Strategic Sourcing Analyst II (Hybrid - Buffalo, NY)

M&T Bank•Buffalo, NY

1d•Hybrid

About The Position

This role drives strategic sourcing efforts for complex, high-value consulting, contracted staffing, contingent labor, and Statement of Work (SOW)–based engagements. You’ll partner closely with the business to structure deals, manage vendor relationships, and negotiate contracts that deliver strong outcomes. Working in a contract-centric environment, you’ll anchor decisions in pricing, terms, and compliance while guiding stakeholders through the end-to-end procurement process. This is a hands-on, highly collaborative role that requires strong judgment, the ability to challenge assumptions, and confidence balancing strategy with execution to protect the bank’s best interests. This role follows a hybrid work model, requiring onsite presence four days per week at M&T Bank’s corporate headquarters. Candidates must reside within a reasonable commuting distance to 345 Main Street, Buffalo, NY.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree and a minimum of 2 years’ proven financial and/or business experience, or in lieu of a degree, a combined minimum of 6 years’ higher education and/or work experience, including a minimum of 2 years’ proven financial and/or business experience
Proficiency with personal computers as well as pertinent mainframe systems and software packages, including those specific to procurement, as well as spreadsheet, presentation and database software
Strong time management skills
Detail-oriented with strong organizational and analytical skills
Strong verbal and written communication skills
Experience interacting with all levels of management
Strong presentation skills
Experience writing Requests for Proposal (RFPs) and negotiating contracts
Experience with Contract Lifecycle Management and eSignature software tools

Nice To Haves

Bachelor’s degree and a minimum of 4 years proven financial and/or business experience
Strong project management foundation, ideally within Finance and/or Technology environments, with demonstrated transferable skills including stakeholder coordination, attention to detail, negotiation, and meeting facilitation.
The ideal candidate is comfortable driving discussions forward, aligning diverse parties, and exercising sound judgment to challenge and push back when necessary in support of the bank’s best interests.
Experience with staffing, contingent labor, and/or Statement of Work (SOW)–based engagements is highly advantageous.
Candidates must be comfortable operating in a contract‑centric environment, where commercial terms, governance, and contractual compliance serve as the anchor for both strategic conversations and day‑to‑day execution.
Prior experience on the vendor or consulting side, including direct involvement in drafting SOWs and negotiating commercial and contractual terms with clients, may be transferable and is viewed favorably, particularly where the candidate has partnered closely with enterprise clients.
Exceptional relationship‑building and communication skills are critical for success in this role.
The position requires frequent interaction with internal business partners and external vendors; therefore, an outgoing, articulate, and professionally confident individual will be especially effective.
Demonstrated ability to assess and differentiate deal structures, project types, and SOW complexity, with the confidence to challenge assumptions, question recommendations, and avoid a “check‑the‑box” or rubber‑stamp approach.
The ideal candidate balances adherence to established processes that drive repeatable, risk‑managed outcomes with flexibility and sound judgment to deliver an excellent client experience.
A strong team‑oriented mindset is essential.
This role operates within a highly collaborative environment that values shared ownership, cross‑support, and collective problem‑solving.
Candidates who thrive as part of a close‑knit team—and not solely as independent contributors—will be most successful.

Responsibilities

For major sourcing initiatives, work with management to identify an Executive Sponsor and a cross-functional project team to ensure appropriate buy-in, support and participation throughout the project.
Guide the Project Team through the Strategic Sourcing process and keep the Executive Sponsor and relevant senior managers informed of progress, setbacks and obstacles.
Lead a kick-off meeting with the Project Team to clarify the objectives, strategy and proposed timeline of the sourcing initiative.
Develop and execute Requests for Proposals (RFPs), Requests for Quotes (RFQs) and/or Requests for Information (RFIs) based on identified business needs, market conditions and corporate standards.
Facilitate analysis, evaluation and scoring of vendor proposals against criteria established and agreed on by the Team.
Conduct multiple rounds of bids and coordinate activities such as supplier demonstrations, reference calls and on-site visits to short-list suppliers.
Lead contract negotiations in conjunction with the Project Team and Legal to ensure we obtain the most competitive pricing and favorable terms possible.
Prepare sufficient documentation to inform Executive Sponsor and senior managers of recommendations and results of the sourcing initiative, including any achieved savings, customer implications and impacts to business operations.
Guide business and support units through the Third-Party Risk Management Program in conjunction with the Third-Party Risk Management team to ensure selected vendors are properly risk-tiered, vetted and approved before executing a contract.
Research and analyze procurement trend data at the Bank and recommend savings opportunities to associated business lines and support functions.
Understand and adhere to the Company’s risk and regulatory standards, policies and controls in accordance with the Company’s Risk Appetite.
Identify risk-related issues needing escalation to management.
Promote an environment that supports belonging and reflects the M&T Bank brand.
Maintain M&T internal control standards, including timely implementation of internal and external audit points together with any issues raised by external regulators as applicable.
Complete other related duties as assigned.