Vice President, Sourcing and Procurement
About the role
About Four Seasons:
Four Seasons is powered by our people. We are a collective of individuals who crave to become better, to push ourselves to new heights and to treat each other as we wish to be treated in return. Our team members around the world create amazing experiences for our guests, residents, and partners through a commitment to luxury with genuine heart. We know that the best way to enable our people to deliver these exceptional guest experiences is through a world-class employee experience and company culture.
At Four Seasons, we believe in recognizing a familiar face, welcoming a new one and treating everyone we meet the way we would want to be treated ourselves. Whether you work with us, stay with us, live with us or discover with us, we believe our purpose is to create impressions that will stay with you for a lifetime. It comes from our belief that life is richer when we truly connect to the people and the world around us.
About the location:
Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts is a global, luxury hotel management company. We manage over 120 hotels and resorts and 50 private residences in 47 countries around the world and growing. Central to Four Seasons employee experience and social impact programming is the company’s commitment to supporting cancer research, and the advancement of diversity, inclusion, equality and belonging at Four Seasons corporate offices and properties worldwide. At Four Seasons, we are powered by people and our culture enables everything we do.
Vice President, Sourcing and Procurement
The position will continue to design, build, and lead our global procurement function through a period of significant growth and operating model transformation. This executive role will oversee the strategic sourcing, contracting, and supplier management programs across our worldwide portfolio of 133 hotels and resorts and 56 residential properties in major city centers and resort destinations in 47 countries. The role will be responsible for managing annual spend of $2.5+ billion while driving substantial EBITDA benefits and operational excellence.
The Vice President, Sourcing and Procurement will establish the overall direction for the function, implementing innovative processes, technology, policy, and governance structures that support Four Seasons’ continued growth and brand excellence. This role requires a visionary leader with demonstrated critical thinking, business acumen, and collegiality to be viewed as a trusted, credible business partner who adds value across diverse situations in Four Seasons Corporate and Property procurement operations.
Key Activities:
Global Spend Management
- Govern direct and indirect sourcing across all categories and regions
- Manage global supplier portfolio ensuring luxury brand standards
- Execute complex multi-million-dollar sourcing projects and negotiations
- Ensure 85%+ of spend under formal procurement management
Organization & People Leadership
- Define and optimize the global procurement organization structure and enhance organizational maturity across all functions
- Ensure proper empowerment of procurement managers and buyers while managing key roles within the group
- Coordinate needs and issues between Business Units, Procurement Business Partners, and Properties to ensure seamless operations
- Ensure procurement is both represented and influential at leadership level across Four Seasons Corporate and Property operations
- Provide strategic leadership to the group procurement function while building a reputation for critical thinking, business acumen, and collegiality
- Demonstrate true passion for Four Seasons’ mission, vision, and values in all procurement activities and stakeholder interactions
Performance Management & Strategic Planning
- Define and monitor the group procurement performance plan with focus on operational efficiency, cost reduction, high quality, and risk management
- Manage global procurement processes, both tactical and strategic, continuously improving robustness, quality, speed, and cost effectiveness
- Monitor comprehensive KPIs including financial performance, operational efficiency, and strategic objectives achievement
- Work closely with relevant key stakeholders within Business Units to understand their needs and challenges and drive change where needed
- Prepare and manage the procurement budget, including identifying future requirements to achieve Four Seasons procurement and strategic objectives
- Ensure innovation in procurement operations and continuous improvement across all categories and regions
Strategic Sourcing Excellence
- Lead enterprise-wide procurement transformation across people, processes, and technology
- Develop and execute procurement strategy aligned with Four Seasons’ growth objectives
- Execute complex sourcing projects using contemporary methods including e-Auctions, should-cost models, and raw material index agreements
- Define project goals, timelines, roles and responsibilities within a comprehensive project management operating system
- Develop and implement detailed communication plans with stakeholders and end users across all impacted organizations
- Quantify and document results to demonstrate measurable business impact and EBITDA contribution
Supplier Relationship Management
- Manage global supplier portfolio ensuring supply reliability, continuity, price stability, and innovation
- Optimize value, quality, and security of supply through performance measurement and strategic relationship management
- Ensure suppliers perform to contracted obligations and service levels while meeting stakeholder expectations
- Lead supplier performance improvement initiatives and efficient resolution of performance issues
Processes & Tools Management
- Implement and optimize main procurement processes across all categories and regions
- Own and administrate all tools related to procurement activities, ensuring maximum efficiency and user adoption
- Utilize e-Business tools to automate processes and drive reporting efficiencies
- Maintain and continuously improve categorization of global spend cube for optimal spend management
- Drive technology adoption and digital transformation initiatives across the procurement function
Executive Leadership Scope
- C-suite partnership with CEO/COO/CFO on strategic initiatives
- Board-level reporting and investor relations presentations
- Global team leadership of 40+ procurement professionals
What You Bring:
- Bachelor’s degree in engineering or commerce (required)
- MBA from accredited institution (required)
- 25+ years of progressive experience in Sourcing and Procurement, Hospitality, Retail, Operations, Global Supply Chain Management, and/or Consulting
- Global working experience is an asset as well as experience developing and collaborating with GPOs and hospitality supply chain channel partners
- Demonstrated top performance in prior roles with increasing levels of responsibility.
