Strategic Sourcing Specialist

* Leads the execution of initiatives for the PVMS department that support the strategic sourcing goals of the organization.* Manages the ongoing planning and monitoring of department projects focused on efficiency, innovation, risk reduction and cost savings.* Plans and executes strategic sourcing, contract negotiations and vendor management activities and operations in compliance with corporate policies, applicable law, and effective cost management principles.* Fosters collaborative relationships with internal stakeholders involved in procurement programs.* Develops an understanding of the needs of assigned business stakeholders to generate creative solutions and persuasive arguments that deliver effective and timely procurement results.* Assists in the development and maintenance of policies, procedures, tools, and guidelines for the company.* Trains and conveys value of RFx sourcing, and contract negotiation to team members and stakeholders to ensure standards for purchasing are met.* Understands developing trends in the market through analysis and recommends continuous improvement processes/tools based to achieve targeted metrics for strategic sourcing, contract negotiation and vendor management success.* Manages relationships with current and prospective vendors, and other external constituencies involved in strategic sourcing efforts.* Performs outreach to identify and foster potential relationships with diversity vendors.* Demonstrates versatility in a constantly evolving environment.* Serves as trusted advisor; uses influence to generate favorable positions and strategies for contract negotiations.* Provides recommendations to leaders on vendors, best practices, negotiations, and other aspects of procurement based on assigned categories.* Facilitates alignment and effective communication with internal and external stakeholders to drive optimal outcomes for the company.* Provides strategic sourcing and contract negotiation mentorship and guidance to team members.* Contributes to the performance management of the team directing discrete tasks.* Acts as a resource for team members to answer questions and provide guidance related to complex problems.* Ensures data quality, adherence to IT and compliance policies, and other risk-related metrics for self and guides other members of the team on these items.* Bachelor's degree required in Business, Economics, or related field, or equivalent combination of education and experience.* Minimum 7 years of related experience in procurement, contracting and strategic sourcing processes for several commodity areas required.* Minimum 3 years of experience in a role with complex vendor contract negotiations required.* Experience managing the full life cycle of commodity procurement with sophisticated negotiating techniques.* Experience in contracts negotiation across a variety of commodity categories.* Insurance industry experience preferred.* Experience with analytics and reporting, including proficiency with Coupa or similar procurement and sourcing platforms, to support sourcing, reporting, contracting, and procurement activities.* Minimum 3 years of experience in complex SaaS technology or cloud procurement.* Strong knowledge of strategic sourcing and procurement principles and techniques.* Experience effectively consulting with others, facilitating, and presenting technical information and demonstrated ability to influence others.* Demonstrated experience with sophisticated negotiating techniques and developing solutions to issues in a timely manner.* Demonstrated ability to leverage and continuously improve analytics, reporting, and procurement processes using Coupa or comparable tools in support of strategic sourcing and continuous improvement initiatives.* Able to effectively facilitate meetings and create presentations.* Excellent interpersonal and communication skills. Must be able to read, write and speak English effectively.* Advanced proficiency with Microsoft Office applications including MS Power BI, Word, Visio, Excel, Project, and PowerPoint.* Ability to respond to common inquiries or complaints from customers or vendors.* Ability to accept new ideas and embrace change.* Demonstrated organizational and time management skills.* Must be capable of coordinating and organizing input from various channels, perform negotiation, resolve conflicts, and build consensus at all levels of the organization.* Experience working with cross-functional teams and presenting to various audiences.* Ability to read, analyze, and interpret common procurement related technical journals, financial reports, and/or legal documents.* Ability to hypothesize on root cause of inefficiencies and then test out probable solutions against those hypotheses.* Expertise in drafting, negotiating and managing contracts for IT and information Security categories.* Understanding software licensing and the various software procurement models.* Working knowledge of service level agreements and other key metrics of software agreements.* Challenging work and the ability to make a difference* You will have a voice and feel a sense of belongingAt ICW Group we offer a work environment that encourages entrepreneurialism and celebrates success. Our team members are hands-on contributors who are given the opportunity to make an impact. It's our people who make us an employer of choice and the vibrant company we are today. #J-18808-Ljbffr