Japan Technology Procurement Lead - Associate Director

The opportunity 

The purpose of the global EY organization is to build a better working world. The insights and services we provide help drive long-term value for clients, people, and society, and build trust in the capital markets. An essential function under EY Core Business Services (CBS), Supply Chain Services (SCS) is a global team of over 600 professionals in more than 35 countries, supporting the EY organization worldwide. This structure enables knowledge-sharing across categories and regions, streamlining efforts to seek innovative suppliers that can provide exceptional client service and maximize SCS’s value for the EY organization and the global supply chain.

A key component of SCS is Global Procurement, whose purpose is to drive significant synergies and value creation from sourcing to contract lifecycle management, deliver exceptional client experiences and build more vital collaboration to manage Technology, Talent, Alliances and Brand, Marketing and Communications (BMC) spend categories. We forge meaningful supplier relationships and strengthen supplier resilience to help EY maximize long-term value for its people, clients and communities.

Your key responsibilities 

• Act as a trusted business advisor to regional EY leaders and stakeholders, ensuring SCS initiatives align with business priorities.
• Manage the Technology category in collaboration with senior stakeholders and the Global Procurement team.
• Develop and execute sourcing and negotiation strategies for the Technology category in compliance with Procurement policies, delivering measurable value through cost savings and cost avoidance, spend consolidation, supplier rationalization and contract value realization.
• Mitigate contractual risks by working closely with Legal (GCO), Risk Management, and other SCS team members.
• Lead and manage complex transactions, partnering with senior stakeholders to achieve successful outcomes while ensuring alignment with global processes and standards, incorporating simplification and localization where appropriate.
• Oversee supplier relationships to maximize value for EY, ensuring adherence to EY policies and managing the full contract lifecycle, including proactive negotiations.
• Socialize Procurement policies and processes, ensuring project teams and stakeholders understand the value of the policy and adhere accordingly.
• Maintain market intelligence on key suppliers and subcategories within Technology, leveraging research and industry insights.
• Build and sustain strong relationships with regional leadership and key business stakeholders, providing regular updates on category strategies and progress.
• Manage regional team members, including contractors, to balance workload and foster a high-performing team culture.

Skills and attributes for success

• To qualify for the role, you must have 
  
  • 10+ years of procurement experience in Technology and Data Services categories, including leadership in Indirect Procurement.
  • Bachelor’s degree in Business or related discipline (advanced degree preferred).
  • Proven track record in high-performance, collaborative environments and global teams.
  • Strong knowledge of Source-to-Pay (S2P) processes, including online Rfx and e-Auctions.
  • Native Japanese and advanced English proficiency, capable of leading discussions independently.
  • Ability to work virtually and autonomously across regional and global teams; strong team player.
  • Excellent organizational skills with ability to manage and prioritize workload independently.
  • Positive attitude with adaptability, and strong appetite for change and continuous learning.
  • Ability to align efforts with key stakeholders, influence senior leaders, and demonstrate a global mindset.
  • Strong negotiation and influencing skills, supporting leadership in driving alignment with senior stakeholders.
  • Capability to drive change by building strong, trusting relationships with senior stakeholders and business partners.
• Ideally, you’ll also have 
  
  • CPM (US), CIPS (UK) or similar Procurement certification is welcomed but not essential.
  • Good knowledge of IT suppliers and emerging technologies.
  • Experience working in an IT role as part of delivering technology solutions is a plus.

What we look for

Successful team members are high energy individuals with experience working in a truly global, culturally diverse organization where change is embraced. Relationship building is key and excellent oral, written and communications skills in both Japanese and English is necessary to deliver Exceptional Client Service to our stakeholders.