Indirect Category Manager, IT

About the position

The Sourcing and Vendor Management Consultants (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. They will conduct spend analysis initiatives to proactively support future business & IT needs, lead the necessary RFx processes that align with assigned IT Category requirements, negotiate competitive pricing, service-level agreements (SLAs), and performance guarantees, and collaborate with IT leadership, architects, and engineers to align sourcing strategies with the company's IT roadmap. The position also involves driving cost reduction strategies and partnering with internal customers to drive successful results from sourcing and vendor management initiatives.

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.
• Ensures effective management of business stakeholders' vendor portfolios of the highest complexity.
• 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.
• 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.

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.
• Demonstrated experience in contract negotiation, strategic sourcing, or supplier/vendor relationship management.
• Working knowledge of word processing and spreadsheet software.

Nice-to-haves

• Working knowledge of project management software.
• Familiarity and technical competence in purchasing management software or automated procurement systems.
• Strong knowledge of purchasing regulations and laws.
• Strong working knowledge of insurance industry.
• Knowledge of contract relationships to financial/operation reporting.
• Certified Purchasing Manager designation.

Benefits

• Premier health, prescription, dental, and vision benefits for you and your dependents.
• Low contributions to medical and prescription premiums.
• Pension plan with vesting after five years of service.
• 401(k) with up to 4% contribution match.
• Paid time off including vacation, personal days, sick days, bereavement days, and parental leave.
• Career development including a tuition reimbursement program.
• Company-paid basic life insurance.
• Short-and long-term disability insurance.
• Orthodontic coverage for children and adults.
• Adoption assistance.
• Fertility and infertility coverage.
• Well-being programs.
• Paid volunteer hours for community service.
• Dollar-for-dollar matching of charitable gifts.