- Proven record managing large and diverse teams and resources in global organizations.
- Experience in Luxury market segment
- Visionary mindset with defined strategic orientation and ability to develop long-term procurement strategies
- Robust analytical and critical thinking skills with experience in should-cost modelling and market analysis
- Advanced knowledge of procurement technology platforms, e-sourcing tools, and analytics capabilities
- Deep expertise in contract negotiation, supplier relationship management, and risk mitigation
- Advanced knowledge of procurement techniques, supplier management, pricing methods, bid process, contract formation and ongoing management.
Key Skills/Who You Are:
- Demonstrated excellence in leading strategic initiatives, driving performance, and producing superior results
- Exceptional change management experience with ability to lead organizational transformation
- Exceptional relationship building skills with ability to interface effectively at all levels of the enterprise
- Recognized expertise as a change agent with entrepreneurial drive and perspective
- Adaptive to fast-paced, constantly changing environments with ability to thrive during rapid growth
- Strong desire for professional growth as role responsibility expands with business growth
- Excellent communication, persuasion, and influencing skills
- Flexible nature and comfortable making decisions in ambiguous situations
- Strong leadership and motivational capabilities with proven ability to develop high-performing teams
- Strong analytical and research skills.
- Good commercial acumen from both strategic and operational perspectives.
- Strong negotiation and contract management skills
- Cross Industry knowledge & experience working within the Hospitality Segment
- Experience with the design and implementation of category planning & savings initiatives
- Proven track record of achieving category savings via sourcing, demand management and / or policy compliance
- Global exposure a requirement
- Demonstrated ability to lead cross-functional teams
- Business fluency in English
Travel:
- Up to 20%
This role will be a Hybrid working model, which will require 3 days per week in the Four Seasons Corporate Office located at 1165 Leslie Street, Toronto, Ontario #LI-Hybrid
Four Seasons is committed to providing employment accommodation in accordance with the Ontario Human Rights Code and the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act. If contacted for an employment opportunity, please advise Human Resources if you require accommodation.
Vice President, Sourcing and Procurement
About the role
About Four Seasons:
Four Seasons is powered by our people. We are a collective of individuals who crave to become better, to push ourselves to new heights and to treat each other as we wish to be treated in return. Our team members around the world create amazing experiences for our guests, residents, and partners through a commitment to luxury with genuine heart. We know that the best way to enable our people to deliver these exceptional guest experiences is through a world-class employee experience and company culture.
At Four Seasons, we believe in recognizing a familiar face, welcoming a new one and treating everyone we meet the way we would want to be treated ourselves. Whether you work with us, stay with us, live with us or discover with us, we believe our purpose is to create impressions that will stay with you for a lifetime. It comes from our belief that life is richer when we truly connect to the people and the world around us.
About the location:
Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts is a global, luxury hotel management company. We manage over 120 hotels and resorts and 50 private residences in 47 countries around the world and growing. Central to Four Seasons employee experience and social impact programming is the company’s commitment to supporting cancer research, and the advancement of diversity, inclusion, equality and belonging at Four Seasons corporate offices and properties worldwide. At Four Seasons, we are powered by people and our culture enables everything we do.
Vice President, Sourcing and Procurement
The position will continue to design, build, and lead our global procurement function through a period of significant growth and operating model transformation. This executive role will oversee the strategic sourcing, contracting, and supplier management programs across our worldwide portfolio of 133 hotels and resorts and 56 residential properties in major city centers and resort destinations in 47 countries. The role will be responsible for managing annual spend of $2.5+ billion while driving substantial EBITDA benefits and operational excellence.
The Vice President, Sourcing and Procurement will establish the overall direction for the function, implementing innovative processes, technology, policy, and governance structures that support Four Seasons’ continued growth and brand excellence. This role requires a visionary leader with demonstrated critical thinking, business acumen, and collegiality to be viewed as a trusted, credible business partner who adds value across diverse situations in Four Seasons Corporate and Property procurement operations.
