IT Contracts & Strategic Sourcing Director

Class Concept

Position is responsible for partnering with all IT and business leadership to develop policies, processes and procedures regarding in/out-sourcing strategy, implementation plans, adoption methodologies and operational support for vendor management. The position leads the development, documentation, implementation and maintenance of vendor contract management processes, standards and metrics tracking and be accountable for continuously evolving product offerings and sourcing strategies that align with business strategies to ensure the best possible performance and outcomes for customers. The position may serve as the primary liaison between legal, project leads and other key stakeholders in the contract negotiation process. The position provides guidance on contract matters to project managers of other operational staff, including training to new project managers and other employees in contracting practices and procedures. The position works closely with service owners to identify performance measures and service level agreements and acts as an internal escalation point for IT vendor issues. This role is the Director of the State IT Procurement Office.

Recruitment Requirements

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Thorough knowledge in managing/constructing terms and conditions of vendor contracts, define scopes and negotiate changes against the contract's financial terms over the life cycle of the contractual agreement
• Thorough knowledge of financial & budget management of all software, hardware, and labor contracts, and expenses of the vendor management team. Forecast demand for services and licenses
• Outstanding analytical skills to interpret clients' business needs and to translate them into application and operational requirements and analytical problem solving
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills including the ability to interact and communicate effectively with non-technical clients
• Excellent facilitation, interpersonal, negotiation, and conflict resolution skills
• Demonstrated ability in development of vendor and sourcing strategies that address the current IT requirements and anticipate the future needs of the organization
• Ability to monitor, analyze and evaluate vendor performance against metrics on a regular basis
• Demonstrated ability in developing and maintaining a high performing vendor management team with focus on talent management (development plans, skills currency, training, conferences, succession planning).

Minimum Education and Experience

Bachelor's degree in business or related degree from an appropriately accredited institution and seven years of experience in the management of Information Technology procurement specifically related to strategic sourcing, including experience with vendor management, solicitation, evaluation, and negotiation of contracts including two years in a management role; or Associate degree in business or related degree from an appropriately accredited institution and eight years of experience in the management of Information Technology procurement specifically related to strategic sourcing, including experience with vendor management, solicitation, evaluation, and negotiation of contracts including two years in a management role; or an equivalent combination of education and experience.