IT Acquisition and Contract Negotiator

Summary

 

Responsible for the evaluation and negotiation of Information Technology related hardware, software, security, LAN, WAN, telecommunications, and professional service contracts. Negotiates contract terms & conditions. Works heavily with the technical team, business units, Corporate Legal, the Tax Department and the vendor to coordinate contract related issues. Performs vendor relationship management and internal customer relationship management. Analytical and financial analysis skills are used daily. Negotiates technology related contracts.

 Essential Job Functions

 

Negotiates complex technology related contracts. Negotiates and/or re-negotiate technology contracts with vendors who provide services, licenses and/or equipment to any department or subsidiary within Farmers Group, Inc. Contract Negotiation responsibilities includes:Defines requirements/standards.Develops a negotiation approach suitable for each vendor.Conducts negotiations to reduce overall business costs and mitigate risk to the organization.Negotiates (from start to finish) complex contractsPerforms as a consultant for senior managers to develop effective request for vendor proposals.Writes contracts and contract amendments for technology services, licenses, and equipment.Develops standardized contract terms & conditions.Facilitates the definition of service requirements and vendor relationships.Contract Analysis: terms & conditions, financial, and analysis of purchase patterns.

 

Develops and releases formal documentation including defining requirements and purchasing strategies, evaluating services and products to obtain competitive best value, and selects a qualified vendor to provide them.

 

Financial analysis skills are required. (e.g. ROI, lease structures & analysis, cost benefit analysis, etc.)

 

Must have current knowledge of how contract law, tax regulations, and technology licensing issues impact contract negotiations.

 

Searches for new reliable sources of supply to obtain the best combination of quality, delivery and price.

 

Manages competitive opportunities for current and potential Farmers? suppliers to qualify for share of business.

Works heavily with the technical team, business units, Corporate Legal, the Tax Department and the vendor to coordinate contract related issues.

Assesses operational risk inherent in business, taking account of changing economic or market conditions, legal and regulatory requirements, operating procedures/practices, management structure and impact of new technology.

Seeks out and fosters opportunities where teams within Farmers and within the Zurich Financial Services organization can work together to achieve economies of scale and reduce procurement costs.

Uses knowledge of Software Licensing, Hardware Equipment & Services for all technology related areas and environments (e.g. Mainframe Systems, Distributed Systems, Wide Area Network, LAN, Applications, Database, Security, etc.) and contract Terms & Conditions on the job. Stays current with knowledge and trends within the industry.

Develops and maintains vendor relationships.

Mentors junior level team members.

Promotes safety at all times and complies with safety/ergonomic standards as outlined in relevant company published manuals.

Education Requirements

 

Four year college degree. Masters, J.D., or higher degree is a plus. Paralegal certification, Certified Purchasing Manager certification, or Certified Technology Procurement Executive is a plus.

 Experience and Special Skills Requirements

 Five or more years of experience negotiating complex technology contracts. Must have extensive experience with technology procurement and licensing.Experience with the RFP/RFI and procurement process is required. Extensive analytical and negotiation experience and skills are required.Knowledge across various technology fields and disciplines is required. Proficient in the use of Microsoft Office software.