Founded in 2015, Shield AI is a venture-backed deep-tech company with the mission of protecting service members and civilians with intelligent systems. Its products include the V-BAT and X-BAT aircraft, Hivemind Enterprise, and the Hivemind Vision product lines. With offices and facilities across the U.S., Europe, the Middle East, and the Asia-Pacific, Shield AI’s technology actively supports operations worldwide. For more information, visit www.shield.ai. Follow Shield AI on LinkedIn, X, Instagram, and YouTube.
The Director of Indirect Procurement is a senior leadership role responsible for defining and executing the enterprise-wide strategy for indirect spend categories, including IT, software, professional services, facilities, travel, marketing, and other non-production goods and services. This role provides strategic direction, governance, and oversight to ensure cost optimization, risk mitigation, supplier performance excellence, and alignment with corporate objectives.
As a key business partner, the Director collaborates closely with executive leadership, Finance, Legal, IT, and functional leaders to influence decision-making, drive value creation, and continuously mature procurement capabilities across the organization.
The Director of Indirect Procurement is a senior leadership role responsible for defining and executing the enterprise-wide strategy for indirect spend categories, including IT, software, professional services, facilities, travel, marketing, and other non-production goods and services. This role provides strategic direction, governance, and oversight to ensure cost optimization, risk mitigation, supplier performance excellence, and alignment with corporate objectives.
As a key business partner, the Director collaborates closely with executive leadership, Finance, Legal, IT, and functional leaders to influence decision-making, drive value creation, and continuously mature procurement capabilities across the organization.
What you'll do:Strategic Sourcing & Category LeadershipOwn and lead the enterprise indirect procurement strategy, aligning category roadmaps with business priorities and long-term growth plansProvide executive oversight for complex, high-value sourcing initiatives across all indirect spend categoriesEstablish and govern category strategies, including demand management, supplier consolidation, and innovation partnershipsSponsor and oversee RFx processes (RFI, RFP, RFQ) for mission-critical goods and servicesLead or approve negotiations for major contracts, including pricing models, SLAs, risk allocation, and long-term agreementsDrive enterprise-level cost savings, cost avoidance, and value realization initiatives
Supplier & Contract GovernanceSet the strategic framework for supplier relationship management, performance management, and risk mitigationBuild and maintain executive-level relationships with key strategic suppliersPartner with Legal and Compliance to oversee contract standards, negotiation strategy, and approval authorityEnsure governance over contract lifecycle management, renewals, and commercial obligationsResolve escalated supplier issues and lead remediation or exit strategies as needed
Executive Stakeholder PartnershipServe as a trusted advisor to senior leaders and executives across the organizationTranslate business strategy into procurement-led solutions that balance cost, risk, speed, and innovationInfluence stakeholders on sourcing decisions, demand planning, and total cost of ownership considerationsChampion procurement best practices, governance, and policy adherence at the leadership level
Procurement Operations & Organizational LeadershipProvide leadership and direction to indirect procurement teams, including coaching, performance management, and capability developmentEstablish scalable procurement operating models, policies, and approval frameworksOversee procurement execution, including requisitions, purchase orders, vendor onboarding, and invoice resolutionEnsure robust documentation, audit readiness, and process discipline across procurement operations
Compliance, Risk & EthicsEnsure enterprise compliance with procurement policies, approval authorities, and internal controlsProvide oversight for SOX, FAR/DFARS, cybersecurity, and regulatory compliance as applicableLead supplier risk management efforts, including financial, operational, cybersecurity, and regulatory riskPromote ethical sourcing, sustainability, and supplier diversity initiatives aligned with corporate values
Reporting, Analytics & Continuous ImprovementDefine and monitor KPIs for spend visibility, savings, supplier performance, and riskPresent procurement performance and insights to executive leadershipSponsor enhancements to procurement systems and tools (ERP, P2P, contract lifecycle management)Lead continuous improvement, automation, and digital transformation initiatives across procurementContribute to enterprise governance, policy development, and long-range procurement planningRequired qualifications:Bachelor’s degree in Business, Supply Chain, Finance, or a related field (MBA or advanced degree preferred)10+ years of progressive experience in indirect procurement, strategic sourcing, or supply chain leadershipDemonstrated experience leading enterprise-level indirect spend categories (IT, software, professional services, facilities, etc.)Proven track record of developing and executing procurement strategies at scaleExecutive-level negotiation and contract management expertiseStrong understanding of procurement governance, compliance, and risk management frameworksExperience with ERP and P2P platforms (SAP, Oracle, Workday, Coupa, Ariba, or similar)Advanced financial acumen, data analysis, and spend analytics capabilitiesExceptional communication, executive presence, and stakeholder influence skillsDemonstrated people leadership and organizational change management experienceFull-time regular employee offer package:
Pay within range listed + Bonus + Benefits + Equity
Temporary employee offer package:
Pay within range listed above + temporary benefits package (applicable after 60 days of employment)
Salary compensation is influenced by a wide array of factors including but not limited to skill set, level of experience, licenses and certifications, and specific work location. All offers are contingent on a cleared background and possible reference check. Military fellows and part-time employees are not eligible for benefits. Please speak to your talent acquisition representative for more information.
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Shield AI is proud to be an equal opportunity workplace and is an affirmative action employer. We are committed to equal employment opportunity regardless of race, color, ancestry, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, age, marital status, disability, gender identity or Veteran status. If you have a disability or special need that requires accommodation, please let us know.