Key Activities:
Global Spend Management
- Govern direct and indirect sourcing across all categories and regions
- Manage global supplier portfolio ensuring luxury brand standards
- Execute complex multi-million-dollar sourcing projects and negotiations
- Ensure 85%+ of spend under formal procurement management
Organization & People Leadership
- Define and optimize the global procurement organization structure and enhance organizational maturity across all functions
- Ensure proper empowerment of procurement managers and buyers while managing key roles within the group
- Coordinate needs and issues between Business Units, Procurement Business Partners, and Properties to ensure seamless operations
- Ensure procurement is both represented and influential at leadership level across Four Seasons Corporate and Property operations
- Provide strategic leadership to the group procurement function while building a reputation for critical thinking, business acumen, and collegiality
- Demonstrate true passion for Four Seasons’ mission, vision, and values in all procurement activities and stakeholder interactions
Performance Management & Strategic Planning
- Define and monitor the group procurement performance plan with focus on operational efficiency, cost reduction, high quality, and risk management
- Manage global procurement processes, both tactical and strategic, continuously improving robustness, quality, speed, and cost effectiveness
- Monitor comprehensive KPIs including financial performance, operational efficiency, and strategic objectives achievement
- Work closely with relevant key stakeholders within Business Units to understand their needs and challenges and drive change where needed
- Prepare and manage the procurement budget, including identifying future requirements to achieve Four Seasons procurement and strategic objectives
- Ensure innovation in procurement operations and continuous improvement across all categories and regions
Strategic Sourcing Excellence
- Lead enterprise-wide procurement transformation across people, processes, and technology
- Develop and execute procurement strategy aligned with Four Seasons’ growth objectives
- Execute complex sourcing projects using contemporary methods including e-Auctions, should-cost models, and raw material index agreements
- Define project goals, timelines, roles and responsibilities within a comprehensive project management operating system
- Develop and implement detailed communication plans with stakeholders and end users across all impacted organizations
- Quantify and document results to demonstrate measurable business impact and EBITDA contribution
Supplier Relationship Management
- Manage global supplier portfolio ensuring supply reliability, continuity, price stability, and innovation
- Optimize value, quality, and security of supply through performance measurement and strategic relationship management
- Ensure suppliers perform to contracted obligations and service levels while meeting stakeholder expectations
- Lead supplier performance improvement initiatives and efficient resolution of performance issues
Processes & Tools Management
- Implement and optimize main procurement processes across all categories and regions
- Own and administrate all tools related to procurement activities, ensuring maximum efficiency and user adoption
- Utilize e-Business tools to automate processes and drive reporting efficiencies
- Maintain and continuously improve categorization of global spend cube for optimal spend management
- Drive technology adoption and digital transformation initiatives across the procurement function
Executive Leadership Scope
- C-suite partnership with CEO/COO/CFO on strategic initiatives
- Board-level reporting and investor relations presentations
- Global team leadership of 40+ procurement professionals
What You Bring:
- Bachelor’s degree in engineering or commerce (required)
- MBA from accredited institution (required)
- 25+ years of progressive experience in Sourcing and Procurement, Hospitality, Retail, Operations, Global Supply Chain Management, and/or Consulting
- Global working experience is an asset as well as experience developing and collaborating with GPOs and hospitality supply chain channel partners
- Demonstrated top performance in prior roles with increasing levels of responsibility.
- Proven record managing large and diverse teams and resources in global organizations.
- Experience in Luxury market segment
- Visionary mindset with defined strategic orientation and ability to develop long-term procurement strategies
- Robust analytical and critical thinking skills with experience in should-cost modelling and market analysis
- Advanced knowledge of procurement technology platforms, e-sourcing tools, and analytics capabilities
- Deep expertise in contract negotiation, supplier relationship management, and risk mitigation
- Advanced knowledge of procurement techniques, supplier management, pricing methods, bid process, contract formation and ongoing management.
Key Skills/Who You Are:
- Demonstrated excellence in leading strategic initiatives, driving performance, and producing superior results
- Exceptional change management experience with ability to lead organizational transformation
- Exceptional relationship building skills with ability to interface effectively at all levels of the enterprise
- Recognized expertise as a change agent with entrepreneurial drive and perspective
- Adaptive to fast-paced, constantly changing environments with ability to thrive during rapid growth
- Strong desire for professional growth as role responsibility expands with business growth
- Excellent communication, persuasion, and influencing skills
- Flexible nature and comfortable making decisions in ambiguous situations
- Strong leadership and motivational capabilities with proven ability to develop high-performing teams
- Strong analytical and research skills.
- Good commercial acumen from both strategic and operational perspectives.
- Strong negotiation and contract management skills
- Cross Industry knowledge & experience working within the Hospitality Segment
- Experience with the design and implementation of category planning & savings initiatives
- Proven track record of achieving category savings via sourcing, demand management and / or policy compliance
- Global exposure a requirement
- Demonstrated ability to lead cross-functional teams
- Business fluency in English
Travel:
- Up to 20%
This role will be a Hybrid working model, which will require 3 days per week in the Four Seasons Corporate Office located at 1165 Leslie Street, Toronto, Ontario #LI-Hybrid
Four Seasons is committed to providing employment accommodation in accordance with the Ontario Human Rights Code and the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act. If contacted for an employment opportunity, please advise Human Resources if you require accommodation.