Senior Director - Procurement

ZS

ZS

Sales & Business Development, Operations

United States · Chicago, IL, USA

Posted on May 13, 2026

ZS is a place where passion changes lives. As a management consulting and technology firm focused on improving life and how we live it, we transform ideas into impact by bringing together data, science, technology and human ingenuity to deliver better outcomes for all. Here you’ll work side-by-side with a powerful collective of thinkers and experts shaping life-changing solutions for patients, caregivers and consumers, worldwide. ZSers drive impact by bringing a client-first mentality to each and every engagement. We partner collaboratively with our clients to develop custom solutions and technology products that create value and deliver company results across critical areas of their business. Bring your curiosity for learning, bold ideas, courage and passion to drive life-changing impact to ZS.

ZS’ Corporate Support teams operate the firm’s core internal enterprise functions. Our global teams comprise team-oriented, pragmatic and results-driven people who thrive in a challenging work environment. Our people come from diverse backgrounds, but share a passion for quality customer service and dedication—whether our customer is a client or another ZS employee.

The Senior Director of Procurement will lead the design, build, and execution of ZS’s global procurement strategy. Reporting to the CFO, this leader will establish best in class sourcing, vendor management, and procurement operations while delivering strong financial, operational, and risk outcomes for the firm.

This role requires a strategic, hands-on procurement leader who thrives in transformation environments and can balance near term execution with long term capability building.

What You’ll Do:

  • Define and execute an enterprise-wide procurement strategy aligned to ZS’ business priorities.
  • Establish procurement governance, policies, and standardized sourcing and renewal processes.
  • Improve spend visibility, forecasting, and budget alignment across the organization.
  • Lead strategic sourcing and renewal efforts across key categories (IT, HR, Marketing, Professional Services, Corporate).
  • Act as a strategic partner to Finance, IT, HR, Legal, and business leaders; communicate procurement value, ROI, and impact clearly to executive leadership.
  • Drive supplier consolidation and preferred vendor strategies; establish ongoing vendor management, scorecarding, and risk mitigation practices; proactively prepare for renewals and evolving software/vendor models; formalize vendor onboarding and RFX processes.
  • Build and lead a high performing procurement organization, including category leaders and offshore resources.
  • Partner with external advisors to accelerate roadmap development and execution.
  • Develop a scalable category management model over time.
  • Support and/or lead the implementation of P2P tools.
  • Drive data cleaning, standardization, and process discipline across procurement workflows.
  • Partner with internal stakeholders to advance sustainable procurement initiatives; embed consistent supplier messaging and long-term carbon reduction considerations into sourcing decisions.
  • Support long-term exploration of billable project sourcing and enhanced commercial processes.

What You’ll Bring:

  • Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain Management, Business Administration, Engineering, or a related field; an MBA or other advanced degree is highly preferred.
  • 15+ years of progressive procurement or strategic sourcing experience; experience successfully leading global category teams, processes, and suppliers across various categories.
  • Proven experience leading or building/transforming a procurement function.
  • Strong executive presence and ability to influence senior stakeholders.
  • Experience leading complex sourcing, vendor negotiations, and contract management.
  • Demonstrated success delivering measurable financial and operational impact.
  • Experience implementing ERP or P2P procurement tools.
  • Professional Services, Consulting, or complex enterprise environment experience.
  • Exposure to sustainable procurement or ESG initiatives.
  • Experience managing hybrid onshore/offshore teams and external partners.

How you’ll grow:

  • Cross-functional skills development & custom learning pathways
  • Milestone training programs aligned to career progression opportunities
  • Internal mobility paths that empower growth via s-curves, individual contribution and role expansions

Perks & Benefits:

At ZS, your growth matters. We offer a comprehensive total rewards package that supports your health and well‑being, financial future, time away, and professional development. With robust skills‑building programs, multiple career progression paths, internal mobility, and a deeply collaborative culture, you’ll have the opportunity to do meaningful work, expand your capabilities, and thrive as part of a global community. For details on total rewards in United States, visit ZS US office locations | Where we work | ZS.

Hybrid working model:

We are committed to giving our employees a flexible and connected way of working. A flexible and connected ZS allows us to combine work from home and on-site presence at clients/ZS offices for the majority of our week. The magic of ZS culture and innovation thrives in both planned and spontaneous face-to-face connections.

Travel:

Travel is a requirement at ZS for client facing ZSers; business needs of your project and client are the priority. While some projects may be local, all client-facing ZSers should be prepared to travel as needed. Travel provides opportunities to strengthen client relationships, gain diverse experiences, and enhance professional growth by working in different environments and cultures.

Considering applying?

At ZS, we honor the visible and invisible elements of our identities, personal experiences, and belief systems—the ones that comprise us as individuals, shape who we are, and make us unique. We believe your personal interests, identities, and desire to learn are integral to your success here. We are committed to building a team that reflects a broad variety of backgrounds, perspectives, and experiences. Learn more about our inclusion and belonging efforts and the networks ZS supports to assist our ZSers in cultivating community spaces and obtaining the resources they need to thrive.

If you’re eager to grow, contribute, and bring your unique self to our work, we encourage you to apply.

ZS is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to providing equal employment and advancement opportunities without regard to any class protected by applicable law.

To complete your application:
Candidates must possess or be able to obtain work authorization for their intended country of employment. An on-line application, including a full set of transcripts (official or unofficial), is required to be considered.

NO AGENCY CALLS, PLEASE.

Find Out More At:
www.zs.com