Strategic Sourcing Analyst II; Hybrid - Buffalo, NY

Overview:

This role drives strategic sourcing efforts for complex, high-value consulting, contracted staffing, contingent labor, and Statement of Work (SOW)–based engagements. You’ll partner closely with the business to structure deals, manage vendor relationships, and negotiate contracts that deliver strong outcomes.

Working in a contract-centric environment, you’ll anchor decisions in pricing, terms, and compliance while guiding stakeholders through the end-to-end procurement process. This is a hands‑on, highly collaborative role that requires strong judgment, the ability to challenge assumptions, and confidence balancing strategy with execution to protect the bank’s best interests.

This role follows a hybrid work model, requiring onsite presence four days per week at M&T Bank’s corporate headquarters. Candidates must reside within a reasonable commuting distance to the following location:

• 345 Main Street, Buffalo, NY

• For major sourcing initiatives, work with management to identify an Executive Sponsor and a cross‑functional project team to ensure appropriate buy‑in, support and participation throughout the project.
• Guide the Project Team through the Strategic Sourcing process and keep the Executive Sponsor and relevant senior managers informed of progress, setbacks and obstacles. Lead a kick‑off meeting with the Project Team to clarify the objectives, strategy and proposed timeline of the sourcing initiative. Develop and execute Requests for Proposals (RFPs), Requests for Quotes (RFQs) and/or Requests for Information (RFIs) based on identified business needs, market conditions and corporate standards.
  
  Facilitate analysis, evaluation and scoring of vendor proposals against criteria established and agreed on by the Team. Conduct multiple rounds of bids and coordinate activities such as supplier demonstrations, reference calls and on‑site visits to short‑list suppliers. Lead contract negotiations in conjunction with the Project Team and Legal to ensure we obtain the most competitive pricing and favorable terms possible.
• Prepare sufficient documentation to inform Executive Sponsor and senior managers of recommendations and results of the sourcing initiative, including any achieved savings, customer implications and impacts to business operations.
• Guide business and support units through the Third‑Party Risk Management Program in conjunction with the Third‑Party Risk Management team to ensure selected vendors are properly risk‑tiered, vetted and approved before executing a contract.
• Research and analyze procurement trend data at the Bank and recommend savings opportunities to associated business lines and support functions.
• Understand and adhere to the Company’s risk and regulatory standards, policies and controls in accordance with the Company’s Risk Appetite. Identify risk‑related issues needing escalation to management.
• Promote an environment that supports belonging and reflects the M&T Bank brand.
• Maintain M&T internal control standards, including timely implementation of internal and external audit points together with any issues raised by external regulators as applicable.
• Complete other related duties as assigned.

Strategic Sourcing is a structured process that maximizes competition and leverage to select the most suitable suppliers at the best price. As such, this position is critical to expense control at the Bank. The position is responsible for one or more categories of spending that occur at the Bank and has overall responsibility for controlling expenses in the assigned category across the entire organization, inclusive of all subsidiaries, business units and cost centers.

Typically, categories assigned to the position have between $500K - $5M in annual spending. Consequently, a small percentage impact in these categories can have substantial impact on bottom line profitability of the Bank, stock price and shareholder return.

• Bachelor’s degree and a minimum of 2 years’ proven financial and/or business experience, or in lieu of a degree, a combined minimum of 6 years’ higher…