Director IT Vendor Management Operations

11-Apr-2024

Harvard University Information Technology

65576BR

Position Description

Harvard University Information Technology (HUIT) is a community of Information Technology professionals committed to delivering service and technological solutions in support of teaching, learning, research and administration.  We are recruiting an IT workforce that has both breadth in their ability to collaborate and innovate across disciplines – and depth in specific areas of expertise. HUIT offers opportunities for IT professionals to learn and work in a unique technology landscape and service-focused environment. If you are a technically proficient, nimble, user-focused, and accountable IT professional who also connects with the importance of collaborating well in a team environment, we are looking for you!

HUIT is seeking an experienced and strategic Director IT Vendor Management and Operations. The ideal candidate will be responsible for developing and implementing IT contracts strategies, managing vendor relationships, and ensuring the efficient sourcing of goods and services to meet organizational needs. This role requires a strong background in vendor management processes, negotiation and analytical skills, and the ability to collaborate with various stakeholders.

Essential Responsibilities:

Contract Negotiation and Management: 

• Identify, evaluate, and select suitable vendors aligned with organizational goals.  
• Establish, develop, and maintain strong relationships with key vendors. 
• Lead negotiations for favorable terms, pricing, and contractual agreements. 
• Oversee vendor performance and conduct regular evaluations. In collaboration with key stakeholders, continuously review processes, identify, and implement solutions to improve the I.T experience, drive efficiencies and reduce costs, in accordance with business unit strategies. 
• Assess current and future business needs, remain up-to-date with the technology market through relationships with vendors and market experts. 
• Ensure compliance with contracts and manage contract renewals. 
• Implement best practices and technologies to streamline workflows. 

Data Analysis and Reporting: 

• Establish and monitor key performance indicators (KPIs) for procurement and vendor management. 
• Maintain and monitor a vendor management database to provide in a centralized location key data including financial information and important timelines to optimize the vendor management process.  
• Analyze data to make informed decisions and identify areas for improvement, and market trends to optimize costs without compromising quality. 
• Monitors results against goals via vendor scorecard. 
• Prepare and present reports on VMO performance to senior management. 

Leadership and Development: 

• Oversee, organize and provide strong leadership to the VMO team while being a hands-on leader and contributor. 
• Offer guidance, mentorship, and professional development opportunities. 
• Set objectives and improve VMO processes for the team, assuring alignment with overall policies and goals. 
• Foster an environment of continuous improvement to enhance operations. 
• Collaborate with various departments to understand and address their needs. 
• Foster cross-functional teamwork to align procurement activities with organizational objectives. 
• Stay informed about industry trends, emerging technologies, and best practices

Basic Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent work experience required
• Minimum of 10 years’ relevant work experience
• Supervisory experience

Additional Qualifications and Skills

Required:

• Strong analytical skills and experience in Vendor Management KPIs, vendor pricing methods, rate cards methodologies. 
• Proven experience in a senior procurement role with a successful track record. 
• Excellent leadership and interpersonal skills. 
• Analytical mindset with the ability to make data-driven decisions. 
• Strong communication and presentation skills. 

:

• Master’s in Business Administration or Technology

Certificates and Licenses

• Professional in Supply Management (CPSM) preferred

Working Conditions

• Work is performed in an office setting

Additional Information

Please provide a cover letter with your application.

Please note:

• Harvard University requires pre-employment reference and background screening. 
• We are unable to provide work authorization and/or visa sponsorship. 
• This position has a 180-day orientation and review period.

The health of our workforce is a priority for Harvard University. With that in mind, we strongly encourage all employees to be up-to-date on CDC-recommended vaccines.

Accessibility:
Harvard University welcomes individuals with disabilities to apply for positions and participate in its programs and activities. If you would like to request an accommodation or have questions about the physical access provided, please contact our University Disability Resources Department.

