Sr. Manager, Procurement - IT

Job Location: ​Chicago​

Chicago

Want to make an impact?

 

Reporting directly to the Sr. Director of Indirect Procurement, this role will be charged with developing and implementing procurement strategies for the IT and Professional Services categories. Primary responsibilities include leading all procurement category management activities related to IT and Professional Services, including Travel.  These categories have an annual spend of approximately $50MM for regular operations and can increase significantly during periods of M&A activity or increased capital investments.  

The role is based in Chicago, Illinois and will require minimal travel (<10%).  This position doesn’t have any direct reports. Currently locations in the US and Mexico are in scope; however, more global requirements will be added over time.
 

Ways you will make a difference

 

Category Leadership

• Responsible for all aspects of category management including developing the category strategy and executing competitive events.  Conducts category spend analysis and supplier segmentation.  Conducts the RFI/RFP/eRFx process from requirements gathering to contracting and savings tracking.  
• Leads the process of supply market understanding, supplier search and due diligence, negotiations, supplier selection and contract strategy. Works with legal to finalize contracts. 
• Manages multiple sourcing projects concurrently across the organization. 
• Develops a deep level of understanding of the global supply base.  Develops and leads the strategy and execution to drive cost, innovation, risk management and other value-added elements of supplier relationships including supplier diversity and sustainability.  

 

Driving Value to the Organization

• Achieves year-over-year benefit targets for the category developed with supervisor.
• Benefits can include savings, cost avoidance, payment term extension and continuous improvement efforts among others.

 

Supplier Relationship Management

• Manages and develops strategic supplier alliances with a select group of suppliers to assure a preferred status in the presentation of new opportunities, while creating an advantaged cost position for Ferrara.   
• Supports supplier relationship management activities as needed.

 

Senior Leadership Support

• Supports senior leadership team members including the CIO.  Maintains a high level of professionalism while supporting organization. Demonstrates an understanding of business needs and requirements.  
• Works in partnership with key stakeholders to ensure their requirements are being met by contracted suppliers, contingency plans exist, and additional sourcing opportunities are presented.

 

Operational and Indirect Team Support

• Supports other category management activities as needed within the indirect procurement team including PO management activities.  
• Supports other indirect categories based on team needs.

 

Skills that will make you successful

 

• IT knowledge: have a base of knowledge related to IT hardware, software, consulting, outsourcing, offshoring and managed service contracts; have a desire to continually learn about evolving IT opportunities
• Procurement knowledge:  Deep understanding of procurement category management, stakeholder management and negotiations
• Strong interpersonal skills: empathy, integrity, enthusiasm, collaborative, driving consensus
• Strong written and oral communication skills. Strong listening skills and ability to work with senior leaders – inside and outside of the organization - to understand their goals and objectives; share project objectives and progress in a clear concise manner.
• Strong analytical and presentation skills: have a strong ability to analyze significant amount of data and summarize findings or options for senior leadership
• Strategic thinking: able to “see around corners”, synthesize insights from disparate data sources, and form convicted, high-accountability recommendations 
• Desire to be a supportive and proactive business partner across the organization 
   

Experiences that will support your success

 

• Bachelor’s degree
• At least 7 years of experience in the procurement of IT and Professional services
• Experience within an SAP-based ERP environment
• Procurement within an international manufacturing and brand-based corporate environment