Procurement Specialist (3 Days/week) Chicago, IL

DMS Vision•Chicago, AL

8h•Onsite

About The Position

The Procurement Specialist leads strategic sourcing and category management, with a focus on technology and infrastructure software procurement. The role gathers, analyzes, and presents data and recommendations to management; identifies opportunities, risks, and priorities for software investments; and conducts contract and pricing negotiations. It also develops category expertise and strategic sourcing roadmaps, analyzes supplier markets and trends, and works with suppliers to improve value and innovation. The position manages RFx processes and procurement projects, drafts and reviews contracts and related agreements, and coordinates negotiations with Legal, Privacy, Risk, and other functions. It supports supplier performance and contract compliance, regulatory and compliance requirements, procurement metrics, and cost-reduction initiatives. The specialist also works with internal stakeholders and end users to understand requirements, communicate policies and guidelines, and support strategic sourcing adoption.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree in Business, Supply Chain Management, or Finance, and at least 7 years of experience in sourcing or procurement related to indirect sourcing, or an equivalent combination of education and work experience.
Strong experience with contract work, including redline review and negotiations.
Experience in technology procurement.
Experience with professional services procurement.
In-depth knowledge of supply chain management and procurement.
Strong analytical, sourcing, negotiation, and communication skills.
Technically adept with basic application software and proficient in Microsoft Office, with advanced Excel skills.
Demonstrated time management, superior project management, attention to detail, thoroughness, and organization.
Must be a local candidate.

Nice To Haves

MBA or another advanced degree.
Professional Procurement or Supply Chain Management designation, such as CSCP or CPM.

Responsibilities

Lead strategic sourcing events, including collecting, analyzing, and presenting data and recommendations to management on opportunities, risks, and software investment priorities.
Conduct contract and price negotiations across the infrastructure software space.
Lead large procurement projects and provide thought leadership.
Manage categories, including spend analytics, multi-year strategic sourcing roadmaps, and research and communication about markets, suppliers, and trends.
Collaborate with suppliers to enhance value and innovation.
Influence and drive improvements to global policies, programs, and processes.
Lead and manage RFx processes, including project management, RFx development, negotiations, and awards.
Review, draft, and create agreements such as NDAs, master agreements, SaaS and software license agreements, service level agreements, and statements of work.
Lead and facilitate contract negotiations across functions including Legal, Privacy, and Risk, and manage ongoing contract administration.
Monitor supplier adherence to contracts and manage suppliers through activity reporting and business and performance reviews.
Support and conduct supplier scorecards, supplier rationalization, and demand management opportunities.
Manage and support regulatory and compliance requirements, including OFAC, FCPA, spend analysis, and client relationships.
Support and help present procurement performance metrics and projects to senior management.
Assess the fitness of potential and existing suppliers, including their overall business and financial performance.
Establish and maintain relationships with key partners, educate them on policies and guidelines, and resolve purchasing issues.
Implement cost-reduction strategies and projects in collaboration with and under the direction of the Procurement lead.
Develop category expertise through supply market analysis, benchmarking, and feedback from key stakeholders.
Assist with sourcing, contracting, implementation, and ongoing category management of cost-reduction initiatives in accordance with policies, procedures, guidelines, and processes.
Update internal stakeholders and end users, solicit their feedback, understand business requirements, and gain support for strategic sourcing compliance and management.