Sourcing & Vendor Relationship Management #014

Responsible for the development and implementation of an overall IT sourcing strategy in a multi-sourced IT environment. Acts as an integral part of the CIO’s leadership team, works closely with other IT and business leaders to develop and execute the IT sourcing strategies and programs. Leads the IT Sourcing Office in evaluating and determining the most cost-effective and efficient means of sourcing, acquiring and delivering IT products and services. Responsible for making strategic decisions on what should be in-sourced and what should be outsourced based on the IT and business strategic direction. This role focuses on the sourcing at an enterprise level and is responsible for creating the governance mechanism that is necessary to continuously coordinate and integrate the teams of vendor relationship management, contract management and administration, IT project and asset management.

Recommends and establishes the IT procurement strategy, processes, and procedures that are consistent with corporate policy, IT project requirements and sound commercial, legal and ethical practices. Responsible for the systematic execution of processes and procedures for the timely and cost effective purchasing of IT products and services. Manages the activities of the IT procurement function, including the collection and execution of purchase orders, negotiation of bids from vendors, placement and tracking of purchase orders and coordination and reconciliation of invoices for processing. Manages the full cycle of all IT purchases, agreements and contracts from initiation to completion. Manages supplier relationships and service level administration for vendors. Acts as a liaison between IT and vendors in major dispute resolution concerning supplier performance. Evaluates supplier base for cost savings opportunities. Identifies and engages services of new suppliers in support of IT requirements.

Manages and controls the contractual relationship with service providers. Coordinates contract activities, including contract development, negotiation and transition. Monitors vendor contracts to ensure terms and conditions are met. Defines and manages vendor penalties and incentives, if performance does not meet or exceed established criteria. Creates, negotiates and incorporates contract amendments, renegotiating the contract, if required, to accommodate scope changes or changes in organization requirements. Reviews contract budget variances and takes corrective action as needed.

In an outsourcing environment, works with service providers to ensure their in-scope technical solutions are consistent with enterprise’s business strategy and architecture. Works closely with business unit performance managers and quality assurance staff to review service provider problems, to analyze and validate the accuracy of information and the feasibility of solutions. May troubleshoot performance issues and resolve problems with service providers. Tracks industry trends and maintains knowledge of new technologies in the area of expertise to better evaluate business unit service requests and service provider proposals. Keeps current on the participating business strategies and advises when solutions may or may not be leveraged across the enterprise. Understands the value of technology in the enterprise’s business processes, works with service providers to identify opportunities for innovation, cost reduction and improved efficiencies and reviews service provider solutions. In addition, this role provides input into the in-scope technical architecture for outsourcing projects.

Bachelor’s Degree or Master’s Degree in Computer Science, Information Systems, Business Administration, or other related field. Or equivalent work experience.

Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration, Finance, Accounting, or other related field. Or equivalent work

experience.

Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration, Finance, Accounting, or other related field. Or equivalent work experience.

Bachelor’s Degree in Computer Science, Information Systems, Business Administration, or other related field.

Or equivalent work experience.

Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration, or other related field. Or equivalent work experience.

Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration, or other related field. Or equivalent work experience.

Associate’s or Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration, Finance or other related field. Or equivalent work

experience.

Bachelor’s or Master’s Degree in Business Administration, or other related field. Or equivalent work

experience.

A minimum of 10 years of experience including managing large, multiple, cross-functional team(s) and project(s) and influencing senior management and key stakeholders. Experience with vendor relationship management, contract negotiation, contract administration, project or asset management in a technology environment.

A minimum of 7 years of business experience including managing team(s) responsible for asset management, procurement, finance or other related functions.

A minimum of 3 years of business experience in asset management, procurement, finance or other related functions.

A minimum of 7 years of experience including managing team(s) responsible for vendor relationship management, contract negotiation, contract administration, project or asset management in a technology environment.

A minimum of 7 years of finance or contract management work experience including managing team(s), specifically within the IT area.

A minimum of 4 years of finance or contract management experience.

0 to 2 years of financial management experience, preferably within the IT area.

A minimum of 7 years of IT experience within one or more specialty areas. Has a deep level of understanding surrounding information systems, networking theory and architecture standards in areas of expertise.

Senior level management. Oversees strategic planning and development of sourcing strategies and programs in partnership with technical and business leadership. Accountable for enterprise-wide results. Frequently reports to a Chief Information Officer, Chief Technology Officer or IT Chief Operating Officer.

Middle level management. Works under general direction of senior level management. Typically manages and mentors supervisors, project leads and/or technical staff. Works on multiple, complex projects as a project leader and a subject matter expert. Frequently reports to an IT Chief Operating Officer, Chief Information Officer, Chief Financial Officer or Chief Sourcing Officer.

