Sr. Procurement Contracts Specialist, IT (Hybrid)

Company Description

At Lakeshore, we create innovative learning materials and world-class guest experiences for teachers, parents and children. Since 1954, we’ve grown into a global community—with a thriving e-commerce business, multiple catalogs, 60+ retail stores, a peerless national sales force, plus international offices that support our preeminent supply chain division. But today we’re working better, smarter and faster than ever—and setting our sights even higher. We’re building an infrastructure designed for scalability, embracing data-driven decision-making and using technology to improve efficiency and ensure the best tools for the best work. Most importantly, we continue to invest in a diverse team of inquisitive top talent who fuel each other’s passions and curiosity, take risks, try new things, and believe that every new day brings opportunities for growth.

Job Description

We are seeking a Sr. Procurement Contracts Specialist, IT to join our team. In this role, you will lead strategic procurement activities for various categories including, but not limited to: Information Technology, Facilities, MRO, HR and professional consulting services (eCommerce, Finance, EH&S, etc.). You may also be called upon to coach other less-experienced team members performing category management duties. Working with internal partners, you’ll create and execute a category strategy and track progress throughout the year using spend analysis, quarterly negotiation strategies, critical supplier summary sheets and other tools. Applicants should have experience leading and influencing people, with the ability to effectively communicate across all levels of the organization. The ideal candidate also possesses a strong Indirect Procurement background across all categories, a proven ability to drive cost savings, experience in the Procure-To-Pay process across all categories and experience in Sourcing, RFP, RFQ and Bidding best practices. 

A day on the job looks like this: 

• Using spend analysis, Lakeshore historical and current market information to manage your category to identify improvement opportunities
• Creating, executing and tracking the progress of a category strategy
• Coaching, leading and participating in work across multiple categories to teach best procurement practices to internal stakeholders 
• Drafting contract language, redlining and negotiating terms and conditions to protect Lakeshore 
• Developing and measuring Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) to ensure continued progress toward achieving annual goals 
• Driving continuous improvement of the Contracts, Procurement, and Resolutions department (CPR) and company-wide Indirect Strategic Sourcing and Procurement processes and tools
• Developing and leading a sourcing and contract award process, including the use of e-auction tools, RFI, RFQ and RFP processes 
• Developing key guidelines followed across all departments around RFQs/RFPs/Awards of Business
• Managing the contract renewals process in a strategic and timely manner
• Managing the fundamentals of sourcing and supplier engagement activities, including RFQs, QBRs, spend pattern analysis, contract analysis, bid evaluation, negotiations and supplier consolidation
• Embracing fact-based decision-making; leveraging and integrating market or benchmark data, spend analytics and cost modeling
• Developing performance-based scorecards; monitoring, documenting and evaluating supplier performance
• Creating training assets, methods and opportunities for team members to build experience, competency and mastery of skills needed in the CPR department
• Supporting team, in a hands-on manner, to take on increasingly complex projects and expand abilities in pursuit of personal and professional goals

Qualifications

Got the skills and experience? Here’s what we’re looking for: 

• Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain or Business Administration required 
• Master’s degree in Supply Chain or Business Administration preferred
• 4 years of experience working in an Indirect Procurement position
• 4 years of experience managing people/projects desired
• In-depth contracting experience across multiple categories, with a focus on IT, Distribution Warehouse, MRO, HR and Professional Consulting Services
• Ability to analyze data to drive effective decision-making 
• Experience in identifying ways to streamline and improve efficiency of work—including the selection of the proper tools
• Experience and proven results in establishing a category strategy
• Ability to work at a strategic level with department heads on the long-term vision of company objectives and how CPR can generate progress on those objectives
• Proven experience in improving procurement efficiencies and reducing cost
• SAP experience is a must

Additional Information

And here’s our end of the bargain! 

• Salary: $90,000-$115,000 with an annual bonus of up to 10%
• Paid leave for new parents to support work/life balance and family bonding
• Excellent medical/dental and vision coverage—EPO, PPO and HSA
• 401(k) retirement plan with company contribution (because you will retire someday)
• Flexible benefits—choose what you like, ignore the rest
• On-site preschool for our employees’ children
• On-site employee gym for all levels/fitness needs
• Generous employee discount
• Casual dress…and we really mean it

At Lakeshore, we know our diversity makes us stronger, and when everyone feels included and valued, we all win. We strive to embrace our differences and create an intentionally diverse and inclusive community that is representative of the teachers, families and children we serve.
We know we couldn’t do the extraordinary things we’re doing without the people on our team. Thanks to the passion and enthusiasm of this spectacular group, Lakeshore is more than a great place to work—it’s a great experience to be part of. Day in and day out, we give everything we’ve got to create products that instill a sense of wonder and foster a true love of learning. To help maintain this high bar for success, we’re constantly on the lookout for people to join us. So if you’re a down-to-earth professional who shares our desire for making a difference, we’d love to hear from you. 
To learn more about Lakeshore, visit www.lakeshorelearning.com/careers 
Equal Employment Opportunity Policy
People are selected to become members of the Lakeshore family based on skill, merit and mind-boggling talent—not based on race, color, creed, sexual orientation, gender or gender identity, marital status, domestic partnership status, military status, religion, age, national origin, ancestry, alienage, AIDS or AIDS-related complex status, genetic information, predisposition or carrier status, status as a victim of domestic violence, physical or mental disability, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law. If things aren’t equal, we all lose.

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