IT Vendor Management and Procurement Lead

Job Description:
·       Lead the IT procurement team. Oversee the procurement process for all IT hardware, software, and services contracts from request to fully executed contract. Ensure that all agreements follow standards and have the proper reviews and approvals.
·       Coordinate all RFI/RFP/RFQ processes. Develop the request documents, facilitate the evaluations, negotiations and contracting.
·       Work with the IT team and vendors to negotiate the best rates/ costs for IT purchases.
·       Build and maintain vendor/contractor relationships with the objectives of eliminating inefficiencies, reducing total costs, and increasing productivity.
·       Research and evaluate suppliers based on price, quality, selection, service, support, availability, reliability, production and distribution capabilities, and the supplier's reputation and history.
·       Implement and maintain an asset management solution for IT hardware and software.
·       Partner with Legal to ensure vendor contracts have proper terms and protections and are compliant with standards and relevant regulations.
·       Assist in refinement/development and implementation of purchasing procedures to process bids and purchase orders. Verify compliance with applicable state laws and regulations.
·       Evaluate and monitor vendor performance to ensure compliance with contractual obligations and to determine need for changes.
·       Identify and report on savings, risks, and upcoming opportunities as needed.
·       Maintain data sets in relation to contract renewals, open purchase obligations and future commitments.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
·       Minimum of 6 years of experience in IT procurement required with direct, hands-on experience managing and executing sourcing and contracting activities for hardware, software, and professional services.
·       Advanced knowledge of procurement and contract management, including best practice procurement concepts.
·       Ability to write and interpret contract terms and conditions.
·       Strong knowledge of IT Supplier base.
·       Expert level experience in negotiating IT contracts.
·       Ability to understand financial terms of contracts and identify cost savings