Procurement Specialist, Technology

The IT Category Management role will be responsible for developing and implementing comprehensive strategic sourcing and supplier management programs that meet the needs of internal stakeholders while addressing pricing, acquisition, total cost, lead-time, and supply considerations across the technology portfolio. This role will partner closely with Central Technology leadership and Procurement management to support a large-scale global technology spend portfolio exceeding $65M annually, while driving operational efficiency, supplier governance, and measurable cost optimization initiatives.

• Manage technology spend categories such as software, SaaS, hardware, telecom, networking, infrastructure, cloud, labor, and managed services suppliers.
• Creates and manages category strategies, negotiations, RFPs, and contracts.
• Creates, negotiates, implements and manages long‑term contracts while effectively developing and promoting strategic partnerships with suppliers.
• Works closely with internal Morningstar clients and stakeholders to understand their business needs, objectives, product/service requirements and the broader operational processes.
• Effectively communicates with appropriate management levels both internally and externally.
• Identifies opportunities for improvement and makes constructive suggestions for change.
• Manage the full supplier lifecycle, including sourcing, procurement, negotiations, contract management, and supplier performance evaluation.
• Develop, implement, and track comprehensive category strategies grounded in deep market analysis and aligned with company and stakeholder priorities; deliver measurable year‑over‑year cost reductions and working capital improvements.
• Conduct supplier spend, forecasting, and consumption analytics in partnership with Finance to identify sourcing optimization opportunities, contract consolidation opportunities, and measurable cost savings initiatives.
• Research and interpret the technology marketplace to understand supplier and market characteristics, identify sourcing trends, and uncover new opportunities for value creation.
• Lead Quarterly Business Reviews focused on SLAs to drive supplier accountability, proactively identify improvement opportunities, and monitor progress throughout the contractual period.
• Manage supplier performance by addressing conflict resolution, escalation, and resolution procedures promptly and effectively, ensuring issues are resolved and continuous improvement is maintained.
• Partner with Legal and Sourcing/Procurement teams throughout the supplier lifecycle to ensure robust contract operations and governance.
• Build strong partnerships and engagement with both existing and new strategic suppliers to enable high‑quality, efficient support for internal stakeholders and business units.
• Champion continuous improvement initiatives to enhance quality, efficiency, and cost savings across all sourcing activities.

• Bachelor’s degree in relevant field.
• 3+ years related work experience in Supply Chain, Finance, Economics, Business Administration, Computer Science, Information Systems Management, or another related field.

• Degree in Procurement, Supply Chain, Business Administration, Business Management, Finance, Accounting, or another related field.
• 5+ years related work experience in Technology Procurement, Technology role or another related field.
• Knowledge of Source to Pay systems, such as Coupa.
• Strong project management and procurement workflow management skills across Source-to-Pay platforms such as Service Now and Coupa.
• Supplier Risk Analysis and Supplier Relationship Management.

• Skilled in Microsoft Office (e.g., Word, Excel, PowerPoint).
• A potential team leader with strong communication skills.
• Understanding of supply chain concepts, with work experience applying those concepts.
• Strong negotiating and influencing skills.
• Self‑directed and resourceful with the ability to handle multiple, simultaneous tasks with exhibited follow‑through and initiative.
• Strong business and financial acumen,…