Buyer, IT Procurement

Sears is committed to improving the lives of our customers by providing quality services, products and solutions that earn their trust and build lifetime relationships. We are proud of our diverse, high-performance team work environment and we strive for continuous improvement through keen focus on growth, effectiveness and a sense of urgency. Individuals who are driven to earn our customers' trust and business every day, who act with integrity, who treat everyone fairly and value diversity, and who are accountable for their actions are welcome to show interest in becoming a member of our winning team.

The Buyer, IT Procurement will manage all procurement activities, under the direction of the Manager, IT Procurement, in support of specific Information Technology projects requiring the purchase of hardware, software, telecommunications or services for retail stores, distribution centers and corporate offices. In addition, the Buyer, IT Procurement will manage key supplier relationships ensuring appropriate value, responsiveness and prioritization. Specific responsibilities include managing all aspects of purchasing from validation of requirements to contract signing; interacting with virtually all areas of the IT organization at all management and support levels. Also regularly interacting with Legal, Finance, Treasury, Accounting, Store Operations and Accounts Payable.

Qualifications
Responsibilities:
- Play a key role in developing a centralized Procurement Department that is well regarded by the business units and is seen as adding value when involved.
- Utilize a collaborative style in working with individuals in the business units so as to develop long term relationships and build credibility for the department.
- Coordinate cross functional teams (i.e. IT, Legal, Finance) to collectively optimize value.
- Assist cross functional teams in documenting business needs and then create a procurement plan to achieve optimal value.
- Manage the competitive bidding process utilizing the appropriate methodology (i.e. RFQ, RFP, e-Procurement, etc.)
- Lead a cross-functional team through the supplier evaluation and selection process ensuring an objective approach and outcome.
- Negotiate hardware, software, telecom and/or services contracts - pricing, contract terms, service level agreements (SLAs), etc.
- Purchase hardware from desktops to mainframes; software from shrink wrap to enterprise solutions; services from software maintenance to full outsourcing, telecom from hardware to voice/ data services.
- Ensure that all corporate policies and procedures regarding contracts and commitments are followed.
- Determine long and short term goals related to strategic sourcing within a commodity category and implement strategies to accomplish those goals.
- Communicate directly and effectively with all levels of IT including VPs and CIO.

Skills/Experience Requirements:
- Broad and deep knowledge of Purchasing & Contract Terms Negotiations.
- Minimum of three (3) years experience in corporate technology acquisition and supplier management.
- Bachelor degree required
- Ability to think strategically to develop solutions to complex business issues to deliver the required business results.
- Ability to build consensus among internal customers.
- Solid understanding of industry trends.
- Knowledge and experience in program and project management disciplines.
- Results orientation, high organizational skills, able to multi-task and effectively prioritize.
- Strong relationship and interpersonal skills.

Benefits
As a Sears professional, your career path options will be determined by your performance as well as your desire to advance further within the Sears organization. You'll also get some of the best benefits in the industry:
-Medical, Dental and Legal Plans
-Flexible Spending Accounts
-Associate Discounts
-Group Universal Life Insurance
-Long-Term Disability Insurance
-Long-Term Care Insurance
-Business Travel Accident Insurance
-Short-Term Disability
-Vacation/Personal and National Holidays
-WorkLife Solutions
Please Note: Different eligibility rules apply to certain benefits. Some businesses do not offer all benefits shown.


Sears is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer.