Senior Procurement Business Partner – Technology Strategic Sourcing

Job Description:

Company Description

We Dream. We Do. We Deliver.

At Merkle, a dentsu company, we power the experience economy. Whether we’re building the next great app, running CRM at scale for global brands, delivering technology architectures that support millions of users, or providing world-class data, identity, and insights solutions, it’s all in the name of crafting experiences that set brands apart from the competition. Backed by dentsu's legacy of innovation and creativity originating in Japan, we’ve spent over 35 years helping brands build loyalty, drive growth, and connect meaningfully with their audiences.

We’ve been named a global “Leader” by top industry analyst firms in categories as wide-ranging as digital transformation and commerce, experience design, engineering and technology integration, digital marketing, data science, CRM and loyalty, and customer data management.

Why choose Merkle?

Innovation at Our Core: As part of dentsu’s global network, Merkle pushes the boundaries of customer experience, integrating creativity, technology, and data to drive real-world impact. For over 35 years, we’ve been innovating to meet the changing needs of our clients.

Global Reach with Local Expertise: With over 16,000 employees across 30+ countries, and part of a 70,000 employees’ network at dentsu, Merkle blends global insights with a deep understanding of local markets to deliver personalized, effective solutions.

Collaborative Culture: At Merkle, your ideas and contributions truly matter. You’ll join a team that fosters innovation, collaboration, and creative problem-solving. Together, we work on impactful international projects, making meaningful connections every step of the way.

Job Description

About the Role

We are looking for an experienced Technology Strategic Sourcing professional to lead complex Source-to-Contract initiatives and act as a senior commercial partner to our Technology organisation.

Job Description:

Key Responsibilities

• Strategic sourcing of Software, SaaS, Cloud, Infrastructure, Cybersecurity and Technology Services.
• Complex technology contract and supplier negotiations.
• SaaS subscriptions, enterprise licensing, consumption-based/cloud pricing, managed services, professional services and other technology commercial models.
• Spend analysis, benchmarking, TCO, business cases and commercial scenario modelling.
• Building sourcing and negotiation strategies rather than simply executing an established buying process.
• Strategic vendor management and management of major renewals.
• Identifying and negotiating commercial levers including licence metrics, consumption commitments, volume tiers, renewal terms, indexation, support and maintenance costs and contractual flexibility.
• Working with Legal on complex technology contracts and commercial risks.
• Influencing and challenging senior Technology, Finance, Security and business stakeholders.
• Translating technology requirements into commercially robust sourcing strategies.

What We're Looking For

• 5+ years of strategic sourcing / technology procurement experience.
• Ability to independently lead complex negotiations.
• Ability to challenge supplier commercial models.
• Ability to act as a trusted advisor to senior stakeholders.
• Technology market knowledge.
• Strong commercial judgement.
• Strong analytical capability.
• Executive-level stakeholder management.
• Experience in strategic sourcing and Source-to-Contract.
• This position is not focused on transactional purchasing, PO processing, or procurement administration.
• Fluent English.
• Professional level of German (Nice to have).

*Work visa sponsorship is not available. For local documentation (NIF, NISS), please consult Portuguese authorities.

Additional Information

Benefits and perks:

🌴25 vacation days

🤝 Enjoy 2 additional volunteering days to support your passion project

💖 Mental Health: Benefit from 3 extra wellness days on top of your vacation days and a Mental Health First Aider and Employee Assisstance program to support your well-being

🏥 Health insurance (also possible for family members)

💻 Cutting Edge Technology & Latest IT tools

🏢 Software-house environment

⌛ Agile and Flexible working hours

🌍 Hybrid working: we combine flexibility with in-person collaboration, with an expectation of 1 day per week/ 4 days per month in the office

✈️ Digital nomad policy

🚀 Focus on career development

🎓 Full access to Dentsu Academy, our global online learning platform

🍻 Beers, foosball, and ping-pong! #workhardplayhard

🥐 Free breakfast every second Wednesday of the month

🛍️ Employee discounts

🎉 Team & Company events

💸 Referral bonus program

*At dentsu, Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) is central to our vision: "To be at the forefront of people-centered transformations that shape society."

We cherish the unique talents and perspectives of all individuals, welcoming applicants regardless of gender, gender identity, nationality, religion, ethnicity, cultural background, sexual orientation, age, physical or mental ability. By embracing diverse perspectives, we create meaningful change and sustainable growth for our people, clients, and society. Our hiring decisions are guided by qualifications and role-specific requirements, ensuring a workplace free from discrimination and harassment.

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About dentsu

For over 120 years, innovation has been a core tenet of our offering – exploring new ways to reach, engage and nurture relationships with audiences. Together we drive a multiplier effect for clients at a global scale, through the development of Integrated Growth Solutions that are underpinned by our promise to clients: innovating to impact.

Be a force for good. Sustainability is a vital part of our business and an important area of focus for our clients. We’re leading the way – helping to build a more sustainable planet.

Dream loud. In this moment of transformation, we need our people to be fearless, embracing change and ambiguity, driven by the love for their work and excitement for the future.

Team without limits. We create opportunities for connection and collaboration between our colleagues and clients, building a sense of belonging and having some fun along the way.

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