Global Procurement - Strategic Sourcing Manager; Onboard - Hybrid

Position: Global Procurement - Strategic Sourcing Manager (Onboard) - Hybrid
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Description

We believe that inclusion helps us thrive and grow at United across our collaborative Finance teams consisting of Financial Planning & Analysis, Internal Audit, Treasury, Global Procurement, Controllership, Investor Relations and more. These teams provide the financial fuel that keeps our operation running from providing detailed analyses of financial planning, performance, and forecasts to managing our investments and financial strategies. Our Finance team plays an integral role in making our airline profitable and successful by meeting our financial goals.

Job overview and responsibilities

The Global Procurement:
Onboard Services organization at United Airlines drives the sourcing and relationship management of premium catering and lounge service vendors, balancing rigorous cost discipline with our commitment to world-class food quality, exceptional guest experience, operational excellence, and kitchen efficiency.

The Strategic Sourcing Manager will lead strategic procurement initiatives across the organization, advancing our competitive positioning through cost optimization while safeguarding food safety standards, ensuring product consistency, and elevating catering partner performance. This role is critical to our mission, ensuring success of internal Financial Controls, Menu Planning, Food Safety, and Corporate Logistics to architect implementation strategies that integrate financial rigor, guest satisfaction, and operational reliability into every sourcing decision.

* Support execution of category plans and procurement strategies for designated categories

* Execute and deliver across annual savings targets

* Maintain category expertise (suppliers, rates, etc.) and contribute to supplier selection and benchmarks/bids when appropriate Develop knowledge and expertise in a spend category as needed

* Proactively maintain knowledge of diverse suppliers and offer options as appropriate

* Lead Continuous Improvement initiatives within specific categories

* Supports supplier relationships, monitor contract compliance across all contracts, and actively manages procurement risk

* Maintain and develop relationships with stakeholders including Division Leads, Operational Field Team, Legal, IT Security to support department stakeholder

* Create and manage Request for Information (RFI), Request for Quote (RFQ), and Request for Proposal (RFP) documents to solicit bids and evaluate suppliers

* Leverage Coupa knowledge to streamline purchasing, track orders, and manage supplier relationships

* Utilize criteria such as cost, quality, delivery, and capacity to select the best suppliers

Please note:

This is a Chicago-based, hybrid role requiring 3 days in-office per week.

Qualifications

What's needed to succeed (Minimum Qualifications):

* Bachelor's degree

* 2+ years of experience in Procurement, Sourcing, Supply Chain, Analytics, and/or Finance

* Strong problem-solving and analytical skills

* Ability to partner

* Extensive planning and project management proficiency

* Deep contracts and category knowledge; solid understanding of supplier economics

* Strong internal and external negotiation and influencing skills; demonstrated ability to make tough decisions

* Ability to build strong and effective working relationships with internal business partners and suppliers

* Must be legally authorized to work in the United States for any employer without sponsorship

* Successful completion of interview required to meet job qualification

* Reliable, punctual attendance is an essential function of the position

What will help you propel from the pack (Preferred Qualifications):

* Master's degree

* Hospitality, Business, Supply Chain, Finance

* CPM (Certified Purchasing Manager)

* Successful, multi-year track record in Procurement

* Knowledge of Total Cost of Ownership (TCO) concepts and strategic procurement process

* Experience with Coupa or other Procurement/Spend Management platforms

* Ability to act as a change agent who seeks out and advocates for new and innovative solutions to meet business needs

The base pay range for this role is $81,795.00 to $.

The base salary range/hourly rate listed is dependent on job-related, factors such as experience, education, and skills. This position is also eligible for bonus and/or long-term incentive compensation awards.

You may be eligible for the following competitive benefits: medical, dental, vision, life, accident & disability, parental leave, employee assistance program, commuter, paid holidays, paid time off, 401(k) and flight privileges.

United Airlines is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We recruit, employ, train, compensate, and promote without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, gender identity, sexual…