Procurement plays a crucial role in enhancing operational efficiency and driving value creation across organizations. By effectively managing resources and fostering strategic vendor relationships, procurement transcends cost-saving efforts to become a pivotal contributor to business growth and sustainability. Technological advancements, particularly in data analytics and AI, have further strengthened its role, enabling informed decision-making and streamlined processes. Procurement’s focus on resilience, ethics, and alignment with organizational goals is key to navigating today’s competitive global market.
Vivian Wu, Vice President of Global Indirect Procurement at The Estée Lauder Companies Inc., exemplifies leadership that drives innovation and excellence. Under her leadership, the company’s innovative procurement practices continue to set the standard in the beauty industry, leveraging technology and partnerships to create sustainable value across the supply chain.
After completing her MBA, Vivian transitioned into sourcing and procurement field with a Miami-based cosmetics company, where she helped optimize supply chains and source cost-effective materials from China. Despite lacking formal experience, she excelled in connecting with people and solving complex challenges. This role served as an excellent starting point for her career. As VP of Global Indirect Procurement at The Estée Lauder Companies, Vivian finds driving organizational change most fulfilling and challenging. Her team focuses on enhancing indirect spending governance, fostering innovation through collaboration with cutting-edge suppliers, and supporting company-wide strategic objectives, which are central to company’s growth and success.
Recently, she has received inquiries from interns and college students interested in pursuing a career in global strategic sourcing. While procurement wasn’t initially a college major, it has evolved into a specialized field. Global strategic sourcing is a blend of science and art, requiring expertise in supply chain management, data analytics, and problem-solving, while staying adaptable to new technologies and sustainability trends. Success in this field also demands strong communication skills, cross-cultural collaboration, and vendor relationship management. For those curious, with a passion for numbers and global interaction, global strategic sourcing offers an exciting and rewarding career path.
Recognized by CIOLook as one of the Most Dynamic VPs of Procurement Catalysts for Innovation and Growth 2025, Vivian Wu’s leadership at The Estée Lauder Companies demonstrates innovation, collaboration, and a commitment to excellence which are essential to navigating the complexities of today’s global market.
