IT Sourcing & RFP Specialist Sr.

Job Title: IT Sourcing & RFP Specialist Sr.
Job Location: Taylor TX 76574
Job Duration: 24 Months Contract

Location: Hybrid, 2 times a week minimum onsite, local candidate or willing to relocate

We are seeking 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 our 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 our business objectives even in a complex, multi-stakeholder environment.

SKILLS:
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

Contract 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 drives cost reduction and value optimization initiatives across the IT supplier portfolio
• Support our 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 our policies
• Maintain comprehensive procurement records in accordance with our 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 our 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-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 customers, vendors, and cross-domain partners, fostering a collaborative environment that supports procurement efficiency and shared accountability

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• 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, Google Cloud Platform), 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)