Strategic Manager Jobs in Iowa (NOW HIRING)

Job Summary

The Manager, Strategic Sourcing will be responsible for developing, maintaining and delivering on a category management strategy that aligns procurement with company objectives. The Manager, Strategic Sourcing will also be responsible for interpreting, drafting and negotiating contracts including SaaS agreements, MSAs, SOWs, and licensing agreements, among others; this process will include negotiating competetive pricing and contract terms that drive value and mitigate risk. The Manager, Strategic Sourcing will be responsible for the facilitation of RFPs.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Execute the RFP process, solution selection and negotiations to achieve the desired results
• Collaborate with the Vendor Management office to ensure risk evaluation is complete prior to contracting
• Develop strong relationships with business partners to influence outcomes
• Build relationships with key business partners and meets regularly with them to ensure Strategic Sourcing is meeting expectations
• Consult with business partners and/or relationship managers to identify appropriate and effective key performance requirements and draft supplier service level agreements (SLAs)
• Negotiate large, complex agreements that meet business objectives
• Understand and interprets the provisions and terms of contracts; collaborates with Legal and other SMEs as necessary to ensure interpretation accuracy and to resolve escalated issues
• Consult business partners and relationship managers on contractual rights and obligations
• Provide strategic oversight and quality review to negotiations and contract drafting
• Prepare and maintain contracts with service providers in accordance with company standards
• Negotiate contractual terms, pricing, and deliverables to mitigate risk and maximize value
• Lead in the development and execution of category negotiation strategies with suppliers
• Develop strategic category objectives and goals with defined plans for cost savings and risk assessment
• Address all areas of category management and consults with function leaders to understand sourcing strategy and execution to achieve optimal business outcomes
• Prepare and analyzes vendor spend reports and provides recommendations for improvements to better negotiate and leverage contracts
• Create metrics to report on progress against initiatives and/or to provide required data to key business owners
• Consult with business partners, suppliers and leadership to identify the most effective and efficient purchasing methods for the products and services required by the business
• Identify cost saving opportunities and work with business partners and suppliers to realize cost savings
• Assist with implementation of Strategic Sourcing platforms
• Act as point of advice, support and guidance to departments and individuals for collaborating with Strategic Sourcing
• Collaborate with business partners to ensure a timely renewal or termination
• Support vendor management initiatives as needed

Experience and Education Requirements

• Bachelor's Degree or equivalent work experience required
• 7+ years of sourcing or contract negotiation experience required
• 2+ years of category management experience is preferred
• Prior experience in reviewing and editing vendor contracts, including MSAs, SOWs, NDAs, etc.
• Experience with implementing new software platform into established work environment preferred
• Extensive experience negotiating software licensing agreements (all types) is preferred
• Strategic planning, spend analysis and knowledge of vendor management experience is preferred

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

• Knowledge of various procurement categories (software, hardware, professional services, consulting, marketing etc.) required
• Demonstrated knowledge in contract management, negotiation, vendor performance management, and strategic procurement process required
• Ability to conduct RFPs across multiple business units required
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Strong organizational and analytical skills
• Ability to effectively present information
• Proven relationship-building ability
• Adaptability
• Strategic negotiator
• Comfortable in matrixed environment
• Understanding of multiple project management processes and methodologies (waterfall, agile, SDLC)
• Strong time management skills and ability to meet deadlines
• Aptitude for solving complex problems
• Ability to quickly establish credibility to build working relationships
• Excellent interpersonal skills, including teamwork, issue resolution, and customer relationship management

Other Requirements

• Perform other functions, duties, and projects as assigned
• Regular and punctual attendance
• Ability to travel up to 10%

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