Procurement Specialist

State Farm State Farm · Insurance · Bloomington, IL +3 · Corporate Services

This role is for a Procurement Specialist at State Farm, focusing on developing vendor agreements, conducting financial analysis for procurement decisions, leading sourcing events, negotiating contracts, and supporting vendor risk processes. It requires experience in managing third-party contracts, leading complex sourcing initiatives, and strong financial acumen. The role is not directly involved in AI/ML development but may involve utilizing procurement technology and staying aware of industry issues including regulatory and data security risks.

What you'd actually do

  1. Leads the development of vendor contractual agreements through close interactions with Corporate Counseling and Transactions (CC&T)
  2. Acts as a strategic business partner by developing and building relationships to understand their needs while providing outstanding customer service
  3. Applies the principles of supply management and conducts financial analysis in support of procurement decisions through sourcing events, vendor selection and contract negotiation
  4. Leads sourcing events and efforts involving vendors in a competitive environment
  5. Conducts vendor negotiations with varying levels of complexity including price, legal and business terms and other business area service level requirements

Skills

Required

  • Experience managing third party contracts with detailed understanding of Terms and Conditions, Statements of Work/Work Orders, fee schedules, and SLAs
  • A track record of leading simultaneous, complex sourcing initiatives (RFP, RFI, RFQ), contract negotiations, and critical vendor relationship management experience
  • Proven results from using various negotiating techniques with ability to deliver favorable agreements that meet business requirements
  • Strong financial acumen, including ROI/cost savings calculations, and ability to analyze fee structures (volume-based pricing, time and materials, fixed price, etc.)
  • Excellent communication (oral and written) and interpersonal skills, with the ability to build relationships and influence external and internal stakeholders at multiple levels of an organization
  • Knowledge of procurement industry and market trends
  • Demonstrated learning agility and the desire for continuous growth
  • Ability to work independently and drive resolution on complex issues spanning multiple teams
  • Experience with procurement systems (Coupa, SAP, Oracle, etc.) and processes, including contract management and supplier relationship management

Nice to have

  • Utilizes research and experience to develop and maintain expertise in products and services related to assigned area
  • Maintains awareness of relevant tax laws, industry issues (to include regulatory), data security risks and general business principles
  • Investigates and develops sources for products and services including diversity suppliers
  • Performs coordination activities related to the procurement of products and services

What the JD emphasized

  • third party contracts
  • complex sourcing initiatives
  • contract negotiations
  • vendor relationship management