Procurement Specialist, Technology

Morningstar•Chicago, IL

79d•$74,325 - $109,008•Hybrid

About The Position

This role focuses on managing technology spend categories, including software, SaaS, hardware, telecom, networking, infrastructure, cloud, labor, and managed services suppliers. The specialist will create and manage category strategies, conduct negotiations, lead RFPs, and manage contracts. They will also develop and maintain strategic partnerships with suppliers, collaborate with internal clients to understand business needs, and identify opportunities for improvement. The role involves managing the full supplier lifecycle, from sourcing to performance evaluation, and conducting spend analytics with Finance to optimize sourcing and reduce costs. Researching the technology marketplace to identify trends and value creation opportunities is also a key responsibility. Leading Quarterly Business Reviews to ensure supplier accountability and managing supplier performance through conflict resolution are crucial. The specialist will partner with Legal and Sourcing/Procurement teams for contract governance and build strong relationships with strategic suppliers. Championing continuous improvement initiatives to enhance quality, efficiency, and cost savings is expected.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in relevant field
3+ years related work experience in Supply Chain, Finance, Economics, Business Administration, Computer Science, Information Systems Management, or another related field
Skilled in Microsoft Office (e.g. Word, Excel, PowerPoint)
A potential team leader with strong communication skills
Understanding of supply chain concepts, with work experience applying those concepts
Strong negotiating and influencing skills
Self-directed and resourceful with the ability to handle multiple, simultaneous tasks with exhibited follow through and initiative
Strong business and financial acumen, including project management, total cost management, budgeting, forecasting, savings realization, and supplier financial analysis
Experience leveraging reporting and analytical tools to support forecasting, procurement operations, supplier performance management, and continuous process improvement
High ethical standard

Nice To Haves

Degree in Procurement, Supply Chain, Business Administration, Business Management, Finance, Accounting, or another related field
5+ years related work experience in Technology Procurement, Technology role or another related field
Knowledge of Source to Pay systems, such as Coupa
Strong project management and procurement workflow management skills across Source-to-Pay platforms such as ServiceNow and Coupa
Supplier Risk Analysis and Supplier Relationship Management
Previous experience with Source to Pay systems, such as Coupa
Advanced Excel skills, including spend analysis, forecasting, budgeting support, savings tracking, and supplier financial analysis

Responsibilities

Manage technology spend categories such as software, SaaS, hardware, telecom, networking, infrastructure, cloud, labor, and managed services suppliers.
Creates and manages category strategies, negotiations, RFPs, and contracts
Creates, negotiates, implements and manages long term contracts while effectively developing and promoting strategic partnerships with suppliers
Works closely with internal Morningstar clients and stakeholders to understand their business needs, objectives, product/service requirements and the broader operational processes
Effectively communicates with appropriate management levels both internally and externally
Identifies opportunities for improvement and makes constructive suggestions for change
Manage the full supplier lifecycle, including sourcing, procurement, negotiations, contract management, and supplier performance evaluation.
Develop, implement, and track comprehensive category strategies grounded in deep market analysis and aligned with company and stakeholder priorities; deliver measurable year-over-year cost reductions and working capital improvements.
Conduct supplier spend, forecasting, and consumption analytics in partnership with Finance to identify sourcing optimization opportunities, contract consolidation opportunities, and measurable cost savings initiatives.
Research and interpret the technology marketplace to understand supplier and market characteristics, identify sourcing trends, and uncover new opportunities for value creation.
Lead Quarterly Business Reviews focused on SLAs to drive supplier accountability, proactively identify improvement opportunities, and monitor progress throughout the contractual period.
Manage supplier performance by addressing conflict resolution, escalation, and resolution procedures promptly and effectively, ensuring issues are resolved and continuous improvement is maintained.
Partner with Legal and Sourcing/Procurement teams throughout the supplier lifecycle to ensure robust contract operations and governance.
Build strong partnerships and engagement with both existing and new strategic suppliers to enable high-quality, efficient support for internal stakeholders and business units.
Champion continuous improvement initiatives to enhance quality, efficiency, and cost savings across all sourcing activities.

Benefits

100% 401k match up to 6% of salary
Stock Ownership Potential
Company provided life insurance - 1x salary + commission
Comprehensive health benefits (medical/dental/vision) including potential premium discounts and company-provided HSA contributions (up to $500-$2,000 annually) for specific plans and coverages
Additional medical Wellness Incentives - up to $300-$600 annual
Company-provided long- and short-term disability insurance
Trust-Based Time Off
6-week Paid Sabbatical Program
6-Week Paid Family Caregiving Leave
Competitive 8-24 Week Paid Parental Leave
Adoption Assistance
Leadership Coaching & Formal Mentorship Opportunities
Annual Flex Stipend - $1000 annually to cover personal education & well-being expenses
Tuition Reimbursement
Charitable Matching Gifts program
Dollars for Doers volunteer program
Paid volunteering days
15+ Employee Resource & Affinity Groups