Thais Nakamura de Paula

About Thais Nakamura de Paula

For more than 18 years, I’ve built my career around transforming how organizations source, negotiate, and manage strategic supplier partnerships. My experience spans IT, indirect materials, services, media, marketing, events, insurance, and high-value outsourced solutions—often involving complex, multi-stakeholder negotiations.I’m known for navigating sophisticated contractual landscapes, including insurance and other risk-sensitive agreements, while securing long-term value, mitigating exposure, and optimizing total cost of ownership. I bring a strategic mindset to developing supplier ecosystems, executing data-driven category strategies, and leading end-to-end RFP processes powered by e-sourcing and advanced analytical tools.Led high-performing sourcing professionals, fostering a culture of accountability, collaboration, and continuous improvement. I thrive in cross-functional environments where strong stakeholder engagement, clear communication, and strategic insight are essential to driving impact.Managing annual budgets exceeding $600 million, guiding sourcing and negotiation strategies that align with enterprise priorities and deliver measurable, sustainable results. My focus is consistent: build resilient supply strategies, elevate supplier performance, and create long-term value that fuels operational excellence and business growth.

Experience

1. Sr Director Global Sourcing

   Visa

   Jul 2023 — Present · Miami, FL, US

   As Sr. Director leading Sourcing for Visa’s LAC region, I oversee strategic procurement, supplier management, and commercial governance supporting both the Marketing and Product organizations. I drive sourcing strategy across the region to ensure Visa’s investments are optimized, compliant, and aligned with business priorities, enabling faster execution, stronger supplier partnerships, and more impactful outcomes for clients and consumers.Key responsibilities and leadership scope:• Leading the sourcing strategy for Marketing and Product categories across LAC, including creative, media, events, sponsorships, research, technology, platforms, and innovation‑related spend.• Overseeing end‑to‑end procurement processes, from RFP development to contract negotiation, vendor onboarding, and performance management.• Partnering with senior leaders in Marketing and Product to understand business goals, translate needs into sourcing strategies, and accelerate time‑to‑market for high‑visibility initiatives.• Managing supplier performance and relationships to ensure delivery excellence, risk mitigation, and continuous innovation.• Ensuring compliance with Visa’s global sourcing policies, commercial guidelines, risk frameworks, and financial controls.• Driving regional cost optimization initiatives, delivering measurable value while supporting agility and creativity.• Providing strategic guidance on market trends, supplier capabilities, and commercial best practices across LAC.• Leading cross‑functional collaboration with Legal, Finance, Global Sourcing, and regional Product & Marketing operations to streamline processes and improve business efficiency.My leadership focuses on building strong business partnerships, enhancing commercial discipline, and designing sourcing strategies that empower Marketing and Product teams to deliver impactful, scalable initiatives across the LAC region.

Education

• Centro Universitário FMU | FIAM-FAAM

  Bacharel em Administração de Empresas, Business Administration and Management, General

  2000 — 2003

• Fundação Getulio Vargas / FGV

  MBA em Supply Chain e Logística, Logistics, Materials, and Supply Chain Management

  2012 — 2013