Associate Director, IT Strategic Sourcing - Resource Management

Washington University in St. Louis•University City, MO

4d•Onsite

About The Position

The Associate Director, IT Strategic Sourcing serves as a subject matter expert for IT vendor strategy, sourcing, and contract governance. This role provides strategic and operational support for IT supplier relationships, software and technology services sourcing, and complex contract negotiations, while partnering closely with distributed IT units, schools, and departments to align vendor decisions with institutional priorities, risk standards, and financial stewardship expectations. The position supports enterprise wide IT vendor governance efforts, develops sourcing strategies, negotiates contracts, and ensures compliance with University policies, regulatory requirements, and industry best practices.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Supply Chain Management, Information Technology, Finance, or a related field.
Five or more years of progressive experience in IT sourcing, vendor management, procurement, or contract management in a complex enterprise, higher education, or corporate environment; OR An equivalent combination of education and experience from which comparable knowledge, skills, and abilities have been acquired.
Analytical Thinking
Computer Literacy
Contract Development
Contract Management
Contract Negotiations
Microsoft Excel
Microsoft Word
Multitasking
Negotiation
Oral Communications
Self-Organization (Business)
Workday Financials
Written Communication

Nice To Haves

Advanced degree (MBA, JD or related field).
Experience supporting IT sourcing in a higher education environment.
Demonstrated experience negotiating complex IT and technology services contracts.
Familiarity with contract lifecycle management tools and enterprise procurement systems.
Deep understanding of IT vendor markets, software licensing models, and technology services sourcing.
Strong negotiation, relationship management, and stakeholder‑engagement skills.
Ability to influence without authority in a decentralized governance structure.
Excellent analytical, communication, and problem‑solving capabilities.
Strong judgment related to risk management, compliance, and financial stewardship.

Responsibilities

Serve as a central authority and escalation point for IT vendor sourcing, supplier strategy, and contract negotiations across the University.
Develop and maintain an enterprise IT vendor management framework that supports a decentralized operating model while enabling consistency, transparency, and risk mitigation.
Provide advisory support to IT executives, departmental IT leaders, and business partners on vendor selection, sourcing strategies, and total cost of ownership considerations.
Lead and oversee competitive sourcing activities for IT software, hardware, cloud services, professional services, and managed services.
Develop, negotiate, and manage complex IT contracts, including master agreements, software license agreements, statements of work, and renewals.
Partner with Legal, Information Security, Privacy, Risk, and Compliance stakeholders to address data protection, security, and regulatory requirements within IT agreements.
Help establish and manage strategic supplier relationships, including performance reviews, issue resolution, and continuous improvement initiatives.
Help monitor key vendor performance, service levels, financial commitments, and contractual compliance.
Identify opportunities for vendor consolidation, standardization, and cost optimization while balancing departmental autonomy.
Ensure IT vendor engagements adhere to University procurement policies, contracting standards, and applicable legal and regulatory requirements.
Support development and enforcement of IT‑specific sourcing, contracting, and vendor governance policies.
Provide guidance and training to departmental stakeholders on optimizing IT purchasing and vendor engagement practices.
Act as a key liaison between Supply Chain, central IT, distributed IT units, Finance, Legal, and Information Security.
Partner with stakeholders to balance institutional risk management with academic and operational needs.
Support data‑driven decision‑making through vendor spend analysis, contract insights, and market intelligence.

Benefits

Up to 22 days of vacation
10 recognized holidays
Sick time
Competitive health insurance packages with priority appointments and lower copays/coinsurance.
Free Metro transit U-Pass for eligible employees.
Defined contribution (403(b)) Retirement Savings Plan, which combines employee contributions and university contributions starting at 7%.
Wellness challenges
Annual health screenings
Mental health resources
Mindfulness programs and courses
Employee assistance program (EAP)
Financial resources
Access to dietitians
4 weeks of caregiver leave to bond with your new child.
Family care resources are also available for your continued childcare needs.
Adult care resources.
Tuition for you and your family, including dependent undergraduate-level college tuition up to 100% at WashU and 40% elsewhere after seven years with us.