Strategic Sourcing Principal

At Associated Bank we strive to create an inclusive culture where different perspectives are valued and recognized as strengths critical to our success. If you thrive in an environment where your growth and development are encouraged and supported, then Associated Bank may be the right place for you. Associated Bank requires you to directly represent yourself and your own experiences during the recruiting and hiring process. Associated Bank conducts a thorough background check on all new hires. Associated Bank is seeking a strategic and collaborative procurement leader to drive enterprise-wide sourcing initiatives that deliver measurable business value. In this role, you’ll lead complex negotiations, influence sourcing strategy across multiple spend categories, and partner closely with senior leaders to support organizational goals. This is an opportunity to make a significant impact while helping shape procurement best practices and mentoring sourcing professionals across the organization. Key Accountabilities Lead complex, enterprise-wide strategic sourcing initiatives from category strategy development through supplier selection and contract execution. Develop sourcing strategies that drive cost savings, operational value, and risk mitigation aligned with business priorities. Partner with senior business leaders, Finance, Legal, Risk, and Compliance teams to influence sourcing decisions and achieve optimal outcomes. Negotiate complex commercial agreements, including pricing structures, service levels, contractual terms, and risk provisions. Manage strategic supplier relationships to improve performance, governance, issue resolution, and long-term value delivery. Ensure sourcing activities and supplier agreements comply with procurement policies, regulatory requirements, and internal controls. Mentor and guide sourcing professionals by sharing expertise, negotiation strategies, and procurement best practices. Prepare and present sourcing recommendations, negotiation outcomes, and business cases to executive leadership. Education & Experience Required Bachelor’s degree or equivalent combination of education and experience. 7+ years of experience leading complex strategic sourcing initiatives across multiple spend categories. 7+ years of experience developing sourcing strategies that deliver measurable savings, value optimization, and risk mitigation. 7+ years of experience leading commercial negotiations involving pricing, contracts, service levels, and risk provisions. 7+ years of experience advising senior business stakeholders on sourcing strategy and procurement best practices. 6+ years of experience ensuring sourcing activities comply with enterprise policies, regulatory requirements, and internal controls. 5+ years of experience partnering with Finance to track savings and value realization from sourcing initiatives. 5+ years of experience presenting sourcing strategies and recommendations to senior leadership. Preferred Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Supply Chain Management, Finance, Economics, or a related field. 5+ years of experience leading enterprise-critical sourcing initiatives with significant financial or operational impact. 4+ years of experience working within a mature procurement organization with Strategic Sourcing and Procurement Operations functions. 4+ years of experience mentoring sourcing professionals on negotiations, stakeholder engagement, and sourcing strategy. 3+ years of experience improving procurement policies, governance frameworks, or sourcing processes. 3+ years of experience working in a highly regulated industry such as banking, healthcare, insurance, or financial services. Why You’ll Love Working Here At Associated Bank, you’ll join a collaborative and purpose-driven organization where your expertise directly influences strategic business decisions and enterprise performance. We invest in professional growth, leadership development, and meaningful career opportunities while fostering a culture built on partnership, integrity, and innovation. Apply today to make an impact. We welcome and encourage applications from all qualified parties, including but not limited to people returning to the workforce, people with disabilities, those without a college degree, and veterans or those with military experience. In addition to core traditional benefits, we take pride in offering benefits for every stage of life. Retirement savings including both 401(k) and Pension plans. Paid time off to volunteer in your community. Opportunities to connect with others through our diversity-focused Colleague Resource Groups. Competitive salaries with professional development and advancement opportunities. Bonus benefits including well-being programs and incentives, parental leave, an employee stock purchase plan, military benefits and much more. Personal banking, loan, investment and insurance benefits. Associated Bank serves more than 120 communities throughout Wisconsin, Illinois, Minnesota, and Missouri and we consider our colleagues critical to our continued success. See why our colleagues continually vote us a best place to work in the Midwest. Join our community on Facebook , LinkedIn and X . Compliance Statement Associated Bank is an equal opportunity employer committed to creating a diverse workforce. We support a work environment where colleagues are respected and given the opportunity to perform to their fullest potential. We consider all qualified applicants without regard to race, religion, color, sex, national origin, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability or veteran status, among other factors. Fully complies with all applicable enterprise policies and procedures. Acts in compliance with all applicable laws and regulations as outlined in training materials, including but not limited to Bank Secrecy Act. Responsible for reporting suspicious activity to Financial Intelligence. Responsible to report all customer complaints as prescribed and procedure violations to management or HR. Responsible to report ethical concerns as needed to Associated Bank’s anonymous Ethics Hotline. Associated Bank provides additional assistance throughout the application, interview and hiring process. Please contact [email protected] if you need an accommodation at any time during the process. Associated Banc-Corp participates in the E-Verify Program. E-Verify Notice English or Spanish . Know Your Right to Work English or Spanish . Associated Bank is Pay Transparency compliant. The pay range represents anticipated base pay for this role. Actual pay may vary based on factors including, but not limited to, work location, skills, experience, education, and qualifications for the role. $102,200.00 - $175,200.00 per year