Joe O’Brien is an accomplished IT Procurement Lead with over 15 years of experience in procurement, supply chain management, and digital transformation. His expertise spans a diverse range of industries, with a particular focus on SaaS procurement, stakeholder management, and cost reduction strategies. With a proven track record of successfully managing IT commodities and delivering impactful cost-saving initiatives, Joe has consistently demonstrated his ability to lead complex sourcing processes and drive business growth. He is especially passionate about contributing to startups and mid-cap companies and helping them scale through strategic procurement and relationship-building efforts.
Throughout his career, Joe has earned a reputation for his expertise in strategic sourcing, stakeholder management, and his ability to navigate the dynamic landscapes of procurement, negotiation, and supplier management. He has a keen eye for identifying industry trends and utilizing this insight to make informed purchasing decisions that optimize procurement outcomes. Joe is also adept at enhancing the internal customer experience, ensuring that procurement strategies align with and support organizational needs. His work is underpinned by a strong foundation in cost control, supplier evaluation, and contract management, which allows him to secure favorable pricing and quality over multi-year contracts.
Joe currently serves as an IT Procurement Lead at Textron Inc., one of the world’s best known multi-industry industrial conglomerates. In this role, he is responsible for managing IT commodities, including IT Legal, IT Finance, IT Human Resources, IT Marketing, eCommerce, and Telecommunications, overseeing an average spend of $35 million per commodity. Joe’s leadership in managing the entire sourcing process has resulted in an impressive cost savings and cost avoidance, amounting to an approximate $8 million reduction. His strategic procurement decisions have led to the formation of long-term relationships with key suppliers and internal stakeholders, facilitating seamless collaboration and achieving organizational goals. Additionally, Joe has led the largest HR initiative across the enterprise in the past 25 years, further solidifying his position as a trusted leader within the organization.
Before joining Textron, Joe worked at Meritrust Credit Union, where he held several roles, including Branch Manager and Assistant Branch Manager. In these positions, Joe demonstrated his prowess in business development, team optimization, and customer relationship management. Notably, he played a pivotal role in opening a new branch in a new market, driving growth and increasing the customer base. Joe’s success was driven by his ability to engage with customers through consultative selling techniques and his keen focus on operational efficiency. He utilized data analytics tools, including Medallia and Tableau, to monitor performance metrics, track key business indicators, and ensure continuous improvement.
Joe’s commitment to excellence is evident in his ongoing professional development. He holds a Master of Science in Management Science & Supply Chain Management from Wichita State University, in addition to a Bachelor of Arts in Finance. He has also passed examinations for Certified Professional in Supply Management and Certified Professional in Supplier Diversity in 2022 and 2023, respectively, from the Institute for Supply Management. These accomplishments reflect his commitment to staying ahead of industry trends and maintaining a high standard of professionalism.
Outside of his work, Joe is actively involved in several board roles and advisory positions. He serves as the VP of Finance for LEAD ERG, where he manages a $170,000 budget and supports the organization’s initiatives through financial oversight and strategic planning. He is also a Board Member for the ISM Wichita Chapter, contributing to the chapter’s strategic direction and growth through committee work, event coordination, and supply management expertise.
Joe’s leadership extends beyond his professional responsibilities, as he is passionate about networking and building relationships with industry leaders and stakeholders. He has helped companies grow and expand, particularly in the U.S., through his work with international organizations, including one based in Germany. His ability to navigate diverse business landscapes and foster strong professional connections has been a driving factor in his career success.
In addition to his professional pursuits, Joe enjoys woodworking, fishing, and smoking meat, which provide him with an opportunity to unwind and explore his creative side. As he continues to build on his legacy in procurement and strategic sourcing, Joe is eager to expand his professional reach through board roles, leveraging his experience to help companies grow, innovate, and achieve their goals.
Joe O’Brien’s unique blend of strategic procurement expertise, cost-saving achievements, and stakeholder relationship management makes him a standout leader in his field. His ability to guide companies through the complexities of procurement and drive sustainable growth positions him as an invaluable asset to any organization seeking to optimize its procurement processes and achieve long-term success.
Character
Joe O’Brien is a dedicated professional with a strong focus on integrity, relationship-building, and a commitment to driving results through ethical leadership.
Knowledge
With over 15 years of experience, Joe has deep expertise in procurement, SaaS, supply chain management, and digital transformation, backed by advanced certifications and a strong educational foundation.
Strategic
Joe excels in strategic sourcing and procurement, consistently delivering cost savings and fostering long-term supplier relationships that contribute to business growth and operational efficiency.
Communication
Joe effectively communicates with stakeholders at all levels, using data-driven insights and clear, transparent strategies to align teams and drive successful outcomes.
