Job Description

Join Western & Southern – Somewhere You Want to Be

At Western & Southern, is somewhere to grow, lead, win and do good for others. Our supportive culture, continuous learning opportunities and connection to our local communities make our company the ideal place for a career. For more than 135 years, our long-term success is fueled by a deep commitment to customer service and our community.

Ranked #29 on the American Opportunity Index (AOI), Western & Southern is among the top 100 companies for career growth. We are dedicated to empowering our associates and helping them maximize their talents. We take pride in our award-winning talent development team and our recognition as a Top 10 Military Friendly Employer and Top Spouse Employer.

Our Culture: Excellence and Collaboration

Western & Southern is built on a culture of integrity, top-notch performance, teamwork and collaboration. We’re committed to hiring and developing professionals who strive for excellence, demonstrate strong ethics and make fact-based decisions. Our associates are empowered to chase their career dreams while being supported every step of the way.

A Day in the Life of a Advanced Senior IT Category Manager

The Advanced Senior IT Category Manager executes assigned aspects of the Vendor Management Program for the Company, including the development and implementation of enhancements to the Vendor Management program focused on high complexity/high spend vendors. This individual is responsible for providing leadership and vision in the development and execution of the vendor management program for IT with a focus on high complexity/high spend vendors, which includes the documentation, implementation and maintenance of the IT vendor management processes, standards, and metrics tracking. This role is accountable for all activities associated with effectively building and maintaining external third party partner/vendor/outsourcing relationships, which includes establishing and monitoring the IT Vendor Service Level Agreements (SLA) against contract terms for high complexity/high spend vendors and business partners; management and performance monitoring of high complexity/high spend all IT vendors; serving as the primary liaison between legal, project leads and other key stakeholders in the contract negotiation process.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Reviews and proposes updates to Vendor Management policies and programs to ensure compliance with regulatory and other stakeholder expectations.
• Develops, operates and maintains the IT Vendor Management Program as it relates to high complexity/high spend vendors. This includes, but is not limited to, collaborating with leadership and business partners to create clear IT Vendor Management program goals, and communicating goals internally so stakeholders are aware of expectations.
• Works with business units to complete vendor classifications and vendor risk assessments; assists with completion of various vendor oversight requirements at time of vendor relationship initiation, and requirements specific to contract renewal. These requirements include, but are not limited to, contract review and analysis, review and analysis of periodic Statement of Reporting Controls (SSAE 18 reports), Information Security Documents, FFIEC reports, Certificate of Insurance and other documentation as required.
• Manages IT vendor relationships and serves as the point of contact for IT vendor relationship owners, formalizes direct relationships and clear communication between strategic IT vendors and internal resources and stakeholders, and facilitates the resolution of escalated IT vendor-related issues with a focus on high complexity/high spend vendors.
• Oversees vendor engagement involved in projects and programs involving but not limited to, developing and managing the RFI/RFP process, developing strategy and approach to score, management of the procurement process, contract negotiation, and successful vendor relationship management and communication.

Desired Competencies and Skills:

• Bachelor's Degree From an accredited college of university in Information Technology, Business Management (Accounting/Finance), Computer Science or a related field or commensurate selection criteria experience. (Required)
• 10+ years Experience managing a vendor management office for an information technology organization; including contract negotiation, vendor performance management, preparing and evaluating RFPs, relationship management, and a strong understanding of project management methodologies. (Required)
• 10+ years Experience managing technology vendors including contractual performance. (Required)
• Proven ability to successfully and frequently interpret and communicate business needs among internal customers and external vendors in a clear, focused and concise manner (includes discussions, correspondence, reports, and forms).
• Demonstrated ability to lead strategic approach for negotiating with highly complex/high spend IT software/hardware vendors.
• Preferred current procurement or supply management certification from an accredited government recognized organization e.g., Certified Purchasing Manager (C.P.M.), Certified Public Purchasing Officer (CPPO), Certified Professional Supply Manager (CPSM), Certified Professional Contract Manager (CPCM) Upon Hire (Preferred)

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Premier Benefits to Support YOU

We offer a comprehensive benefits package, including:

• Medical, dental, vision, and life insurance.
• 401(k) savings plan with pension options.
• Paid time off increasing with tenure.
• Tuition reimbursement and individualized career development plans.
• Parental leave and maternity leave with a 4-week transition back to work.
• Access to on-site amenities like a fitness center, cafeteria and more.
• Extensive employee discount program.

Western & Southern is not just a place to work—it’s somewhere to grow, lead, win and make a difference in your career and community.

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