Team Lead, Procurement

As a global leader in cybersecurity, CrowdStrike protects the people, processes and technologies that drive modern organizations. Since 2011, our mission hasn’t changed — we’re here to stop breaches, and we’ve redefined modern security with the world’s most advanced AI-native platform. We work on large scale distributed systems, processing almost 3 trillion events per day and this traffic is growing daily. Our customers span all industries, and they count on CrowdStrike to keep their businesses running, their communities safe and their lives moving forward. We're proud to work for a mission-driven company leveraging AI to transform the way we work. CrowdStrikers drive their careers through flexibility and autonomy while also being expected to contribute to a culture of responsible AI adoption, experimentation, and innovation. We use an AI-first mindset as a force multiplier to proactively and continuously accelerate execution, build expertise, uncover insights, and solve complex problems. We’re always looking to add talented CrowdStrikers to the team who have limitless passion, a relentless focus on innovation and a fanatical commitment to our customers, our community and each other. Ready to join a mission that matters? The future of cybersecurity starts with you. About the Role: We are seeking an experienced TAssistant Manager, Procurement to join our procurement organization. This role combines hands-on procurement execution with team leadership responsibilities in our dynamic SaaS environment. The successful candidate will manage and develop a team of buyers while actively contributing to strategic sourcing initiatives, stakeholder management, and operational excellence. What You'll Do: Hands-on Procurement Execution: Personally manage high-value, complex sourcing projects while leading strategic negotiations with key suppliers and vendors. Execute complete Procure-to-Pay lifecycle for critical categories and handle escalated procurement issues and vendor relationship challenges. Serve as subject matter expert for complex procurement scenarios requiring senior-level intervention and strategic decision-making. Ensure compliance with procurement policies and procedures, drive automation initiatives, and lead digital transformation projects. Monitor and optimize procurement metrics and KPIs while establishing benchmarks for operational excellence. Advanced Category Management: Develop comprehensive category strategies across Data Centre, Consulting, Marketing & Software. Conduct market analysis, develop supplier relationship strategies, and lead vendor summits and strategic supplier reviews for Global suppliers. Commodity Management & Strategic Analysis: Extensive experience in commodity management with demonstrated expertise in conducting comprehensive market benchmarking studies and competitive pricing analysis across multiple spend categories. Proven ability to perform detailed spend analysis, identifying cost optimization opportunities and developing data-driven procurement strategies. Strong track record of collaborating with department heads to build comprehensive commodity strategies that align with business objectives, including demand forecasting, supplier diversification, and total cost of ownership modeling. Experience in establishing and maintaining market intelligence frameworks to support strategic decision-making and long-term category planning. Contract & Risk Management: Oversee complex contract negotiations and risk assessments while ensuring compliance with legal requirements and corporate governance. Manage vendor performance and relationship escalations, develop contract templates and negotiation playbooks, and lead vendor risk management and business continuity planning initiatives. Team Leadership & Management: Lead, mentor, and develop a team of 3-5 Buyers conducting performance reviews, setting goals, and providing career development guidance. Foster a collaborative team environment while promoting best practices, managing workload distribution, and driving team performance metrics. Take responsibility for recruiting, onboarding, and training new team members while ensuring continuous improvement initiatives across the team. Strategic Leadership & Presentations: Create and deliver executive presentations to senior leadership, presenting procurement strategies, market insights, and performance dashboards. Lead quarterly business reviews and annual procurement planning sessions while communicating complex procurement concepts to non-procurement stakeholders. Represent the procurement function in cross-functional leadership meetings and serve as the primary liaison between procurement and executive leadership. Stakeholder Leadership: Partner with department heads and senior leaders across the organization to facilitate procurement advisory sessions with business stakeholders. Lead cross-functional projects and transformation initiatives while serving as the escalation point for procurement-related issues requiring senior management attention. What You'll Need: Education & Leadership Experience: Bachelor's degree in Business, Supply Chain Management, Finance, or related field with 6-8 years of procurement experience including 3-4 years in management or leadership roles. Must demonstrate a proven track record of managing and developing high-performing teams with extensive experience in SaaS/technology industry procurement. Technical & Systems Expertise: Expert-level proficiency in procurement platforms such as SAP Ariba, Coupa, or Oracle Procurement with advanced data analytics and reporting capabilities. Deep understanding of ERP systems and integration processes, experience with contract lifecycle management systems, and knowledge of procurement automation and AI tools. Leadership & Communication Skills: Proven ability to create and deliver compelling presentations to executive audiences with demonstrated success in leading, coaching, and developing teams. Track record of leading complex, high-value negotiations, experience driving organizational change and process improvements, and exceptional written and verbal communication skills. Strategic Competencies: Deep understanding of technology, marketing, and professional services markets with strong business case development and ROI analysis skills. Ability to lead multiple complex projects simultaneously, extensive experience in strategic supplier relationship management, and understanding of vendor risk assessment and mitigation strategies. Artificial Intelligence: Proven experience utilizing AI technologies to enhance decision-making, streamline workflows and processes, improve efficiency and drive business outcomes. Preferred Qualifications MBA or advanced degree preferred Professional certifications (CPSM, CSCP, CPM, or equivalent) Experience in high-growth SaaS companies scaling rapidly International procurement and global supplier management experience Knowledge of ESG/sustainability initiatives in procurement Experience with M&A due diligence and integration activities Shift Timing : 6:00 PM to 3:00 AM IST Work Location : Kharadi, Pune (Work From Office) #LI-SA2 Benefits of Working at CrowdStrike: Market leader in compensation and equity awards Comprehensive physical and mental wellness programs Competitive vacation and holidays for recharge Paid parental and adoption leaves Professional development opportunities for all employees regardless of level or role Employee Networks, geographic neighborhood groups, and volunteer opportunities to build connections Vibrant office culture with world class amenities Great Place to Work Certified™ across the globe CrowdStrike is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. We are committed to fostering a culture of belonging where everyone is valued for who they are and empowered to succeed. We support veterans and individuals with disabilities through our affirmative action program. CrowdStrike is committed to providing equal employment opportunity for all employees and applicants for employment. The Company does not discriminate in employment opportunities or practices on the basis of race, color, creed, ethnicity, religion, sex (including pregnancy or pregnancy-related medical conditions), sexual orientation, gender identity, marital or family status, veteran status, age, national origin, ancestry, physical disability (including HIV and AIDS), mental disability, medical condition, genetic information, membership or activity in a local human rights commission, status with regard to public assistance, or any other characteristic protected by law. We base all employment decisions--including recruitment, selection, training, compensation, benefits, discipline, promotions, transfers, lay-offs, return from lay-off, terminations and social/recreational programs--on valid job requirements. If you need assistance accessing or reviewing the information on this website or need help submitting an application for employment or requesting an accommodation, please contact us at recruiting@crowdstrike.com for further assistance.