Norah Muenkel serves as the Senior Director of Sourcing & Procurement at Northwestern Mutual, where she leverages her extensive 20 years of cross-functional experience to drive strategic initiatives across the organization. With a robust background in global sourcing, direct and indirect procurement, and third-party risk...
Norah Muenkel serves as the Senior Director of Sourcing & Procurement at Northwestern Mutual, where she leverages her extensive 20 years of cross-functional experience to drive strategic initiatives across the organization. With a robust background in global sourcing, direct and indirect procurement, and third-party risk management, Norah has established herself as a pivotal figure in enhancing the efficiency and effectiveness of the procurement process. Her expertise spans diverse industries, including fast-moving consumer products, high-tech, and business services, allowing her to bring a multifaceted perspective to her role.
At Northwestern Mutual, Norah is responsible for creating and leading a multidisciplinary team dedicated to transformational work across the Procure-to-Pay (P2P) lifecycle. This includes comprehensive supplier due diligence and ensuring timely supplier payments, which are critical for maintaining strong supplier relationships and operational continuity. One of her key achievements has been the development of an enterprise Third Party Risk Management program, which integrates risk-aware practices into supplier management. This initiative not only mitigates potential risks but also enhances the overall quality of supplier partnerships.
Norah’s strategic planning and problem-solving skills are complemented by her proficiency in contract management, demand planning, and business process improvement. By fostering cross-functional team leadership, she ensures that procurement strategies align with broader organizational goals, driving value and innovation. Her commitment to excellence in supply chain management and her ability to forecast and manage resources effectively make her an invaluable asset to Northwestern Mutual and the industry at large.