IT Vendor Management Analyst

Job Description:Our client has a contract-to-hire position for an IT Vendor Management Analyst. Requires an experienced person who has solid experience negotiating IT hardware, software, and services agreements. This person is has to have top notch communication skills and the ability to interact with all levels of IT management, senior technical resources, and vendor salespeople. Experience in developing strategic sourcing options is also a must. Specifically, it is preferable that they also have experience developing/executing strategic sourcing options for PC Lifecycle support, contingent workforce supply, and/or software asset management. The hiring manager is really looking for a candidate who has a solid understanding of the work, and will hit the ground running. Additional job details: Maintains relationships with strategic and tactical vendors and contractors, which includes coordinating all duties associated with the acquisition of hardware and software equipment needs for a major business area, and performing analytical and administrative responsibilities for hardware, software, and service contract activities within the policies and guidelines established by the Information Technology department. Provides guidance and may oversee work assignments to lower level staff. Cost of products is typically greater than $5 million.Works on complex issues where analysis of situations or data requires an in-depth evaluation of variable factors. Exercises judgment in selecting methods, techniques, and evaluation criteria for obtaining results. Uses internal and external contacts to make recommendations to the department on best practices and new procedures. May provide guidance to other IT Vendor Management Analysts. DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:% of Time70 % Vendor Mgmt Process-Manages relationships with assigned vendors, contractors, and internal users, which includes understanding the procurement needs of the assigned internal users; reviewing, analyzing, and monitoring contract performance; facilitating vendor issue and task meetings; resolving disputes between Progressive and the vendors/contractors regarding the purchase of hardware, software, and other IT related services; and documenting and creating action plans to address vendor or product issues. Assists lower level staff with highly complex questions and/or problems regarding their assigned vendors, and may oversee work assignments. Develops and maintains relationships with new vendors in accordance with standard processes.-Works with the business and other IT groups to define enhancement for product functionality and technical changes.-Determines when a dual vendor strategy is required, creates timeline and project plan.-Participates on vendor advisory board to influence new products.-Collaborates with cross-functional groups, including the business, Legal, IT Acquisitions, and IT to define vendor performance measures and guidelines, including tracking processes to manage performance of vendors.-Leads efforts with vendors to gain acceptance of performance measurement program(s).-Influences vendors to meet client's needs.-Leads the bidding process (Request for Proposal, Request for Information, and Request for Quote) for software, hardware and services.-Leads and assists IT business owners with budgeting based upon understanding of contract costs and terms.-Leads contract/SOW/SLA's renegotiations when needed and manages termination process.-Analyzes vendor's operation to determine factors that affect prices and determine lowest cost consistent with quality, reliability, and ability to meet requirements.-Continues to understand the market conditions and trends. Advises and makes recommendations to Management.-Mentors lower level vendor relationship analysts.-Ensures Disaster Recovery and communication plans are in place with vendor and internal.-Coordinates and delivers effective oral and written presentations.-Negotiates situations successfully while still maintaining the relationship.-Conducts vendor/product analysis and the generation of scorecards, which includes identifying and analyzing trend spikes in issues with vendor products or the vendor relationship, and creating and maintaining vendor performance reports.-Evaluates the need for IT hardware, software or service upgrades.-Ensures an accurate accounting of all purchased hardware, software, and related services, which includes which includes gathering information from lower level staff; asset tracking, extended warranty information, retirement processes, etc.20 % Procurement Process-Originates and executes complex contracts for equipment hardware, software, and services. May be assisted by lower level staff.-Coordinates contract administration and negotiation activities through the IT Acquisition group, which includes major purchases and the negotiation of vendor contracts. (i.e. Statements of Work, Extended Warranty, Licensing).-Establishes procedures for procuring hardware, software, and other related services with IT Acquisition and Commodity groups, and implements according to department guidelines. Works with company and vendor technology experts to identify risks, costs, benefits, and alternatives for available products and services.10 % Team Support-Designs and implements business processes and related metrics for the department.-Makes and implements recommendations for improvements.-Leads or participates in team projects. You can view all of our jobs online at http://www.ajilonconsulting.com



Job Experience:KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & EXPERIENCE:Bachelor's Degree in an IT, Finance or Business discipline with eight or more years of related work experience, which should include eight or more years of experience reporting software/hardware licensing using an asset management tool, eight or more years of contract administration experience, and eight or more years of experience maintaining vendor relationships.Strong understanding of IT Control and Claims Control processes, including budget and CBA process. Excellent interpersonal and communication skills (both written and verbal).Excellent facilitation and negotiation skills with the ability to influence the behavior of others.Proven ability to maintain successful working relationships, which should include the ability to guide and oversee the work of others.The ability to design and implement business processes and related metrics.The ability to effectively create processes across organizational boundaries.Demonstrated problem solving and analytical skills.An excellent understanding of various software reporting systems (i.e., Service Center, Asset Center, etc). An understanding of software development methodologies, Information Technology practices, and experience with software or hardware rollouts preferred.The ability to balance multiple tasks and projects simultaneously.