Sr. Associate Manager, Strategic Sourcing and Partnerships Location Irvine, CA : Who is Taco Bell? Taco Bell was born and raised in California and has been around since 1962. We went from selling everyone's favorite Crunchy Tacos on the West Coast to a global brand with 8,200+ restaurants, 350 franchise organizations, that serve 42+ million fans each week around the globe. We're not only the largest Mexican-inspired quick service brand (QSR) in the world, we're also part of the biggest restaurant group in the world: Yum! Brands.
Much of our fan love and authentic connection with our communities are rooted in being rebels with a cause. From ensuring we use high quality, sustainable ingredients to elevating restaurant technology in ways that hasn't been done before… we will continue to be inclusive, bold, challenge the status quo and push industry boundaries.
We're a company that celebrates and advocates for different, has bold self-expression, strives for a better future, and brings the fun while we're at it. We fuel our culture with real people who bring unique experiences. We inspire and enable our teams and the world to Live Más.
At Taco Bell, we're Cultural Rebels. Want to join in on the passion-fueled fun? Learn more about the career below.
About the Job:
The Sr. Associate Manager of Strategic Sourcing is responsible for leading sourcing strategies, supporting supplier negotiations, and overseeing vendor management lifecycle across key spend technology services. This role is critical in evaluating, transitioning, and managing third-party providers to ensure performance, cost efficiency, and service quality. The role requires strong communication and influence with key stakeholders, cross-functional collaboration.
The Day-to-Day:
Manage strategic sourcing for technology services ensuring minimal service disruption from onboarding, transition to steady state.
Oversee the sourcing lifecycle, including RFP creation, vendor evaluation, negotiation, onboarding, and ramp-up.
Monitor and manage Service Level Agreements (SLAs) and Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) to ensure vendor performance.
Conduct governance reviews, and regular performance assessments to drive accountability and continuous improvement.
Act as the escalation point for vendor performance issues, managing resolution and corrective actions.
Ensure service providers align with internal standards, regulatory requirements, and best practices where applicable.
Provide cost analysis, sourcing insights, and budget planning support.
Partner with IT, procurement, legal, compliance, and finance teams to align sourcing and vendor strategies with organizational goals.
Communicate effectively and influence key stakeholders at all levels to ensure alignment, buy-in, and successful execution of sourcing initiatives.
Is This You?
Required:
~ Bachelor's degree in business, Supply Chain, Information Technology, or related field.
~5+ years of progressive experience in Business Analysis, strategic sourcing and external partner management.
~ Experience in managing governance structures in an IT field.
~ Proven ability to build strong partnerships with external vendors and drive value through collaborative relationships.
~ Strong contract negotiation skills, with the ability to lead complex vendor relationships and drive value.
~ Deep understanding of SLA structures, performance monitoring, and vendor compliance frameworks.
~ Demonstrated ability to build trust, influence decisions, and align cross-functional teams.
Preferred:
Industry experience with CPSM, ITIL, CIPS.
Experience in enterprise, regulated, or global business environments.
Competencies:
Strategic partnership management with external vendors
Excel in a franchised environment
ISO and regulatory awareness
SLA/KPI oversight
Transition and change leadership
Strong communication and stakeholder influence
Analytical and cost modeling skills
Discretion and sound judgment in vendor and business decisions
Adaptability and resilience, with the ability to navigate ambiguity, shifting priorities, and rapid change in a fast-paced IT environment
Work-Hard, Play-Hard:
~ Hybrid work schedule and year-round flex day Friday
~ Onsite childcare through Bright Horizons
~ Onsite dining center and game room (yes, there is a Taco Bell inside the building)
~ Onsite dry cleaning, laundry services, carwash,
~ Onsite gym with fitness classes and personal trainer sessions
~ Up to 4 weeks of vacation per year plus holidays and time off for volunteering
~ Generous parental leave for all new parents and adoption assistance program
~401(k) with a 6% matching contribution from Yum! Brands with immediate vesting
~ Comprehensive medical & dental including prescription drug benefits and 100% preventive care
~ Discounts, free food, swag and… honestly, too many good benefits to name
Salary Range: $108,000 to $130,000 annually + bonus eligibility + equity (if applicable) + benefits
The above represents the expected salary range for this job requisition. Ultimately, in determining your pay, we'll consider your location, experience, and other job-related factors.
At Taco Bell, we Live M á s and invite you to do the same. Take a seat at our table. Bring your voice. Bring you, just as you are, a Cultural Rebel. We want you to be your best self!
Taco Bell is proud to be an equal opportunity employer and is committed to equity, inclusion, and belonging for all dimensions of diversity. We do not discriminate based on race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran status, disability status, age, or any other protected characteristic.
Taco Bell is committed to working with and providing reasonable accommodation to applicants with disabilities or special needs.
Employment eligibility to work with Taco Bell in the U.S. is required as the company will not pursue visa sponsorship for this position.
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