Job Description: The Strategic Sourcing Specialist for Information Technology will be responsible for developing and executing sourcing strategies for Client's post spinoff IT products and services. These sourcing strategies and negotiations will deliver on the required cost-effectiveness, efficiency and reliability metrics. This includes managing the entire sourcing process, from identifying potential suppliers to negotiating contracts and managing supplier relationships.

Key Responsibilities:

• Lead negotiations with suppliers to secure favorable terms and agreements, optimizing costs without compromising quality or service levels
• Facilitating dialogue between leadership teams (IT and Procurement) to formulate and implement strategies that align Kellanova and operating company business objectives, sourcing decisions, and cost-saving initiatives.
• Develop and implement sourcing strategies for IT products and services, including hardware, software, telecom and professional services.
• Identify and evaluate potential suppliers and negotiate contracts to ensure the best value for the company.
• Executing advanced standard Sourcing and Category Management concepts, practices, and procedures
• Collaborate with internal stakeholders to understand their needs and ensure alignment with sourcing strategies.
• Monitor market trends and developments to identify opportunities for cost savings and process improvements.
• Ensure compliance with company policies and procedures, as well as relevant laws and regulations.
• Data analysis and critical thinking, by translating, analyzing and creating solutions from advanced financial modeling and other available data sources. This will drive prioritization and negotiation strategies.
• Developing, building alignment around, and executing negotiation strategies
• Evaluate and address risk factors related to sourcing activities, ensuring compliance with company policies and industry regulations.
• Qualifications:
• Bachelor's degree in Business, Supply Chain, Information Technology, or a related field.
• Minimum of 5 years of experience in strategic IT sourcing, procurement, or a related field, with a focus on software and services.
• Minimum of 3 years of experience in strategic telecom and network sourcing and procurement.
• Demonstrated Sourcing experience leading software and IT services negotiations, RFx's, conducting supplier management activities, and managing an IT sourcing category. This includes managing vendor and contract negotiations from large vendors (Microsoft, SAP, etc) to small vendors.
• Deep understanding of IT-relevant industry standards and market trends including strategic issues that may impact how large corporations acquire and implement IT services and products.
• Strong negotiation and contract management skills.
• Excellent analytical, evaluation and problem-solving skills.
• Proactive, persuasive, and results-oriented, with a can-do attitude in meeting deadlines
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a fast-paced environment.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills including the ability to present ideas in business-friendly and user-friendly language.
• Extensive experience working in a team-oriented environment.
• Experience with post divestiture IT contract negotiations is preferred.

Must Haves/Soft Skills: connect and relate to business partners, be able to negotiate with large vendors, be able to participate in leadership calls, understand licenses and services (staffing, onshore, offshore), pick up processes quickly, critical thinker, analytical.

Years of Experience: Minimum of 5 years of experience in strategic IT sourcing, procurement, or a related field, with a focus on software and services. Minimum of 3 years of experience in strategic telecom and network sourcing and procurement.