**Introduction** Are you ready to unleash your strategic prowess and to help revolutionize the way IBM sources our goods and services? We're seeking a dynamic, visionary Strategic Sourcing Professional to join our team and to help take procurement strategies to new heights! **Your role and responsibilities** Role Overview: As our Strategic Sourcing Buyer, you will be play a critical role in optimizing our procurement processes, forging robust supplier relationships, and ensuring top-notch quality and value for our organization. Your mission? To strategically source materials and services essential to IBM’s growth while championing efficiency, innovation, and sustainability. ◆◆◆　Key Responsibilities　◆◆◆: -Strategic Visionary: Develop and execute cutting-edge sourcing strategies aligned with our organizational goals and market trends. Your keen insight will anticipate shifts in the market, enabling us to stay ahead of the curve. - Supplier Partnerships: Cultivate and nurture strategic partnerships with suppliers, negotiating contracts and agreements that optimize value, quality, and reliability. You'll be the bridge between us and our suppliers, fostering collaboration and innovation. - Cost Optimization: Drive cost-saving initiatives without compromising quality or service. Your analytical prowess will identify opportunities for cost reduction and efficiency enhancement across the sourcing process. - Innovation Catalyst: Champion innovation within our supply chain, seeking out new technologies, processes, and suppliers that offer competitive advantages. Your creative thinking will fuel our quest for continuous improvement. - Cross-functional Collaboration: Collaborate closely with stakeholders across departments, including finance, operations, and marketing, to align sourcing strategies with business objectives. Your ability to navigate diverse perspectives will drive synergy and alignment. **Required technical and professional expertise** * More than 5 years of experience in procurement operations, or more than 5 years of experience negotiating with external business partners/suppliers in departments such as sales * Strong communication skills in Japanese **Preferred technical and professional experience** * Practical experience or structured knowledge in strategic sourcing within the procurement function * Negotiation experience and skills with external suppliers * Contract negotiation experience with suppliers in both Japanese and English * Knowledge and practical experience in relevant laws and regulations * Project management experience, especially in Agile methodologies * Knowledge of the IT industry and related products * Skills in analyzing purchase and spend data IBM is committed to creating a diverse environment and is proud to be an equal-opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, caste, genetics, pregnancy, disability, neurodivergence, age, veteran status, or other characteristics. IBM is also committed to compliance with all fair employment practices regarding citizenship and immigration status.