Senior Manager, Procurement Operations

About the Role

As a key member of the Procurement Operations team, the Senior Manager will work closely with cross-functional teams, including Finance, Legal, Security, and Accounting, to ensure seamless and compliant procurement processes. The team is responsible for supporting the operational flow of purchasing across Openai, helping teams turn business needs into complete, policy-aligned, and executable procurement activity.

The Senior Manager will focus on either Technology categories or Corporate Services categories, and will be expected to review requests in the system, make or guide request and PO updates, resolve operational issues, and use that firsthand view to identify what needs to change.

What You Will Do

• Manage the operational backbone of procurement processes, including purchasing requests, approvals, and financial handoffs
• Identify areas for improvement and implement changes to increase efficiency and reduce friction
• Work closely with cross-functional teams to ensure seamless and compliant procurement processes
• Review requests in the system, make or guide request and PO updates, and resolve operational issues
• Use data, AI-enabled tools, automation, and strong judgment to reduce friction and improve compliance and speed
• Oversee and improve operating effectiveness across existing controls and lifecycle processes
• Help improve procurement outcomes across intake, purchase requests, PO quality, supplier coordination, approval workflows, documentation, service delivery, and downstream financial handoffs
• Develop and maintain strong relationships with stakeholders, including suppliers, business teams, and other functional teams
• Stay up-to-date with industry trends and best practices in procurement operations and apply that knowledge to improve processes and outcomes
• Collaborate with the Procurement Operations team to develop and implement process improvements and new initiatives

What We Are Looking For

• 7+ years of procurement operations, P2P, sourcing operations, finance operations, supply chain operations, business operations, or related experience in a fast-moving environment
• High AI fluency, with demonstrated ability to use AI tools to improve how work gets done, reduce manual effort, strengthen analysis, improve documentation, and create scalable operating leverage
• Experience leading cross-functional operational programs with measurable improvements in service quality, operating effectiveness, cycle time, compliance, or stakeholder experience
• Advanced procurement operations judgment and the ability to independently resolve complex tasks while knowing when to seek guidance on higher-risk issues
• Strong understanding of how procurement decisions affect downstream financial outcomes, supplier experience, accounting accuracy, invoice readiness, commitment visibility, and business velocity
• Strong systems orientation, with experience using procurement, ERP, intake, ticketing, supplier, or workflow tools such as Zip, Oracle, Coupa, SAP, NetSuite, Jira, ServiceNow, or similar platforms
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to analyze complex data sets and develop creative solutions
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to build strong relationships with stakeholders and effectively communicate complex ideas

Nice to Have

• Experience working in a rapidly scaling organization, with a strong understanding of the challenges and opportunities that come with rapid growth
• Knowledge of machine learning or deep learning concepts and their application in procurement operations
• Experience with Agile methodologies and iterative development practices
• Certification in procurement or a related field, such as CPO or CPSM

Benefits and Perks

• Competitive salary and benefits package
• Opportunity to work with a cutting-edge AI company and contribute to the development of innovative procurement operations
• Collaborative and dynamic work environment with a team of experienced professionals
• Flexible work arrangements, including remote work options
• Professional development opportunities, including training and education programs
• Access to the latest procurement and AI technologies
• Recognition and reward programs for outstanding performance
• Comprehensive health and wellness programs, including mental health support and employee assistance programs
• Generous paid time off and holiday schedule

• When applying for this role, be sure to highlight your experience with AI-enabled tools and your ability to think critically and strategically.
• Use specific examples to demonstrate your understanding of procurement operations and your ability to analyze complex data sets and develop creative solutions.
• Be prepared to discuss your experience working with cross-functional teams and your ability to build strong relationships with stakeholders.
• Show a willingness to learn and adapt to new technologies and processes, as the procurement operations landscape is constantly evolving.
• Consider creating a portfolio or examples of your work to demonstrate your skills and experience in procurement operations.
• Research Openai's company culture and values, and be prepared to discuss how your own values and work style align with theirs.