About the role

Aplyr's Quick Take

This role is about managing and optimizing Unity's indirect spending across various categories like software, travel, and professional services. You'll be leading sourcing strategies, negotiating contracts, and integrating AI tools into procurement processes. It's primarily an individual contributor role focused on strategic sourcing and category management.

Good fit

Ideal candidates have extensive experience in strategic sourcing and procurement, particularly in tech-related categories. A strong analytical mindset and comfort with data-driven decision-making will help you thrive here.

Worth noting

The role emphasizes transitioning to AI-enabled procurement, which could be a unique opportunity for those interested in innovative technologies. However, the spec is vague on day-to-day responsibilities, which might lead to uncertainty in the role's expectations.

The opportunity
We are seeking an experienced Senior Strategic Sourcing Manager to lead end-to-end category management for our high-value indirect spend portfolio. This role is a cornerstone for achieving our goals by increasing effectiveness through cost savings and expanding spend under management. You will act as a trusted advisor to senior business leaders across IT, Engineering, HR, and Marketing, optimizing investments across high-impact categories including software/SaaS, complex cloud infrastructure, corporate travel, professional services, and global events. A key focus will be spearheading our transition to an AI-enabled, data-driven procurement organization.

What you'll be doing

Strategic Category Management: Develop and execute multi-year category strategies for deals across high-impact indirect areas, specifically Technology (PCs, SaaS, enterprise software, Cloud/Hosting, Sales & Marketing, Professional Services, Corporate Events, Travel, and G&A categories.
Strategic Sourcing & Negotiation: Lead complex, high-value RFx processes from intake to contract orchestration. Negotiate complex enterprise agreements, SLAs, and commercial terms to maximize business value, reduce Total Cost of Ownership (TCO), and mitigate risk.
Financial Impact & Alignment: Establish rigorous financial tracking methodologies in partnership with FP&A and Treasury. Clearly define, track, and report on "Hard Savings" vs. "Cost Avoidance" to drive measurable impact on EBITDA, Unity's profit margins, and the corporate operating plan.
AI & Data-Driven Procurement: Champion the integration of AI-enabled procurement tools and next-generation "agentic" workflows, including evolving our current AI chatbot and identifying new AI applications for contract orchestration and automated intake-to-PO lifecycles. Leverage our data lake (BigQuery) and BI tools (e.g., Looker) to identify value-maximizing opportunities and drive insightful KPI reporting.
Stakeholder & Operational Excellence: Build deep, collaborative relationships with cross-functional global teams and partners (including Legal and IT) to ensure procurement initiatives align with Unity’s 2026 Finance Operating Plan. Support the "Intake-to-PO" orchestration using a risk-based approach to minimize cycle times while maintaining high compliance standards. Implement robust Supplier Relationship Management (SRM) programs for top-tier vendors to drive continuous improvement and innovation.

What we're looking for

Experience & Industry: 7+ years of progressive experience in strategic sourcing, category management, or procurement operations, preferably within the enterprise software, tech, or gaming industries.
Category & Methodology Expertise: Deep subject matter expertise in sourcing indirect categories, particularly SaaS, public cloud services, end-user computing, and global corporate travel programs. Strong grasp of the 7-step strategic sourcing process and advanced category management frameworks.
Financial & Analytical Acumen: Excellent financial and analytical skills with a proven track record of aligning procurement metrics with corporate finance, FP&A, and Treasury goals. Ability to extract and interpret data from sources like BigQuery and Looker to drive continuous improvement.
Technology & Innovation: Demonstrated knowledge of enabling AI-driven procurement technologies, Large Language Models (LLMs), or advanced process automation. High proficiency in modern procurement tools (Jira, DocuSign). Direct experience with the Workday Financial system is a significant plus.
Global & Collaboration: Experience supporting global operations and navigating cross-border procurement complexities, including multi-currency structures. Proven ability to collaborate effectively with business partners and suppliers, embodying the "Unity Citizenship" culture.

You might also have

Knowledge of Workday Financials is a strong plus.
Relevant certifications like CPSM or CIPS are preferred.

Additional information

Relocation support is not available for this position
Work visa/immigration sponsorship is not available for this position

Benefits
At Unity, we want our team

Skills & Tags

go rust ai mobile data design marketing sales

Aplyr's read

Unity Technologies empowers creators with its leading real-time 3D content platform, attracting talent in AI, UX, and machine learning.
Synthesized from recent postings & public sources

What's promising

•Unity is a dominant force in real-time 3D content creation, crucial for game development.
•The company offers diverse roles in cutting-edge fields like AI and machine learning.
•Unity's platform is widely adopted across industries beyond gaming, such as automotive and architecture.

What to watch

•Unity faces intense competition from Unreal Engine in the game development space.
•Frequent restructuring can lead to job insecurity and internal uncertainty.
•The company's profitability has been inconsistent, raising concerns about financial stability.

Why Unity Technologies

•Unity's platform supports a vast range of industries, not just gaming.
•The company is a pioneer in real-time 3D content technology.
•Unity offers a collaborative environment for innovation in interactive media.

Aplyr’s read is generated by AI from public sources. Was it useful?

About Unity Technologies

Unity Technologies

unity.com

View company

Unity is a leading platform for creating and operating interactive, real-time 3D content, widely used in game development, film, automotive, architecture, and more.