Work Format Details

HUIT actively supports hybrid work where business needs allow. This position has been designated as a primarily remote position. While this position is primarily remote, travel to campus may be necessary based on business needs and the nature of work. Examples include bi-annual or quarterly Town Halls, critical business meetings or other work events. Additional details will be discussed during the interview process. All remote work must be performed within one of the Harvard Registered Payroll States, which currently includes Massachusetts, Connecticut, Maine, New Hampshire, Rhode Island, Vermont, Georgia, Illinois, Maryland, New Jersey, New York, Virginia, Washington, and California (CA for exempt positions only). Certain visa types and funding sources may limit work location. Individuals must meet work location sponsorship requirements prior to employment.

About Us

More about HUIT:
Harvard University Information Technology (HUIT) is responsible for the strategy, planning, and delivery of information technology across the University.  Our mission is to assure Harvard’s leadership in IT. We strive to make it easier for faculty, students, and staff to teach, research, learn and work through the effective use of information technology.  HUIT’s core values are User Focused, Collaborative, Innovative and Open.

HUIT’s core values are: 

• User-focused 
• Collaborative 
• Innovative 
• Open 

IT Academy (designed for IT Staff):
HUIT’s IT Academy aims to enable each IT staff person to grow professionally and become a trusted partner to her or his team. The IT Academy is built on the belief that every IT staff member across the University (including technology employees at each school and campus) can grow in her or his area of expertise as well as building strong people and project management skills. Learn more here: https://itacademy.harvard.edu/  

Benefits

We invite you to visit Harvard's Total Rewards website (https://hr.harvard.edu/totalrewards ) to learn more about our outstanding benefits package, which may include:

• Paid Time Off: 3-4 weeks of accrued vacation time per year (3 weeks for support staff and 4 weeks for administrative/professional staff), 12 accrued sick days per year, 12.5 holidays plus a Winter Recess in December/January, 3 personal days per year (prorated based on date of hire), and up to 12 weeks of paid leave for new parents who are primary care givers.
• Health and Welfare: Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision benefits, disability and life insurance programs, along with voluntary benefits. Most coverage begins as of your start date.
• Work/Life and Wellness: Child and elder/adult care resources including on campus childcare centers, Employee Assistance Program, and wellness programs related to stress management, nutrition, meditation, and more.
• Retirement: University-funded retirement plan with contributions from 5% to 15% of eligible compensation, based on age and earnings with full vesting after 3 years of service.
• Tuition Assistance Program: Competitive program including $40 per class at the Harvard Extension School and reduced tuition through other participating Harvard graduate schools.
• Tuition Reimbursement: Program that provides 75% to 90% reimbursement up to $5,250 per calendar year for eligible courses taken at other accredited institutions.
• Professional Development: Programs and classes at little or no cost, including through the Harvard Center for Workplace Development and LinkedIn Learning.
• Commuting and Transportation: Various commuter options handled through the Parking Office, including discounted parking, half-priced public transportation passes and pre-tax transit passes, biking benefits, and more.
• Harvard Facilities Access, Discounts and Perks: Access to Harvard athletic and fitness facilities, libraries, campus events, credit union, and more, as well as discounts to various types of services (legal, financial, etc.) and cultural and leisure activities throughout metro-Boston.

Department Office Location

USA - MA - Cambridge

Job Code

F1260M Procurement Mgt VI

Work Format

Hybrid (partially on-site, partially remote)

Department

Administration and Finance

Union

00 - Non Union, Exempt or Temporary

Pre-Employment Screening

Identity

Commitment to Equity, Diversity, Inclusion, and Belonging

Harvard University views equity, diversity, inclusion, and belonging as the pathway to achieving inclusive excellence and fostering a campus culture where everyone can thrive. We strive to create a community that draws upon the widest possible pool of talent to unify excellence and diversity while fully embracing individuals from varied backgrounds, cultures, races, identities, life experiences, perspectives, beliefs, and values.

EEO Statement

We are an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, gender identity, sexual orientation, pregnancy and pregnancy-related conditions, or any other characteristic protected by law.

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