Following Up: Tiago Cruz ’17, Johnson & Johnson
As global strategy lead, analytics and data science procurement, at Johnson & Johnson, Master of Advanced Management graduate Tiago Cruz ’17 works to build mutually beneficial relationships between his organization and its suppliers.
In this series, we check in with recent Yale SOM alumni to learn how their education has shaped their career paths since graduation.
How have you pursued your aspirations to have impact in your career so far?
Since graduating from SOM, I’ve made some significant transitions. First, I made a double leap, moving from the technology sector to pharmaceuticals and shifting my role from project management to procurement. Then, two years later, I relocated from Brazil to the United States.
Since then, I’ve sought diverse experiences to enhance my capabilities as a procurement professional and business leader. I participated in an organizational transformation program that established our procurement shared services center in Colombia. I’ve also led a global supplier sustainability initiative, and I’m currently serving as the global strategy lead for our analytics and data science initiative.
What’s a lesson from Yale SOM that has helped you on your career path since graduation?
The leadership classes, combined with the MAM capstone project, provided me with valuable exposure and insights, as well as practical experience collaborating with global teams across diverse cultures. This foundational training prepared me for the global role I currently hold.
Have there been unexpected benefits from your SOM education?
I was surprised by the exceptional support provided by the Career Development Office, which helped me navigate the job market and land my first position. The level of support from the SOM community overall—students, faculty, and staff—was also remarkable. This nurturing culture can be traced back to the Yale president during my time at SOM, Peter Salovey, who ensured that cost would not be a barrier for any Yale student. As an international student who received partial scholarships, I greatly benefited from this commitment.
Lastly, having the Yale brand on my résumé has proven to be a significant asset in my career.
What are you passionate about in your work?
I’m passionate about two aspects of my work. First is the commitment we have to putting patients, doctors, and nurses at the center of our efforts. There’s a profound sense of urgency and importance in what we do for patient care. Second, my role in procurement involves managing relationships with key suppliers and designing strategies regarding what we buy, from whom, and at what price. For me, this is not a zero-sum game. It’s essential that we allow our partners to achieve a fair profit. I focus on cultivating mutually beneficial relationships that promote growth for my company and our suppliers. I find it particularly rewarding to navigate these negotiations as someone who understands both sides.
