Tyson Foods

Associate Director Procurement - Technology

Tyson on Thompson - Springdale, Arkansas Full time

Job Details:

The Associate Director Procurement – Technology leads the end-to-end sourcing and contract lifecycle for Technology and Telecom spend, balancing strong commercial outcomes with practical, stakeholder-aligned execution. This role is accountable for shaping category strategy, driving high-value negotiations, and ensuring disciplined procurement processes are applied consistently across the technology portfolio.

This position is deeply embedded with Technology leadership and serves as a trusted partner—challenging where needed, simplifying where possible, and ensuring the business receives best value while managing risk, compliance, and supplier performance. The role also has people leadership responsibility for Technology category managers and is expected to elevate capability, consistency, and results across the team.

Key Responsibilities

Technology Category Leadership

· Own category strategies for Technology, including software, hardware, infrastructure, cloud, apps, telecom, and professional services

· Translate business and IT roadmaps into executable sourcing strategies aligned to financial and operating plans.

· Monitor technology market trends, pricing models, and supplier innovations to inform sourcing decisions and negotiation strategy.

Strategic Sourcing & Contracting

· Lead complex, high-value sourcing events and negotiations (both competitive and sole-source) with a strong focus on commercial rigor and risk management.

· Apply disciplined contracting standards, including redlining commercial terms, service levels, pricing structures, and renewal protections.

· Ensure agreements align with company policies, governance requirements, and regulatory obligations.

Stakeholder Partnership

· Act as a primary procurement partner to Technology leaders, enabling informed decision-making while constructively challenging requirements, scope, and cost drivers.

· Support annual operating plan development and multi-year technology investment planning.

· Provide clear guidance on when and how procurement engagement adds value, reducing friction for stakeholders while maintaining control.

Supplier Management & Performance

· Build and maintain strong supplier relationships that balance value, performance, and innovation.

· Establish performance expectations, manage escalations, and drive continuous improvement with strategic suppliers.

· Evaluate supplier performance and risk, taking action where performance or compliance gaps exist.

Savings, Value & Reporting

· Deliver measurable value through cost savings, cost avoidance, and commercial improvements.

· Measure, validate, and report category savings quarterly, including analysis against targets.

· Drive continuous improvement initiatives across sourcing, contracting, and supplier management processes.

People Leadership

· Lead, coach, and develop Technology category managers, setting clear expectations for performance, execution quality, and stakeholder engagement.

· Promote consistent application of procurement best practices, tools, and decision frameworks across the team.

· Build a high-performing, collaborative team that can manage both strategic initiatives and tactical demands.

Qualifications & Experience

· Bachelor’s degree required; MBA preferred.

· 12+ years of experience in Procurement and/or Technology sourcing .Experience in the food industry-related sector is a plus

· Demonstrated experience leading complex technology sourcing events and negotiations.

· Proven ability to partner with senior business and IT leaders on long-term technology strategies.

· Experience with Source-to-Pay and contract lifecycle management tools strongly preferred.

Skills & Capabilities

· Deep understanding of technology procurement models, licensing structures, and commercial constructs.

· Strong negotiation, analytical, and financial modeling skills.

· Clear, confident communicator with the ability to simplify complex topics for executive audiences.

· CPSM and/or ITIL certification highly desirable.

Relocation Assistance Eligible:

Yes

Work Shift:

1ST SHIFT (United States of America)

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