Procurement Consultant

Venerable•Des Moines, IA

14d•Hybrid

About The Position

The Procurement Consultant position leads or participates on cross-functional teams to develop and implement Venerable sourcing strategies for medium complexity transactions. This includes but is not limited to: medium level contract drafting and contract negotiations, contract execution; and high level supplier, commodity, and contract management, processing purchase requests, creating workspaces in the contract management platforms for applicable contract activities; market analysis; supplier selection. Principle Responsibilities: Recommend sourcing methodologies and processes to achieve Venerable’s and specific business unit’s strategic plans. Drive action across functional organizations and across business units to affect policies, practices, processes and procedures having an impact on revenue and profitability. Provide direction for procurement and contract activities for assigned sourcing. Lead the implementation/execution of proposals (RFX), strategies, initiatives, contracts/programs for medium complexity, medium risk transactions. Understand spend analytics required to support the strategic objectives. Keep apprised of market trends utilizing information for business improvement. Research vendor capabilities; identify candidates for consideration. Track all contracts in a central repository, consistent with department procedures. Track cost savings, cost avoidance and increase spend, recommend efficiency gains. Communicate contract process and progress with stakeholders for visibility; support implementations. Maintain excellent relationships with all internal and external stakeholders focusing on a balance of assertiveness, tact, business acumen and diplomacy. Act as a sourcing resource to organization across multiple functions, divisions and geographic locations. Managing intake and processing of requisitions as required to be compliant with Procurement Policy and Procedures. Other duties as assigned.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree or equivalent required.
Minimum 4 years extensive, broad-based experience in contracting and strategic procurement.
Comprehensive knowledge of business principles such as purchasing, materials, project management, business and contract law, licensing, intellectual property, financing and accounting.
Strong technology skills i.e. PC, internet/intranet, e-procurement.
This individual must be able to effectively negotiate pricing, legal, business terms and conditions with suppliers, financing institutions, consultants and service companies primarily on a domestic basis.
By virtue of breadth and/or depth of experience, is recognized as a subject matter expert who is capable of translating business objectives into finite project management plans with clearly defined roles, responsibilities, and completion targets.
Demonstrates knowledge of cost and price analysis techniques, proposal/contracting skills, project management, business management and strategic commodity management techniques.
Strong interpersonal, oral and written communication skills are required.
General team building skills are essential.

Nice To Haves

Advanced degree (MBA/JD) preferred.
Previous strategic sourcing experience for assigned commodities is highly desired, as well as experience sourcing for financial services/insurance company.
Experience in third party risk management is highly desired.
Working knowledge of eProcurement systems and other contracting systems a plus.

Responsibilities

Recommend sourcing methodologies and processes to achieve Venerable’s and specific business unit’s strategic plans.
Drive action across functional organizations and across business units to affect policies, practices, processes and procedures having an impact on revenue and profitability.
Provide direction for procurement and contract activities for assigned sourcing.
Lead the implementation/execution of proposals (RFX), strategies, initiatives, contracts/programs for medium complexity, medium risk transactions.
Understand spend analytics required to support the strategic objectives.
Keep apprised of market trends utilizing information for business improvement.
Research vendor capabilities; identify candidates for consideration.
Track all contracts in a central repository, consistent with department procedures.
Track cost savings, cost avoidance and increase spend, recommend efficiency gains.
Communicate contract process and progress with stakeholders for visibility; support implementations.
Maintain excellent relationships with all internal and external stakeholders focusing on a balance of assertiveness, tact, business acumen and diplomacy.
Act as a sourcing resource to organization across multiple functions, divisions and geographic locations.
Managing intake and processing of requisitions as required to be compliant with Procurement Policy and Procedures.
Other duties as assigned.