Strategic Supplier Leader

The Strategic Supplier Leader located in Nashville TN, is the Schneider Electric key contact person for the Supplier, managing the strategic relationship with this Supplier.

This person is the "One Voice in front of Supplier" representative.

This position is combined with semiconductor category management, of the interaction between SE and specific suppliers.

Description:


* The Strategic Supplier Leader (SSL) is a cornerstone of Schneider Electric's Modular Data Center (MDC) Procurement organization, serving as the single point of accountability for the end-to-end supplier relationship across Enclosures and turnkey Modular Data Center categories in North America.



* This is not a transactional role.

The SSL operates at the intersection of strategy and execution - acting as Schneider Electric's senior voice in front of strategic suppliers, orchestrating C-level partnerships, driving commercial performance, and unlocking value beyond price.

Reporting directly to the Procurement Director, MDC, this role carries a portfolio exceeding $200M in spend and significant influence over Schneider Electric's ability to scale its Data Center business.



* The ideal candidate brings a rare combination: the operational rigor of a category buyer and the executive presence of a strategic relationship manager.

You are as comfortable leading a supplier business review as you are challenging cost models or negotiating a long-term supply agreement.

Main Responsibilities:


* Serve as Schneider Electric's primary relationship owner for strategic suppliers in the MDC categories - the "One Voice" in front of supplier leadership, including C-suite.



* Lead structured Business Reviews to monitor performance, align roadmaps, and reinforce strategic commitments.



* Define and execute multi-year value proposals with suppliers - covering growth, innovation, outsourcing opportunities, and business expansion across North America.



* Communicate supplier strategy internally across BUs, Operations, and cross-functional stakeholders; act as the connective tissue between external partners and internal teams.



* Manage escalations and act as point of resolution for critical supply issues that require senior-level intervention.

Commercial Negotiation & Category Execution



* Lead and close complex negotiations - MSAs, LTSAs, pricing frameworks - balancing cost competitiveness with long-term partnership quality.



* Coordinate and oversee RFQ processes executed by category buyers / tendering team for suppliers in scope; validate business awards in alignment with Category Manager.



* Drive cost transparency through rigorous cost modeling; challenge specifications and influence make/buy decisions in collaboration with Engineering and Finance.



* Ensure accurate, timely management of commercial parameters (payment terms, Incoterms, currency) in ERP systems.

Productivity & Value Creation



* Build and actively manage a produ...