Sourcing and Category Manager
Microsoft
Microsoft FinOps (Finance Operations) team ensures finance support functions are performed efficiently and compliantly for over 300 legal entities. We are a global team with delivery centers and staff around the world, utilizing both outsourcing and in-house resources. Our functions include payroll, accounting, reporting & analysis, statutory compliance, supplier and partner payouts, procurement operations, employee expenses and anti-corruption monitoring.
The role is a Dublin-based Sourcing and Category Manager within Microsoft’s International Indirect Procurement Solutions team, leading high-impact sourcing initiatives across strategic categories for EMEA. It owns end-to-end sourcing strategy and execution (including RFx and commercial negotiations) to deliver cost optimization, continuity of supply, and risk mitigation. Working with significant autonomy, the role partners with Legal, Finance, Compliance, and business stakeholders, manages supplier performance through KPIs/SLAs, ensures adherence to procurement governance, and influences outcomes across multiple countries, regions, and categories as a trusted procurement advisor.
Microsoft’s mission is to empower every person and every organization on the planet to achieve more. As employees we come together with a growth mindset, innovate to empower others, and collaborate to realize our shared goals. Each day we build on our values of respect, integrity, and accountability to create a culture of inclusion where everyone can thrive at work and beyond.
Responsibilities
Sourcing
Defines and executes sourcing strategies for Microsoft International subsidiaries and/or purchasing opportunities to optimize cost and ensure continuity of supply/service.
Uses internal/external data, market benchmarks, and category expertise to align stakeholders, accelerated by AI-driven spend/market insights and supplier intelligence.
Leads end-to-end RFx (RFI/RFP) by translating business needs into clear requirements and evaluating supplier proposals. Uses AI to speed RFx drafting, synthesize responses, and surface risk/value signals for faster decisions.
Leads commercial and contract negotiations for a purchasing category, ensuring pricing, capacity, and terms meet business needs and governance standards.
Drives cost-reduction and supplier cost competitiveness, using AI-enabled should-cost, scenario analysis, and clause comparison to improve preparation and outcomes.
Compliance
Ensure compliance with Microsoft procurement policies and governance standards; educate internal stakeholders and suppliers on requirements.
Manage supplier scorecards (KPIs/SLAs), lead strategic business reviews, and drive performance improvements and corrective actions.
Proactively identify and manage commercial, operational, and regulatory risks; lead remediation and resolution of sourcing issues using root-cause analysis.
Procurement and Contracts
Lead contract and price negotiations; ensure pricing, capacity, and commercial terms meet cross-functional needs.
Drive cost-reduction opportunities and maintain strong business-case governance, including change-order impact.
Stakeholder Collaboration
Influence cross-functional stakeholders and drive alignment on sourcing priorities and decisions.
Develop pricing and negotiation strategies, clearly defining tradeoffs, roles, and decision points; secure senior leadership support.
Engage early with business partners (e.g., product, quality, finance) to shape requirements, sourcing approach, and spend priorities.
Complexity & Decision Scope
Manages complex, ambiguous, and highvalue sourcing initiatives.
Handles multiple stakeholders across countries, regions or functions.
Decisions have material financial, risk, or operational impact.
Operates with limited supervision and is trusted as a subjectmatter expert.
Qualifications
Required/Minimum Qualifications
-
Bachelor’s degree in Business, Finance, or related field, AND experience in indirect procurement, category management, or sourcing strategy development
OR equivalent experience.
Ability to work from the Dublin office at least 3 days per week.
Preferred Qualifications
- Experience in supplier and procurement roles within complex multinationals and managing multi-country sourcing programs across EMEA.
- Familiarity with indirect categories (e.g., professional services, facilities, marketing, Technology).
- Experience leading procurement categories with C-level stakeholders.
- Project management certification.
- Demonstrated track record delivering measurable savings and risk reduction.
- Experience using digital/AI tools.
- Experienced with negotiation and supplier relationship management.
- Demonstrated skills in data analysis, communication, structured prioritization, and outcome-focused execution.
- Demonstrated collaboration, stakeholder management, leadership and influencing without authority.
This position will be open for a minimum of 5 days, with applications accepted on an ongoing basis until the position is filled.
Microsoft is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, ancestry, citizenship, color, family or medical care leave, gender identity or expression, genetic information, immigration status, marital status, medical condition, national origin, physical or mental disability, political affiliation, protected veteran or military status, race, ethnicity, religion, sex (including pregnancy), sexual orientation, or any other characteristic protected by applicable local laws, regulations and ordinances. If you need assistance with religious accommodations and/or a reasonable accommodation due to a disability during the application process, read more about requesting accommodations.