Sourcing Specialist IV

Aquent is partnering with a leading organization at the forefront of delivering essential services and driving innovation in the critical infrastructure and technology sectors. This is an unparalleled opportunity to contribute to a mission-critical function that directly impacts operational efficiency and strategic growth, shaping the future of technological capabilities across vital industries.

Are you a seasoned sourcing professional with a passion for technology and a knack for strategic negotiation? Through Aquent, you have the chance to play a pivotal role in shaping our partner's technology procurement landscape. In this dynamic position, you will be instrumental in driving significant cost savings, optimizing vendor relationships, and ensuring the acquisition of cutting-edge technology solutions that power operations and future growth. Your expertise will directly influence the ability to innovate and maintain a competitive edge by leading large, complex technology RFQs across software, hardware, and telecommunications.

Key Responsibilities

• Partner with stakeholders to develop sourcing strategies and procurement requirements for technology products and services.
• Lead competitive sourcing events, including RFPs, RFIs, RFQs, and supplier evaluations.
• Negotiate software licenses, cloud agreements, MSAs, SOWs, and other technology contracts.
• Identify and execute cost savings, cost avoidance, and O&M reduction opportunities.
• Evaluate supplier proposals and recommend solutions that deliver best value and mitigate risk.
• Collaborate with suppliers and internal stakeholders to resolve commercial, contractual, and performance-related issues.
• Develop and manage supplier relationships to drive performance, innovation, and continuous improvement.
• Conduct market research, benchmarking, and spend analysis to support sourcing decisions.
• Coordinate with Legal, Cybersecurity, Finance, Privacy, and Enterprise Architecture throughout the procurement lifecycle.
• Monitor industry trends, emerging technologies, and licensing models to provide strategic sourcing guidance.
• Lead high-value, complex procurement initiatives and serve as a technology sourcing subject matter expert.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Business Administration or a related field, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• 5-7 years of experience in strategic sourcing or procurement, with a strong focus on technology.
• Strong negotiation, contract management, and supplier relationship management skills.
• Demonstrated integrity, sound judgment, and commitment to ethical business practices.
• Ability to manage multiple complex projects, priorities, and deadlines simultaneously.
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making capabilities.
• Ability to build relationships, influence stakeholders, and achieve alignment across cross-functional teams.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills with executive, technical, and supplier audiences.
• Proficiency in Microsoft 365 applications, procurement systems, spend analysis, and sourcing tools.
• Knowledge of strategic sourcing, supplier management, and technology procurement best practices.
• Experience negotiating software licensing, cloud services, telecommunications, hardware, and professional services agreements.
• Understanding of commercial, legal, financial, cybersecurity, and vendor risk considerations within the procurement lifecycle.
• Proven ability to identify and implement cost savings, cost avoidance, and O&M reduction opportunities.

About Aquent Talent:

Aquent Talent connects the best talent in marketing, creative, and design with the world's biggest brands.

Our eligible talent get access to amazing benefits like subsidized health, vision, and dental plans, paid sick leave, and retirement plans with a match. We also offer free online training through Aquent Gymnasium. More information on our awesome benefits!

Aquent is an equal-opportunity employer. We evaluate qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, veteran status, and other legally protected characteristics. We're about creating an inclusive environment-one where different backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives are valued, and everyone can contribute, grow their careers, and thrive.