Sr. IT Sourcing & RFP Specialist

• Client seeks an experienced IT Sourcing & RFP Specialist Sr contractor to provide specialized procurement support with a focus on complex information technology acquisitions.
• This contractor will manage end-to-end IT RFP and sourcing activities-including software, SaaS, infrastructure, professional services, and managed services-while senior procurement staff are engaged on key organizational transformation initiatives.
• The contractor is expected to operate independently, apply deep IT vendor market knowledge, and deliver high-quality procurement outcomes with minimal direction.
• Equally critical to success in this role is the ability to communicate effectively and tactfully across Client 's diverse business domains and stakeholder groups-including IT, legal, finance, operations, and executive leadership.
• The contractor must be adept at navigating competing priorities, managing expectations, and building trust across organizational boundaries, ensuring that procurement activities remain aligned with Client 's business objectives even in a complex, multi-stakeholder environment.

CORE RESPONSIBILITIES

IT RFP & Sourcing Leadership

• Lead end-to-end RFP/RFQ processes for complex IT procurements including enterprise software, SaaS platforms, cloud infrastructure, cybersecurity solutions, managed services, and professional IT services.
• Develop comprehensive RFP documentation including scope of work, technical requirements, evaluation criteria, SLAs, and KPIs in collaboration with IT stakeholders and legal counsel.
• Manage full competitive sourcing lifecycle: requirements gathering, RFP issuance, Q&A management, vendor response evaluation, down-selection, and contract award recommendation.
• Facilitate cross-functional evaluation teams across IT, legal, finance, security, and business units to assess vendor proposals against technical and commercial criteria.
• Conduct detailed total cost of ownership (TCO) and economic analyses to support sourcing decisions and executive-level recommendations.

Negotiation & Execution

• Lead complex IT contract negotiations independently, including software license agreements, SaaS subscriptions, cloud service agreements, professional services agreements, and maintenance & support contracts.
• Draft and negotiate SLAs, KPIs, data security provisions, IP ownership clauses, and terms & conditions in coordination with legal counsel and IT security teams.
• Prepare executive-level presentations summarizing negotiation strategies, vendor comparisons, risk assessments, and contract award recommendations.
• Manage contract execution through signature and transition to contract administration, ensuring all documentation is complete and archived.

Vendor & Supplier Management

• Build and manage relationships with IT vendors and system integrators, including structured vendor performance reviews (QBRs) coordination.
• Identify and qualify new IT vendors through competitive reviews, financial analysis, security assessments, and reference checks.
• Monitor contracted IT suppliers for SLA adherence, issue escalation, and corrective action management.
• Actively drive cost reduction and value optimization initiatives across the IT supplier portfolio.
• Support Client 's Vendor Qualification process for IT vendors in collaboration with IT security, legal, credit, and business owners.

Operational Procurement Support

• Manage a portfolio of IT contracts and purchases in excess of $20MM annually.
• Serve as day-to-day procurement point of contact for IT business units, triaging sourcing requests and advising on procurement pathways and contract strategy.
• Review and approve requisitions in the ERP system to ensure required documentation is present and compliant.
• Maintain timely and accurate updates to contract databases reflecting the status of all active IT contract requests.
• Coordinate with IT project managers to develop statements of work that clearly define scope, deliverables, acceptance criteria, and vendor obligations.
• Generate procurement reports and dashboards as requested by IT leadership and procurement management.
• Help coordinate with internal customers during all stages of RFQ/RFP development including scheduling and facilitating vendor meetings.

Quality & Compliance

• Serve as a quality assurance resource for IT procurement documents, ensuring consistency, completeness, and compliance with Client policies.
• Maintain comprehensive procurement records in accordance with Client 's records management requirements.
• Respond to executive inquiries and ad hoc reporting requests related to IT sourcing activity.
• Maintain current knowledge of IT market trends, vendor landscape, licensing models (perpetual, subscription, consumption-based), and industry best practices.

Stakeholder Communication & Collaboration

• Proactively identify and navigate competing priorities across Client business domains (IT, legal, finance, operations, compliance), facilitating alignment and constructive resolution when stakeholder needs or timelines conflict.
• Communicate clearly, professionally, and tactfully with stakeholders across all levels of Client -from project managers and IT architects to department directors and executive leadership-adapting communication style to suit the audience and context.
• Serve as a trusted procurement advisor to IT business partners, providing timely guidance on sourcing strategies, contract risks, and vendor options in a manner that supports informed decision-making without creating unnecessary friction.
• Manage stakeholder expectations throughout the full procurement lifecycle, providing regular status updates, escalating issues appropriately, and maintaining a solutions-oriented approach when challenges arise.
• Facilitate cross-functional meetings and working sessions with diplomacy, ensuring all stakeholder voices are heard while keeping procurement timelines on track.
• Draft and deliver clear, concise written communications including procurement status reports, executive summaries, vendor evaluations, and contract award recommendations tailored for both technical and non-technical audiences.
• Build and sustain positive working relationships with internal Client customers, vendors, and cross-domain partners, fostering a collaborative environment that supports procurement efficiency and shared accountability.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

Experience

• Minimum 5 years of hands-on procurement experience with a strong focus on complex IT sourcing, RFP management, and technology contract negotiation.
• Demonstrated track record managing large-scale IT RFPs (enterprise software, SaaS, cloud, managed services, cybersecurity).
• Experience managing IT procurement portfolios of $20MM+ annually.
• Proven ability to operate independently in a fast-paced environment with minimal supervision.
• Demonstrated ability to communicate effectively and tactfully across diverse organizational domains and stakeholder levels, with a track record of successfully navigating competing priorities and building cross-functional alignment.
• Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to influence without authority, foster collaboration, and maintain positive relationships even in high-pressure or contested situations.

Technical Knowledge

• Deep understanding of IT commercial and licensing models: SaaS, perpetual, subscription, consumption-based, and hybrid.
• Familiarity with IT contract constructs including software license agreements, cloud service agreements (AWS, Azure, GCP), professional services agreements, and managed services contracts.
• Working knowledge of data security, privacy, and compliance requirements as they apply to IT vendor contracts (SOC 2, ISO 27001, HIPAA, etc.).
• Proficiency in ERP procurement systems and contract management platforms.
• Expert-level skills in Microsoft Excel and related spreadsheet tools for cost modeling and analysis.
• Understanding of NERC CIP-013 and CIP-004 requirements are preferred.

EDUCATION

• Bachelor's Degree in Business Administration, Supply Chain/Purchasing Management, Information Technology, or a related field (Required).
• A combination of education and experience that provides equivalent knowledge to a major in such fields is acceptable.

CERTIFICATIONS

• CPSM - Certified Professional in Supply Management (Preferred).
• CTPE - Certified Technology Procurement Executive (Preferred).
• Relevant IT vendor certifications (e.g., AWS, Microsoft, Salesforce commercial training) (Preferred).