It Commodity Manager

Identify and leverage corporate purchasing power within the Information Technology category, including hardware, software, maintenance, BPO / staffing, and other assigned commodities. Partner with internal business units to improve quality of procurements, sourcing penetration and Procurement contribution. Engage customers in a managed selection process. Manage/facilitate contracting and negotiation process to ensure contractual protection. Provide proactive strategic sourcing support to business units to drive cost reduction and operational efficiencies.

• Develop and manage relationships with internal business units.
• Drive early engagement, sourcing penetration, customer compliance and "business-partner" relationship status with assigned Business Units.
• Identify company's opportunities to drive "cost-out" utilizing the 7-step sourcing process.
• Guide sourcing projects within overall acquisition strategy.
• Recommend/Refine current sourcing strategy practices and protocols.
• Define sourcing / contracting processes to customers, recommend project approach and secure approvals from the Business Customer.
• Formulate procurement and category-specific strategies, policies, and lead implementations. Drive business unit compliance.
• Develop product / service specifications in cooperation with Business Customer.
• Develop supplier evaluation and selection criteria, in general, and for Information Technology spend category as part of agreed procurement strategy.
• Monitor category trends and conduct market research as needed.
• Conduct RFx activities as necessary.
• Manage negotiation process with suppliers jointly with the Business Customer.
• Manage the contract development process.
• Perform operational review of contract performance for Information Technology category and other categories in scope.
• Manage supplier relationships and in collaboration with the Business Customer.
• Define accountabilities and protocols for sourcing related compliance tracking, analysis, reporting, and client participation.
• Participate in construction and maintenance of contract library (SLAs, pricing, and terms) for spend categories under management.
• Perform continuous category analysis and management.
• Overall, manage all aspects of assigned clients/categories/contracts.

• Individual must demonstrate creativity, integrity, and innovation.
• Individual must be an effective change agent.
• Individual must consistently demonstrate quality customer focus and leadership.
• Individual must be a self starter, assertive and team player.
• Individual must be an effective problem solver.
• Individual must possess excellent written and oral communication skills.
• Individual must possess the ability to effectively engage at all levels of the organization.

• Must have a strong background and knowledge of expenditure analysis, and Strategic Sourcing processes and practices.
• Experience in development of "bottoms-up" sourcing savings plans, and for designing sourcing support models that reach the greatest number of potential customers at the lowest cost to the company.
• Must have a strong understanding and experience in working with a large supply base.
• Must have broad working knowledge of procurement best-practices and trends.
• Must have strong knowledge of sourcing IT products / services for supporting internal and external groups in a services industry.
• Must have knowledge of contracts and negotiation tactics.
• Must have an understanding and commitment to the continuous business improvement process.
• Must understand the Business needs and requirements for IT procured goods and services.

• Individual must be capable of working closely with internal customers, cross-functional teams, business units, support partners and suppliers - must be a team leader/player.
• Individual must be an effective planner and organizer.
• Individual must have the ability to manage multiple projects and tasks effectively.
• Individual should have the ability to communicate effectively with customers, business units and suppliers.
• Individual must have the analytical ability to develop and execute strategic and tactical plans.
• Individual must possess strong financial skills and knowledge of business law.

• Minimum 5-7 years experience delivering category specific sourcing/buying service, strategic sourcing, supplier/category management and compliance management, across North America
• Financial Services experience a plus
• Professional Procurement Qualification (CIPS/CPM or equivalent preferred)
• Business Related 4 Year College Degree
• MBA/JD and appropriate professional affiliations/certifications preferred.
• eProcurement/eSourcing technology experience a plus
• Leading project teams experience desirable