Procurement Sourcing Professional - Travel Sourcer

Introduction

At IBM Finance & Operations, we are the backbone of IBM’s transformation driving efficiency, transparency, and smart decision-making across the business. Our teams provide the insight and discipline that guide strategy, ensure financial strength, and enable IBM to invest in innovation and growth. Working in Finance & Operations means combining analytical skills with collaboration and curiosity. You’ll partner with colleagues across functions and geographies, using data, technology, and process excellence to create solutions that improve performance and deliver measurable impact. IBM offers continuous learning, career development, and a culture that values diverse perspectives. Join us and be part of a global team that keeps IBM moving forward, while building your own future in a dynamic and evolving environment.

Your Role And Responsibilities

The Travel Sourcing Professional is responsible for delivering end‑to‑end strategic sourcing and supplier‑management activities across the global Travel category, including air, hotel, ground transportation, travel management services, and related travel solutions. This role ensures high‑quality, cost‑effective, and policy‑compliant travel procurement outcomes that support business objectives and enhance the employee travel experience.

The position requires strong procurement expertise, deep category knowledge, stakeholder‑management skills, and the ability to execute sourcing strategies in line with global procurement standards and processes.

Preferred Education

Bachelor's Degree

Required Technical And Professional Expertise

Strategic Sourcing & Category Execution

• Lead complex sourcing deals, including multi-stage bids, commercial and legal negotiations, contract implementation for Travel commodities
• Develop and implement sourcing strategies aligned with business needs, category plans, and industry trends.
• Conduct market analysis, benchmarking, and supplier capability assessments to identify cost‑saving and value‑creation opportunities.
• Apply the 7 Steps to Strategic Sourcing with emphasis on travel‑specific best practices.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to identify procurement opportunities and implement cost-saving initiatives.
  
  

Supplier Management

• Manage supplier relationships to drive performance, compliance, and continuous improvement.
• Support supplier business reviews, performance scorecards, and issue resolution.
• Evaluate emerging travel suppliers, technologies, and innovations to enhance category value.
  
  

Stakeholder & Client Engagement

• Partner with internal stakeholders to understand sourcing requirements, priorities, and business objectives.
• Provide guidance on travel category strategies, policy alignment, and supplier capabilities.
• Support change management and communication efforts related to travel programs and sourcing outcomes.
  
  

Process, Policy & Compliance

• Ensure sourcing activities comply with Procurement Policies and Guidelines.
• Create and maintain audit‑ready documentation, including RFx materials, evaluations, presentations, contracts, and controls.
• Apply agile methods to streamline sourcing workflows and improve turnaround time.
  
  

Data Analysis & Tools

• Leverage analytics and cognitive tools to support decision‑making, optimize spend, and identify opportunities.
• Analyze supplier proposals, cost models, and market data to drive fact‑based recommendations.
• Maintain accurate category and sourcing data in procurement systems.
  
  

Technical Skills

Required Skills & Competencies

• Strong knowledge of end‑to‑end sourcing and procurement processes.
• Deep experience with travel category sourcing (airlines, hotel, TMC, ground transportation, travel programs).
• Proficiency with RFx tools, procurement platforms, and analytics tools.
• Ability to create structured, clear, and audit‑compliant documentation.
• Proven negotiation and contract drafting, analysis and management skills.
  
  

Analytical & Strategic Skills

• Excellent analytical and problem-solving abilities, understanding of cost levers
• Market and supplier analysis, cost modeling, and benchmarking.
• Ability to interpret data and convert insights into sourcing strategies.
  
  

Communication & Collaboration

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to influence and collaborate with cross‑functional stakeholders globally.
• Skilled at managing supplier negotiations and presenting sourcing recommendations.
• Ability to support sourcing activities across geographies, with flexibility of working hours
  
  

Preferred Technical And Professional Experience

Professional Attributes

• Detail‑oriented with strong business judgment.
• Organized, proactive, and able to manage multiple priorities.
• Comfortable working in a structured process environment while driving continuous improvement.
• Strong customer‑experience mindset.