Indirect Category Manager, IT

Position Summary

• The prefered candidate will experience in one or more of the following areas:
  • Cloud/SaaS
  • Artificial Intelligence (AI)
  • Software/Data
• The hiring manager will also accept candidates for the Senior Sourcing & Vendor Management Analyst.  Level of position offered will depend on the breadth and depth of the candidate's experience.
• This is an excellent relocation opportunity with generous relocation assistance.

The Sourcing and Vendor Management Consultant (IT) will:

• Support the development and implementation of strategic category management initiatives specific to Cloud Technologies, Artificial Intelligence, and Enterprise Software, SaaS, subscription-based solutions and managed services.
• Conduct spend analysis initiatives to proactively support future business & IT need.
• Lead the necessary RFx processes that align with assigned IT Category requirements.
• Negotiate competitive pricing, service-level agreements (SLAs), and performance guarantees.
• Collaborate with IT leadership, architects and engineers to align sourcing strategies with the company's IT roadmap.
• Drive cost reduction strategies.

Partners with internal customers to drive successful results from sourcing and vendor management most complex initiatives. Works with management and customers to develop and implement sourcing strategies in line with division and corporate objectives. Analyzes vendor performance against agreed upon service level agreements. Mentors and coaches less experienced analysts on the proper methods to successfully carry out operational procedures and SVM objectives.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Enforces company policies, as well as legal and contractual best practices when dealing with suppliers.
• Creates strategies for motivating vendors to provide the quality of service expected by ERIE's stakeholders.
• Collaborates with management to help design and implement training and development programs for less experienced analysts. 
• Performs market research to analyze trends and gather information that will support internal customers, reduce costs, and develop sourcing strategies of the highest complexity.
• Identifies, develops, and leads sourcing strategies of the highest complexity for the organization. Partners with key stakeholders to define and implement effective strategies that will support ERIE in sourcing and vendor management.
• Develops and leverages a broad view of complex agreements with vendors to obtain better terms and prices on behalf of the business stakeholders. Utilizes knowledge and relationships with vendors to create enterprise-wide efficiency and cost effectiveness.
• Ensures effective management of business stakeholders' vendor portfolios of the highest complexity. Leads teams focused on managing the entire portfolio including current vendor service and the reputation, resources and expertise of potential vendors. Ensures that stakeholder purchases support the organization's business strategy.
• Leads key procurement activities, including request for expenses, development and execution, statement of work, contract drafting, and pricing and contract negotiations.
• Assists in the development metrics and standards for performance in all vendor categories. Monitors vendor performance and takes appropriate action if vendor service falls below predetermined threshold.

Duties and Responsibilities (cont'd if applicable)

• Develops, establishes, implements and enforces supplier and outsourcer guidelines, obligations and service level agreements of the highest complexity to the organization.
• Evaluates financial aspects and key cost driver markets of the highest complexity to effectively develop analysis and apply procurement strategy development.
• Conducts benchmarking and industry assessments to identify best practices and successfully implement initiatives within the ERIE processes and culture.
• Mentors and coaches less experienced analysts. Supports the development and monitoring of organizational metrics, both at the team and individual level.

The first seven duties listed are the functions identified as essential to the job. Essential functions are those job duties that must be performed in order for the job to be accomplished.  This position description in no way states or implies that these are the only duties to be performed by the incumbent. Employees are required to follow any other job-related instruction and to perform any other duties as requested by their supervisor, or as become clear.

This position description in no way states or implies that these are the only duties to be performed by the incumbent. Employees are required to follow any other job-related instruction and to perform any other duties as requested by their supervisor, or as become clear.

Capabilities

Qualifications

Minimum Educational and Experience Requirements 

• Bachelor’s degree and six years’ related experience; or 
• Associate degree and eight years’ related experience; or 
• High school diploma or GED and ten years’ related experience, required

Additional Experience

• Demonstrated experience in contract negotiation, strategic sourcing, or supplier/vendor relationship management required.
• Working knowledge of word processing and spreadsheet software required.
• Working knowledge of project management software preferred.
• Familiarity and technical competence in purchasing management software or automated procurement systems preferred. 
• Strong knowledge of purchasing regulations and laws preferred.
• Strong working knowledge of insurance industry preferred.
• Knowledge of contract relationships to financial/operation reporting preferred.

Designations and/or Licenses

• Certified Purchasing Manager designation

Physical Requirements