IT Procurement Specialist (software)

Consulting to perm opportunity with leading cybersecurity software firm (around 600 employees worldwide).

1. IT procurement experience is required (software/hardware).
2. Experience with indirect or service spend categories.
3. Looking for sourcing, purchasing, or category management experience.

Consultants typically will become FTEs after 6 months. Expected conversion salary \~$80K.

Responsibilities

• Manage routine purchasing activities with growing independence, including processing purchase orders, vendor communications, and order tracking.
• Lead special projects focused on contract consolidations, vendor evaluations, and procurement process optimization under the Procurement Manager's direction.
• Communicate with vendors to obtain quotes, clarify terms, track order status, and resolve basic issues in a timely and professional manner.
• Support contract and renewal tracking, monitor key dates and milestones, and escalate risks or issues that require management attention.
• Perform spend analysis and cost comparisons across vendor proposals, identifying opportunities for savings and value optimization.
• Collaborate with internal teams (Finance, IT, Operations, Legal) to clarify purchasing requirements, gather specifications, and align procurement decisions with business objectives.
• Maintain accurate procurement records, document vendor communications, and ensure compliance with all corporate purchasing guidelines, legal regulations, and contract terms.
• Support vendor relationship management activities and contribute to vendor performance assessments.
• Assist in building and maintaining vendor master files, contract templates, and procurement process documentation.

Qualifications

• 2-3 years of procurement experience with demonstrated success in purchasing, sourcing, or vendor management.
• 1\+ years of hands-on supplier and vendor management experience.
• Demonstrated experience administering purchase orders and ensuring compliance with corporate purchasing guidelines and legal regulations.
• Strong communication skills, both written and verbal, with ability to interface professionally with vendors and internal stakeholders.
• Organizational and time management skills with ability to manage multiple projects and priorities simultaneously.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Excel, Word, Outlook) and experience with procurement systems or ERP platforms (Netsuite).
• Attention to detail and commitment to accuracy in all procurement activities and documentation.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively within a team environment.
• Familiarity with procurement best practices, contract administration fundamentals, and basic cost analysis techniques.

Nice to Have

• Experience with vendor consolidation or rationalization initiatives.
• Exposure to post-acquisition integration or contract transition projects.
• Knowledge of cybersecurity or industrial control systems (ICS/OT) procurement.
• Experience with vendor management systems (VMS) or contract management platforms.
• Background in managing complex vendor agreements or negotiating terms.
• Familiarity with procurement compliance frameworks (e.g., vendor compliance audits, risk assessments).