NEW JOB OPENING
IT SOURCING SPECIALIST - STRATEGIC IT PROCUREMENT & CATEGORY MANAGEMENT
IN Saint Louis, MO, USA!

The IT Sourcing Specialist supports strategic IT procurement and category management processes that create sustainable value through lower costs, improved supplier performance and efficiency with a keen appreciation/consideration for Business Partner needs and priorities. Works with cross-functional teams in the implementation of category management processes. Conducts research and analysis to develop strategy and drive decision-making regarding spend, suppliers and markets. Develops category and commodity cost models. Works with Supply Chain (SC) staff and Business Partners to provide day-to-day support, strategic sourcing and procurement, and respond to questions and solve problems.





Required Education:

Bachelor’s degree required; preferably in Engineering, Business, Accounting, Finance, Supply Chain, or Digital.



Preferred Education:

MBA, other related graduate degree, or Doctorate preferred.



Preferred Certification:

Certified Professional in Supply Management (CPSM).



Required Qualifications

• Five or more years of directly relevant work experience, including experience working with cross-functional teams.

• Strategic procurement and supply chain management.

• Category management, spend analysis, market analysis, and demand planning.

• Strategic sourcing best practices, negotiations, and contract structuring.

• Supplier performance management, Supplier relationship management (SRM), and business partner relationship management.

• Change management and Continuous improvement.

• Proficiency with the Microsoft Office suite, including PowerPoint, Excel, Word, and other related applications.

• Sourcing experience, preferably within the utility, manufacturing, or construction sector.

• Proven analytical, financial, and operational skills.

• Strong business acumen and the ability to make sound judgments.

• Strong customer-oriented mindset.

• Excellent oral and written communication skills, with the ability to communicate effectively with suppliers and business partners.

• Ability to be persuasive and build credibility internally and externally.

• Ability to lead multiple projects and initiatives simultaneously.

• Ability to provide guidance in developing and evolving category management processes, establishing metrics, and engaging suppliers on operational, strategic, and financial issues.

• Strong self-starter with the ability to prioritize tasks and deliver on deadlines in a fast-paced environment.

• Effective team player with the ability to work with all levels of internal and external stakeholders.

• Excellent business writing and presentation skills.

• Candidates with an advanced degree or doctorate will be considered with three or more years of experience.





Job Responsibilities:

1. Category Management: Support Portfolio Managers and Category Managers in category management activities and processes that ensure Business Partner satisfaction and value creation. Support regular assessment of Business Partner requirements and matching procurement plans to meet/adapt to business needs. Seek to develop category expertise, market dynamics and trends knowledge, insights about suppliers, pricing, and negotiating tactics.

2. Spend Analysis: Coordinate with and leverage market, supplier, and spend analyses with Sourcing Analysts to inform category strategies and competitive solicitations (e.g., RFQs). Help implement, in collaboration with Portfolio Managers and Category Managers, leading practices for spend/market analysis to develop value-adding sourcing strategies.

3. Strategic Sourcing: Execute sourcing strategies based on Category Manager guidance and leading practices and provide commercial and procurement expertise to deliver optimal outcomes. Develop competitive solicitation, bid evaluation, and negotiations materials. Support bid evaluation, negotiation strategy development, and negotiation execution. Develop contracting documentation based on established (and negotiated) terms and conditions, pricing, performance criteria, and any risk mitigations.

4. Supplier Relationship Management: As directed, communicates with suppliers and is knowledgeable about procurement practices and IT category strategy. Develop, maintain, and appropriately build positive and influential relationships with suppliers and Business Partners to assure Ameren of long-term, cost-effective, procurement strategy in procurement of key services and goods.

5. Supply Chain Strategy: Support the SC and category strategy development process with analysis and helps integrate it with regular business planning and budgeting cycles for SC and Ameren. Work closely with Category Manager to align strategy making processes with Business Partner processes. Assist in the preparation and communication of business cases to support SC initiatives and priorities.

6. Continuous Improvement: Use continuous improvement framework to sustain SC strategy and compliance with Ameren objectives. To achieve process excellence and stay current with industry innovations, the Specialist helps identify and implement, in collaboration with the Supply Chain management, leading practices throughout the organization. Communicate initiatives and improvements to Business Partners as appropriate.

• **Only those lawfully authorized to work in the designated country associated with the position will be considered.**

• **Please note that all Position start dates and duration are estimates and may be reduced or lengthened based upon a client’s business needs and requirements.**