Senior Procurement Specialist

Job Title: Senior IT Sourcing & RFP Specialist

Location: Taylor, TX - Hybrid (Minimum 2 days onsite)

Job Type: Contract (12 months)

Role Overview

We are seeking a highly experienced Senior IT Sourcing & RFP Specialist to lead complex IT procurement initiatives. This role will manage end-to-end sourcing and RFP activities across enterprise technology categories including software, SaaS, cloud infrastructure, cybersecurity, managed services, and professional services.

The ideal candidate operates independently, brings deep knowledge of the IT vendor landscape, and delivers high-quality sourcing outcomes with minimal supervision. Success in this role requires strong stakeholder management skills, the ability to navigate competing priorities, and effective communication across IT, legal, finance, and executive leadership.

Core Responsibilities

IT RFP & Sourcing Leadership

• Lead end-to-end RFP/RFQ processes for complex IT procurements
• Develop comprehensive RFP documentation including scope, technical requirements, SLAs, KPIs, and evaluation criteria
• Manage full sourcing lifecycle: requirements gathering, RFP issuance, vendor Q&A, evaluation, down-selection, and award recommendations
• Facilitate cross-functional evaluation teams (IT, legal, finance, security, business units)
• Conduct total cost of ownership (TCO) and financial analysis to support decision-making

Contract Negotiation & Execution

• Lead negotiations for software licenses, SaaS, cloud agreements, managed services, and professional services
• Draft and negotiate SLAs, KPIs, data security terms, and contractual clauses in partnership with legal and IT security teams
• Prepare executive summaries, negotiation strategies, and vendor comparisons
• Manage contract execution through final signature and transition to contract management

Vendor & Supplier Management

• Build and manage relationships with IT vendors and system integrators
• Conduct vendor evaluations including financial, security, and reference checks
• Monitor supplier performance, SLA adherence, and manage escalations
• Drive cost optimization and value realization initiatives
• Support vendor onboarding and qualification processes

Operational Procurement Support

• Manage IT procurement portfolio exceeding $20M annually
• Act as primary procurement contact for IT stakeholders
• Review and approve requisitions ensuring compliance and completeness
• Maintain contract records and procurement documentation
• Collaborate with IT project managers to develop clear Statements of Work (SOWs)
• Generate procurement reports and dashboards

Quality & Compliance

• Ensure procurement documentation aligns with internal policies and standards
• Maintain accurate procurement records and audit readiness
• Respond to executive inquiries and reporting requests
• Stay current on IT market trends, vendor landscape, and licensing models

Stakeholder Communication & Collaboration

• Navigate competing priorities across IT, legal, finance, and business teams
• Communicate clearly with stakeholders at all levels, including executives
• Act as a trusted advisor on sourcing strategy, contract risks, and vendor selection
• Provide regular updates, manage expectations, and escalate issues as needed
• Facilitate cross-functional meetings and ensure alignment
• Deliver concise reports, executive summaries, and vendor evaluations
• Build strong, collaborative relationships across internal and external partners

Required Qualifications

Experience

• 5 years of IT procurement experience with focus on RFPs and contract negotiations
• Proven track record managing large-scale IT sourcing initiatives
• Experience handling procurement portfolios of $20M annually
• Ability to work independently in fast-paced environments
• Strong stakeholder management and communication skills
• Ability to influence and collaborate across cross-functional teams

Technical Knowledge

• Strong understanding of IT licensing models (SaaS, subscription, consumption-based, perpetual)
• Experience with software, cloud (AWS, Azure, GCP), and services contracts
• Knowledge of data security and compliance standards (SOC 2, ISO 27001, HIPAA, etc.)
• Experience with ERP procurement and contract management systems
• Advanced Excel skills for financial and cost analysis
• Familiarity with NERC CIP standards is a plus

Education

• Bachelor’s degree in Business, Supply Chain, IT, or related field (or equivalent experience)

Preferred Certifications

• CPSM (Certified Professional in Supply Management)
• CTPE (Certified Technology Procurement Executive)
• Relevant cloud/vendor certifications (AWS, Microsoft, Salesforce, etc.)