement of Cloud Operations equipment
• Demonstrate strategic and tactical knowledge in procurement for Cloud Operations
• Analytical thinking - Ability to quickly analyze data and transform it into meaningful insight
• Strong Interpersonal skills - ability to work effectively as part of a team in an unstructured environment; comfortable and effective in influencing at all levels; ability to tactfully give/receive constructive feedback
• Creative -- Inquisitive attitude, can identify new and better ways; active external learner that takes advantage of ideas, best practices, and solutions developed elsewhere
• Ability to work effectively with all levels of management and other colleagues, and demonstrate initiative, mature judgment, superior customer service orientation, and the ability to anticipate the needs of the organization
• Execution - persistent drive for results utilizing sound project management, organizational and problem-solving skills
• Attention to detail, organized and thorough with desire for continuous improvement
• Must be a "self-starter" with a can-do attitude and a serious desire to have a positive impact on our company
• Strong day-to-day project management skills

Additional Information

THIS ROLE IS A HYBRID POSITION AND WILL REQUIRE PRESENCE IN THE HQ IN SAN JOSE, CA.

All your information will be kept confidential according to EEO guidelines.

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WHAT YOU CAN EXPECT FROM US:

• An environment where you will be working on cutting edge technologies and architectures
• A fun, passionate and collaborative workplace
• Competitive salary and benefits, including equity

WHY ZSCALER? People who excel at Zscaler are smart, motivated and share our values. Ask yourself: Do you want to team with the best talent in the industry? Do you want to work on disruptive technology? Do you thrive in a fluid work environment? Do you appreciate a company culture that enables individual and group success and celebrates achievement? If you said yes, we’d love to talk to you about joining our award-winning team.  Additional information about Zscaler (NASDAQ: ZS ) is available at https://www.zscaler.com. 

Zscaler is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.