Austin Blacker

About Austin Blacker

Experienced Strategic Sourcing Manager with a strong foundation in supplier management, contract management and process optimization, I bring a track record of delivering strategic solutions and driving impactful results. In my current role, I lead end-to-end supplier operations for HR and Professional Services categories, including strategic planning, contract management, negotiations, and performance management. With an MBA and dual background in Operations Management and Information Systems, I bring a data-driven approach to sourcing and supplier relationship management. Passionate about driving efficiency and creating value, I work collaboratively with stakeholders at all levels of the company to streamline processes, optimize resources, and support organizational growth.

Experience

1. Senior Strategic Sourcing Manager

   Boeing

   Oct 2022 — Present · Seattle, WA, US

   Strategic Sourcing Manager supporting HR & Professional Services.• Leads the formulation and management of a comprehensive service line sourcing strategy, ensuring optimal alignment with the overarching organizational strategies, goals, and objectives• Demonstrates strong leadership in overseeing and driving sourcing projects across the organization, building robust partnerships with corporate stakeholders across the enterprise, all while fostering synergistic outcomes that maximize cost-efficiencies, mitigate risks, and cultivate sustainable value creation• Leads internal business reviews, as well as external quarterly business reviews (QBRs) in conjunction with key suppliers. This entails meticulously evaluating and analyzing various business aspects, driving transparent communication, and nurturing strategic partnerships to drive mutually beneficial outcomes• Collaborates closely with internal stakeholders to develop and refine Statement of Work (SOW) documentation, ensuring development of robust SOWs that capture project requirements and objectives• Provides essential support in coordinating contract and pricing negotiations, working in tandem with key corporate stakeholders from diverse departments such as Supply Chain, Legal, IT, Global Privacy, and Finance• Plays a pivotal role in facilitating contract development, overseeing the deployment of RFx events (RFI, RFP, RFQ), and conducting comprehensive bid/proposal evaluations.• Serves as the team lead and organizational Subject Matter Expert for supplier systems and facility onboarding• Champions the development and implementation of process improvement initiatives aimed at cultivating a streamlined and efficient procurement process• Continuously evaluates existing processes, identifies areas for enhancement, and devises strategies to drive operational efficiency• Manages supplier invoicing, budgeting, and long-term business planning related to supplier spend

Education

• University of Idaho

  Bachelor of Science (B.S.), Operations Management and Information Systems

  2013 — 2017

• Washington State University

  Master of Business Administration - MBA

  2019 — 2021