Associate Director, Strategic Sourcing - Illumina Digital Services / IT
Position Summary
The Associate Director, Strategic Sourcing - Illumina Digital Services / IT leads sourcing strategy, supplier management, and commercial execution across Software, IT and AI categories in support of R&D, manufacturing, and commercial functions.
This role is responsible for managing a team of sourcing professionals while partnering closely with the IT organization to enable compliant, scalable, and cost-effective procurement of Software licenses, IT services, Infrastructure, and Cloud technologies.
The ideal candidate combines strong people leadership with deep experience in IT sourcing and contract negotiation, and brings either domain expertise or education in data science, or advanced analytics within a regulated Life Sciences environment.
Responsibilities
Leadership & Team Development
· Lead and develop a high-performing sourcing team supporting IT categories
· Set strategic direction, performance goals, and talent development plans
· Ensure diversity of thought and inclusive teamwork with a culture of accountability, collaboration, and continuous improvement
Category Strategy
· Develop and execute world-class sourcing strategies built on rigorous facts, data, and analysis to create value across all dimensions (financial, risk, quality, supply, reputation)
· Software licensing (SaaS, enterprise systems such as SAP, Oracle, etc.)
· IT infrastructure, cloud (AWS/Azure) and digital services
· Deliver financial, quality, supply, and risk-mitigation goals. Ensure savings reported are credible and compliant with the approved methodology
Supplier & Contract Management
· Oversee strategic vendor relationships to maximize value and minimize risks for Illumina, leveraging the Illumina Supplier Relationship framework
· Lead complex negotiations including but not limited to:
o SOW - Lead commercial structuring and negotiation of Statements of Work (SOWs), including pricing models, milestones, deliverables, acceptance criteria, and change controls.
o AMS contracts- Experience negotiating Application Managed Services (AMS) agreements including SLA frameworks, transition governance, offshore delivery models, benchmarking, and productivity commitments.
o Cloud Agreements- Lead negotiations for enterprise cloud agreements including consumption commitments, discount structures, license conversions, support models, and commercial governance
o Operational Excellence -Drive optimization of enterprise software licensing, renewals, rate cards and usage models to reduce cost and contractual risk
· Establish supplier governance frameworks, including performance metrics, innovation reviews, and risk assessments
· Oversee contract lifecycle, ensuring compliance with regulatory and quality standards
Stakeholder Engagement/Business Partnering
· Provide thought leadership on vendor market capabilities (innovation, efficiency, etc.) and identify clear limits on supplier capabilities. Expertly balance cost optimization, execution speed and quality required to meet dynamic project timelines and business outcome
· Promote consistent use of agreed sourcing tools, frameworks, and methodologies. Act as a proactive and collaborative partner skillfully navigating both internal and external organizational dynamics
· Translate complex scientific and technical requirements into sourcing strategies and commercial models. Demonstrate exceptional verbal and written communication skills, with a proven ability to clearly translate technical concepts across IT, Legal, and executive leadership
Requirements
· Must have experience managing suppliers and outsourced development partners
· Strong experience in IT Sourcing
· Strategic thinker: anticipates and develops business opportunities and priorities for future action while also executing on concrete business objectives
· Customer focused, very responsive, and action oriented to meet business needs while maintaining a positive, professional outlook
· Ability to travel up to 25% of the time; both domestic and international
· Strong analytical skills that allow the successful candidate to extract core data from a variety of sources, draw conclusions and insights, and translate those insights into actions
· Ability to deal effectively with pressure, multiple tasks, deadlines, and rapidly changing priorities
· Aptitude to multi-task and lead projects / negotiations
· Ability to work and interact with all departments within Illumina
· Willingness to challenge the status quo with sound rationale
· Proficient in use of Microsoft Office (Project, Word, Excel, Outlook, Access)
Qualifications
Required
· Bachelor’s degree in Business, Supply Chain, IT, Life Sciences, or related field
· 10-12+ years of experience in strategic sourcing, procurement, or supplier management
· Proven experience sourcing IT/software and managing complex supplier ecosystems
· Experience negotiating:
o SaaS/software licensing agreements
o IT services contracts
· 5-7+ years of people leadership experience
Preferred
· Experience in the Life Sciences sector (pharma, biotech, medtech)
· Knowledge of regulated industry requirements
· Exposure to AI/ML, data platforms, or digital health technologies OR
· Advanced degree (MBA, MS in Data Science/IT)
The estimated base salary range for the Associate Director, Strategic Sourcing - Illumina Digital Services / IT role based in the United States of America is: $155,600 - $233,400. Should the level or location of the role change during the hiring process, the applicable base pay range may be updated accordingly. The range reflects long-term growth in the role; therefore, most candidates are hired between the minimum and middle of the range. Placement depends on experience, skills, location, and internal equity. Additionally, all employees are eligible for one of our variable cash programs (bonus or commission) and eligible roles may receive equity as part of the compensation package. We offer a wide range of benefits as innovative as our work, including access to genomics sequencing, family planning, health/dental/vision, retirement benefits, and paid time off.We are a company deeply rooted in belonging, promoting an inclusive environment where employees feel valued and empowered to contribute to our mission. Built on a strong foundation, Illumina has always prioritized openness, collaboration, and seeking alternative perspectives to propel innovation in genomics. We are proud to confirm a zero-net gap in pay, regardless of gender, ethnicity, or race. We also have several Employee Resource Groups (ERG) that deliver career development experiences, increase cultural awareness, and offer opportunities to engage in social responsibility. We are proud to be an equal opportunity employer committed to providing employment opportunity regardless of sex, race, creed, color, gender, religion, marital status, domestic partner status, age, national origin or ancestry, physical or mental disability, medical condition, sexual orientation, pregnancy, military or veteran status, citizenship status, and genetic information. Illumina conducts background checks on applicants for whom a conditional offer of employment has been made. Qualified applicants with arrest or conviction records will be considered for employment in accordance with applicable local, state, and federal laws. Background check results may potentially result in the withdrawal of a conditional offer of employment. The background check process and any decisions made as a result shall be made in accordance with all applicable local, state, and federal laws. Illumina prohibits the use of generative artificial intelligence (AI) in the application and interview process. If you require accommodation to complete the application or interview process, please contact [email protected]. To learn more, visit: https://www.dol.gov/ofccp/regs/compliance/posters/pdf/eeopost.pdf. The position will be posted until a final candidate is selected or the requisition has a sufficient number of qualified applicants. This role is not eligible for visa sponsorship.