Yash Kumar

About Yash Kumar

Strategic Sourcing & Procurement Leader with 20+ years of experience driving value across global technology and services categories. Currently serving as a Technology Strategic Sourcing Professional at IBM, with deep expertise in supplier strategy, category management, and complex procurement operations.I specialize in Telecom, Colocation, Facilities Services, MarCom, and Hardware Maintenance, supporting global and multi‑country sourcing initiatives. My work focuses on cost optimization, supplier performance, risk mitigation, and long‑term value creation, aligned closely with business and stakeholder priorities.At IBM, I lead strategic procurement and supplier integration initiatives, including the successful onboarding and integration of SoftLayer suppliers across multiple countries as part of global M&A programs. I collaborate extensively with cross‑functional teams to ensure governance, compliance, operational efficiency, and continuity of supply.Known for a data‑driven and problem‑solving approach, I combine analytical rigor with strong commercial judgment to uncover opportunities, resolve complex sourcing challenges, and build trusted, high‑performing supplier partnerships that support enterprise objectives.

Experience

1. Technology Strategic Sourcing Professional (Telecom and Colocation)

   IBM

   Dec 2021 — Present · Bengaluru, IN

   Managed the integration of SoftLayer suppliers into IBM during the merger and acquisition process across multiple countries. • Collaborated with various teams including Legal, Tax, and Finance to ensure compliance and alignment with IBM processes. • Established strong relationships with key Telecom and Network suppliers, serving as the primary procurement contact for Cloud IaaS.

Education

• Sambalpur University

  B.COM, Accountancy Honours

  1998 — 2001

• Manipal Academy of Higher Education

  MBA, Finance

  2002 — 2004

Skills

• Negotiation
• Esourcing
• Management
• Procure-to-Pay
• Supply Management
• Strategy
• Materials Management
• Purchasing
• Supply Chain Management
• Strategic Sourcing
• Outsourcing
• Procurement
• Analysis
• Sap
• Spend Analysis
• Contract Management
• Supply Chain
• Supplier Development
• Sourcing
• Vendor Management
• Global Sourcing
• E-Procurement
• Supplier Evaluation
• Leadership
• Six Sigma
• Supplier Negotiation
• Business Process