Kavitha Srinivasan
Category Sourcing Manager @ Cisco | Process Excellence | Cost Optimization | Green Procurement | Technology Integration | Global Procurement & Supply Chain Management | Operations | Team Leadership | Agile & SAFe
- Role
- Category Sourcing Manager at Cisco
- Location
- Bengaluru, KA, IN
- LinkedIn followers
- 500 followers
About Kavitha Srinivasan
As a strategic leader at the intersection of procurement innovation and sustainability, I’ve spent 20+ years transforming how global organizations optimize spend, elevate compliance, and digitize supply chains. My journey began with a belief: excellence in procurement isn’t just about savings—it’s about resilience, agility, and sustainability. i am visionary leader bridging that vision, delivering impact across industries through data-driven strategies and agile systems.Here’s what drives me:Process Excellence• At Cisco, spearheaded 5+ process excellence projects in the travel category—achieving 20% cost-effectiveness and enhancing stakeholder satisfaction.• At Nokia Siemens, led change across 5+ system upgrades, enabling seamless transitions with zero disruption.Cost Optimization• Orchestrated $10M+ in travel cost savings through supplier negotiations, strategic sourcing, and automated reconciliation systems.• At IBM, delivered 15–20% cost reductions by optimizing inventory and vendor performance across 8+ projects.Sustainability & Green Procurement• Embedded green procurement principles at Cisco—ensuring 100% of travel decisions factored in environmental impact.• Reduced carbon footprint by 30% at Nokia Siemens through sustainability-focused sourcing.Technology-Driven Procurement• Implemented 3 e-procurement systems at IBM, improving compliance by 25%.• At Cisco, rolled out a travel tech platform simplifying bookings for users, cutting processing time by 40%.Global Sourcing & Stakeholder Impact• Managed vendor relationships with 50+ global hotel partners, securing 18% cost savings.• Enabled seamless procurement for 20+ critical operations at Nokia Siemens, reducing stockouts by 30%.Beyond the KPIsI’m passionate about using procurement as a catalyst for innovation and impact. From leading agile procurement transformations to advocating for responsible sourcing, I believe digital tools and human collaboration are key to building resilient supply chains. My latest focus? Empowering procurement teams with automation and sustainability intelligence—because future-ready supply chains start today.Let’s connect if you’re driven by:• Building sustainable, data-led procurement systems• Unlocking value through process excellence• Future-proofing supply chains with digital innovationP.S. Wondering how green procurement drives both impact and savings? Let’s chat! Do reach me out at: s••••••••@gmail.com
Experience
Category Sourcing Manager
Aug 2020 — Present
As the Category Sourcing Manager for travel at Cisco, I am focused on optimizing travel operations through process excellence and cost-efficiency initiatives. My role involves ensuring strict compliance with corporate travel policies to mitigate risks and developing cost-saving strategies in collaboration with cross-functional teams. I lead and mentor teams to enhance travel operations, continuously monitor trends, and provide insights for strategic travel planning. Aligning travel solutions with business objectives, stakeholder needs, and driving sustainability through responsible travel practices are key aspects of my responsibilities. Achievements: • Achieved $6.5M+ in annual cost savings through strategic supplier negotiations and optimized travel policy enforcement. • Directed the successful global expansion of Cisco’s hotel network, increasing preferred properties by 30% while maintaining cost efficiency. • Led the automation of travel booking and mobile solutions, reducing processing time by 40% and enhancing user experience. • Strengthened compliance, achieving 98% adherence to corporate travel policies through enhanced governance and policy enforcement. • Implemented real-time travel data analytics, leading to a 20% improvement in cost forecasting and decision-making accuracy. • Successfully integrated SAFe Agile methodologies, enhancing travel program adaptability and responsiveness to market shifts. • Spearheaded a cross-functional initiative to optimize vendor partnerships, resulting in a 30% increase in service efficiency. • Effectively managed global travel disruptions, ensuring business continuity and cost control during volatile market conditions. • Developed and launched a travel risk management framework, ensuring seamless business continuity and traveler safety.• Championed sustainability-focused travel programs, reducing carbon footprint by 20% through eco-friendly travel initiatives.
Education
Institute of Cost Accountants of India
Professional, Costing, taxation, Management, Finance
2000 — 2008
Institute of Cost Accountants of India
Bachelor's degree, Accounting and Finance
Bangalore University
Bachelor degree, commerce
1997 — 2000
New Horizon College of Education 100 Ft. Road, H.A.L II Stage, Indiranagar, Bangalore-08(PA)
+2, B,com, ICWA, commerce and management
1993 — 2000
Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE)
Bachelor of Commerce - BCom, Accounting and Finance
Symbiosis Institute of Management Studies
Corporate - MBA, Finance
2005 — 2007
PGDHRM IIMT (Indian Institute of Management & technology)
Human resource management, Human Resources Management and Services
2004 — 2005
Find verified contacts for anyone on LinkedIn
Unifers gives sales teams verified emails and direct dials, enriched profiles, and outreach that lands in the inbox.
Free plan included · No credit card required
This profile is compiled from publicly available professional sources. Unifers is not affiliated with or endorsed by LinkedIn. Request removal of this profile.