Category Lead, IT Procurement

A pioneer in K-12 education since 2000, Amplify is leading the way in next-generation curriculum and assessment. Our core and supplemental programs in ELA, math, and science engage all students in rigorous learning and inspire them to think deeply, creatively, and for themselves. Our formative assessment products help teachers identify the targeted instruction students need to build a strong foundation in early reading and math. All of our programs provide educators with powerful tools that help them understand and respond to the needs of every student. Today, Amplify serves more than 10 million students in all 50 states. For more information, visit amplify.com.
The Category Lead, IT Procurement is responsible for the procurement of all SaaS agreements, IT products and services at Amplify. The main focus of this role is to optimize 3rd party spend on IT products and services across Amplify applying short- to long-term value optimization strategies aligned to the objectives of the business. This role will also help shape and handle other categories including Professional Services, Marketing and HR.
Responsibilities:

• Develop robust IT category strategies and work closely with IT Leadership to align strategy with overarching business goals and objectives including but not limited to software, hardware and services
• Ensure adherence to the newly created IT category strategies across the organization
• Handle the early engagement with collaborators to ensure effective Demand Management, and that the business requirements are understood, handled and fulfilled
• Collaborate with IT and business team members to ensure software licenses are optimized and not being over/under utilized
• Understand and research the technology industry so you remain aware of standard methodologies, leading suppliers, benchmark standard processes, etc.
• Responsible for helping to set and achieve IT category savings targets and sign-offs
• Provide technical expertise, advising on market dynamics, risk, and third-party solutions
• Translate the business' vision into procurement requirements, to develop and implement strategic category plans that meet the goals of scalability, quality, and cost optimization
• Issue RFPs, create scoring criteria, think analytically to evaluate, and compare proposals, summarize outcomes, and present recommendations to senior management
• Perform fit/gap assessments to find alignment across the organization to leverage economies of scale
• Review and redline third-party contracts (MSA, SOW, LOI, etc.) in order to negotiate best commercial terms, mitigate risks and implement the Delegation of Authority requirements for execution
• Hold regular cross-functional team member meetings to align on progress and new opportunities
• Establish rapport with external and internal customers to drive engagement levels and develop quality relationships
• Identify and mitigate roadblocks to support resolutions and maintain internal business partner satisfaction
• Be able navigate between big picture thinking and detailed analysis on a regular basis
• Handle, track and report on the performance of strategic third-party alliances, category plans, and spend data for Categories
• Apply Contract Management System to store and administer third-party contracts and use the resulting data to proactively address contracting issues especially around orphaned, perpetual, and auto-renew contracts

Requirements:

• Bachelor's Degree in Supply Chain, Finance, Business, or related fields
• 3+ years experience in handling/negotiating complex SaaS and 3rd party software agreements
• 5+ years' experience in strategic sourcing or procurement indirect categories
• Strong cross functional communication and collaboration skills
• Authority in advanced functions and features in Google Suite, MS Excel, Word, and PowerPoint required
• Experience in using procurement systems(P2P, S2C, CLM, SRM)
• Experience in developing and running RFPs

Preferred Skills:

• Experience in supplier management activities including QBRs, Supplier scorecards and/or ranking preferred
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Experience in working with Contract Management Systems (CMS)
• Consistent track record of leading complex negotiations and sourcing transactions

What we offer:
Salary is only one component of the Amplify Total Rewards package, which includes a lucrative 401(k) plan, incentive stock options, competitive health insurance and mental health options, basic life insurance, paid time off, parental leave, and access to best-in-class development programs. The gross salary range for this role is $85,000 - $95,000. This role is eligible to receive an annual discretionary bonus that rewards individual and company performance.
We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. To that end, we seek to recruit, develop and retain the most talented people from a diverse candidate pool.
Amplify is an Equal Opportunity Employer of Minorities, Females, Protected Veterans and Individuals with Disabilities.
This position may be funded, in whole or in part, through American Recovery & Reinvestment Act funds.
Amplify Education, Inc. is an E-Verify participant.