Middle level management. Works under general direction of senior level management. Typically manages and mentors supervisors, project leads and/or technical staff. Develops strategic outsourcing strategy and plans, provides management direction to the team(s). Supports multiple contracts or complex enterprise agreements. Works on projects that range in size, complexity and contract duration. Frequently reports to a Chief Technology Officer, IT Chief Operating Officer, Chief Information Officer, Chief Financial Officer or Chief Sourcing Officer.

Middle level management. Works under general direction of senior level management. Typically manages and mentors supervisors, project leads and/or technical staff. Supports multiple contracts or complex enterprise agreements. Works on projects that range in size, complexity and contract duration. Frequently reports to a Chief Technology Officer, IT Chief Operating Officer, Chief Information Officer, Chief Financial Officer or Chief Sourcing Officer.

Participates in the selection and implementation of IT supplier sourcing strategies to ensure high quality, on time delivery and cost competitiveness. Responsible for the collection and execution of purchase orders. Solicits, receives and analyzes proposals, quotations and tender submissions and recommends selection of suppliers in accordance with corporate policies and legal compliance. Tracks purchase orders and reconciles invoices in preparation for payment processing. Acts as a point of contact for IT in regards to vendor

performance, including on-time delivery, quality of products and services acquired and problem resolution. Coordinates with Asset Management to ensure effective inventory management.

Intermediate professional level role. Works on multiple projects as a project team member, occasionally as a technical leader. Works on small to large, complex projects that require increased skill in multiple technical environments and knowledge of a specific business area. May coach more junior staff.

Intermediate professional level role. Manages the entire contractual relationship with one or more IT service providers. Serves as a liaison between the IT service provider and the business. Supports multiple contracts or complex enterprise agreements. Works on projects that range in size, complexity and contract duration. May coordinate or manage the work of others.

Learner/entry level role. Provides financial management of one or more outsourcing projects. Represents either a business unit or enterprise initiative. Works on projects that range in size, complexity and contract duration. Functions, somewhat independently, under general direction of senior level professionals, supervisors or managers. Generally follows documented procedures and checklists.

Expert/lead technical role. Works on one or more projects as the subject matter expert or technical leader/consultant. When involved with a project team, acts in a consultative manner and typically does not provide administrative or management type of support. Works on complex tasks, projects or supports issues that involve a high degree of risk, impacts business unit performance and makes use of the individual’s high level of knowledge within one or more areas of specialty. Coaches and mentors more junior technical staff.

Develops and implements the strategic sourcing and vendor relationship strategies. Manages the selection, acquisition and monitoring of contractual agreements for hardware, software and IT services for the enterprise. Works closely with the business and IT to understand their needs and serves as the IT point of contact for all purchases, deliveries and problems with products and services. Articulates and negotiates service level agreements. Works with Asset Management to ensure appropriate use of corporate funds. Develops, or assists in the development of Request for Information (RFIs), Request for Proposal (RFPs) and business cases.

Qualifies vendors and maintains an approved vendor database and tracking system. Establishes standards and procedures for evaluating products and services. Serves as the primary interface between the service provider and the business. Maintains contact with vendors to manage the status and quality of orders and the progress toward contractual commitments. Provides status updates on purchases, escalates delivery problems as necessary to affect minimal impact to the operation. Follows up with IT management to ensure satisfaction with delivered products and services and addresses any problems or concerns.

Participates in the budget process, such as annual budget planning, providing cash flow for other departments, quarterly reconciliation and ad hoc expense reports. Continually seeks optimal value in service from vendors, reviewing and monitoring performance and return-on-investment metrics and initiating contract modifications. Pursues new vendor relationships as needed. Must have a basic under-standing of all product and service needs, and must maintain knowledge of changing technologies.

Responsible for all activities relating to the outsourcing contract management function. Leads contract efforts from contract signing, through vendor transition and current operational state. Establishes metrics, process and procedures and oversight management model required to ensure optimum vendor delivery, service, quality and pricing. Monitors vendor contracts to ensure terms and conditions are met; defines and manages vendor penalties/incentives if performance does not meet established criteria/exceeds established criteria.

Interprets the contract for the enterprise. Sets vendor directions and priorities. Creates, negotiates and incorporates contract amendments. Renegotiates contract, if required, to accommodate scope changes or changes in business requirements. Reviews vendor proposals and negotiates pricing/terms. Reviews vendor invoices for accuracy, and owns enterprise budget responsibility for the outsourcing expense. Serves as first point of negotiation for vendor disputes. Complexity of position can vary significantly depending on deal size/scope, single vs. multiple contract responsibility, and whether responsibility covers IT outsourcing contracts exclusively or all enterprise outsourcing contracts.

Responsible for the financial administration practices and procedures associated with the management of vendor contracts. Reviews vendor charges, identifies disparities and resolves basic issues with the service provider. Monitors contract budget performance, identifying variances and recommending corrective actions. Allocates costs across the enterprise and performs regular audits to ensure contract compliance. Performs cost benefit analyses and supports Vendor Relationship Management team in developing the business cases necessary to gain approval for vendor-supplied services.