Job Description:Reporting to the Manger Purchasing, this position is for Assistant Manager for Cloud Operations and sourcing team based out of India. This role will be responsible for managing and supporting the procurement process for IT equipment's - Servers, Networking equipment, Colocation & bandwidth services, Software, & SAAS applications.The candidate must have experience in IT procurement and negotiation processes across the various purchasing segments of IT infrastructure and must have a proven record of executing a cost-effective purchasing department in a high-growth technology company. The candidate must also be detail-oriented, have strong organization and communication skills. The position requires capabilities to communicate with the global Cloud Operations team, IT & Engineering to understand their requirements and develop a sourcing strategy for the category.Responsibilities:Execute worldwide purchasing strategy for IT equipment's - Servers, Networking equipment, Colocation & bandwidth Services etc. in line with Zscaler' s international footprint and growth requirements.Partner with key internal Cloud Operations & Engineering teams to understand their requirements and establish an approved vendor list for increased efficiencies and cost optimization.Advises end users of preferred and most cost-effective suppliers.Ensures that end-user requirements are sufficiently detailed in an appropriate format for sourcing.Manage negotiations, pricing, quality & availability.Research market intelligence & make strategic recommendations for purchasing components.Benchmark suppliers against metrics to ensure logistic and cost performance.Develop and maintain a portfolio of "best in class" suppliers and assess supplier availability.Manage the competitive bidding process for identified opportunities.Partner with Legal to ensure all vendor contracts are current and compliant.Establish and maintain a needs-based segmented supply base.Ensure that local sourcing practices and processes conform to global procurement policies.Address performance issues with suppliers where appropriate.Keep end-users advised regarding risks or issues involving their requirements and the influences that external forces could have on their situation.Identify benchmarking opportunities.Minimum Qualifications:Around 5-7 years of hands-on working experience in IT procurement.Preferred Qualifications:Experience with Cloud operations, IAAS and PAAS is a value add.Demonstrate strategic and tactical knowledge in IT procurement.Demonstrate experience building relationships with ISP (Internet service providers) and colocation service providers.Analytical thinking - Ability to quickly analyze data and transform it into meaningful insight.Strong Interpersonal skills - the ability to work effectively as part of a team in an unstructured environment; comfortable and effective in influencing at all levels; ability to tactfully give/receive constructive feedback.Creative -- Inquisitive attitude, can identify new and better ways; active external learner that takes advantage of ideas, best practices, and solutions developed elsewhere.Ability to work effectively with all levels of management and other colleagues, and demonstrate initiative, mature judgment, superior customer service orientation, and the ability to anticipate the needs of the organization.Execution - persistent drive for results utilizing sound project management, organizational, and problem-solving skills.Attention to detail, organized and thorough with a desire for continuous improvement.Must be a self-starter with a can-do attitude and a serious desire to have a positive impact on our company.Strong day-to-day project management skills.
