Lead Software Sourcing Specialist

Company Overview:

When it comes to IT solution providers, there are a lot of choices. But when it comes to providers with innovative and differentiating end-to-end service offerings, there’s really only one: Zones – First Choice for IT.TM     

Zones is a Global Solution Provider of end-to-end IT solutions with an unmatched supply chain. Positioned to be the IT partner you need, Zones, a Minority Business Enterprise (MBE) in business for over 35 years, specializes in Digital Workplace, Cloud & Data Center, Networking, Security, and Managed/Professional/Staffing services. Operating in more than 120 countries, leveraging a robust portfolio, and utilizing the highest certification levels from key partners, including Microsoft, Apple, Cisco, Lenovo, Adobe, and more, Zones has mastered the science of building digital infrastructures that change the way business does business ensuring whatever they need, they can Consider IT Done. Follow Zones, LLC on Twitter @Zones, and LinkedIn and Facebook.   

Position Overview:

We are seeking an experienced and dedicated Lead Software Sourcing Specialist to manage the team, oversee daily operations, and execute the strategic procurement lifecycle for software licensing. This leadership role is responsible for driving team performance, ensuring competitive cost management, guaranteeing optimal product availability, and maintaining strict adherence to organizational sourcing policies. The Lead Specialist will act as a critical liaison between the Sourcing Team and Senior Management.

What you’ll do as the Lead Software Sourcing Specialist:

Employees employed in the role of Lead Software Sourcing Specialist shall be required to apply their independent minds and demonstrate intellectual abilities in their decision-making.

The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Key Responsibilities

Strategic Sourcing and Cost Management

• Supervision & Mentorship: Provide daily oversight, mentorship, and support to the Sourcing Team, actively monitoring workflow and resolving day-to-day operational issues.
• Process Compliance & Training: Function as the primary subject matter expert, ensuring all team members are fully trained and immediately informed of any updates to management processes, sourcing policies, or vendor guidelines.
• Performance Reporting: Create and distribute comprehensive weekly performance reports, with a specific focus on monitoring and escalating high-value quotes and deal margins to Senior Management.
• Channel Management: Systematically execute all software license requests by utilizing and optimizing various procurement channels, including preferred, third-party, and direct publisher relationships.
• Complex Sourcing: Navigate complex procurement scenarios to ensure product availability when standard distribution channels are unavailable, including managing the process for new publisher onboarding through distribution partners.
• Negotiate and Optimize Pricing: Actively manage special pricing requests and lead submissions with vendors to maximize discounts and ensure deal margins meet profitability thresholds.
• Cost Control: Drive cost reductions through strategic sourcing, negotiation of favorable payment terms, maximizing vendor rebate programs, and ensuring full utilization of manufacturer programs.

Operational Alignment and Efficiency

• Contract and Supplier Management: Manage the full contract lifecycle for new vendors, including providing standard T&C.
• Process Automation: Lead the strategic initiative to reroute existing publisher/vendor transactions through established distribution partners to achieve full EDI processing capability, ensuring transactional accuracy and efficiency.
• System Integrity: Maintain accurate product data by updating Trade Agreements in internal systems and ensure business alignment with preferred distribution channels.
• RFP Management: Coordinate and contribute to formal Request for Proposals (RFPs), including necessary reporting and documentation.
• Negotiate and Optimize Pricing: Actively manage special pricing requests and lead submissions with vendors to maximize discounts and ensure deal margins meet profitability thresholds.

Sales and Internal Support

• Sales Enablement: Proactively route renewal alerts and new sales opportunities to the appropriate Account Managers (AMs) and sales teams for timely follow-up and pipeline management.
• Communication: Effectively communicate the status of sourcing requests, pricing, and availability to the sales organization and internal stakeholders with a strong sense of urgency.

Required Skills and Qualifications

• Experience: Proven experience (4+ years) in procurement, sourcing, or supply chain management, specifically within the technology or software licensing domain.
• Industry Knowledge: General understanding of information technology, software licensing, and associated industry terminology.
• Negotiation & Decision-Making: Sharp negotiation skills with the ability to analyze deal margins and make quick, informed sourcing decisions.
• Technical Proficiency:
  • Strong understanding of ERP (Enterprise Resource Planning) systems and CE (Customer Engagement) platforms.
  • Intermediate or advanced proficiency with MS Office (Word, Office, Excel) is required; knowledge of Access is preferred.
• Soft Skills:
  • Exceptional written and oral communication skills, with proven ability to bridge communication between front-line teams and executive management.
  • Ability to interact well with cross-functional groups and maintain a strong customer service orientation.
  • Ability to manage multiple complex tasks with little supervision and strong organizational skills.
  • Intermediate or advanced proficiency with MS Office applications (Word, Outlook, Excel etc.), with expertise in Excel for complex data maintenance and reporting. Familiarity with SharePoint for collaborative record management is essential.
• Mindset: Must work with a sense of urgency and excel in a dynamic, fast-paced growth environment, driving continuous process improvement.

• Ability to lead cross-functional teams

Zones offers a comprehensive Benefits package

At Zones, we are committed to fostering an inclusive and diverse workplace where every team member is valued and supported. We offer life insurance, optional health insurance, EOBI, and a voluntary pension scheme in line with Company policy. Employees also enjoy additional perks such as Complimentary meals, and access to our in-house gym.

We take pride in being an equal opportunity employer and remain dedicated to maintaining a workplace free from discrimination of any kind. If you are passionate about driving innovation in IT, sales, engineering, or operations, Zones provides a dynamic and collaborative environment to help you grow your career.

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment and will not be discriminated against on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, age, genetic information, or pregnancy.

Job Timings: 9:00 PM – 6:00 AM Pakistan time.