Position Description

Vendor-enabled IT solutions are increasingly central to HUIT service delivery. The IT Vendor Management Portfolio Manager will play a key role in extracting the greatest impact and value from these solutions. Working alongside vendor management teammates, procurement colleagues, and service owners, the IT Vendor Management Portfolio Manager will be responsible for overseeing a portfolio of key IT vendors that provide technology solutions, products, and services to support the organization's IT infrastructure and needs. This role will manage vendor relationships, performance, spend, contracts and service level agreements across the portfolio to ensure operational excellence and value from IT vendors. This role also requires a strong background in vendor management processes, negotiation and analytical skills, and the ability to collaborate with various stakeholders. This role will report to the Director IT Vendor Management and Operations.

You?ll succeed in this role because:

• You are creative, self-motivated and thrive in a fast-paced environment. You demonstrate thought leadership and curiosity. You are a natural relationship-builder, responsive, and results oriented.

You bring to the role:

• Vision and strategic thinking, with an ability to manage long-term plans and near-term priorities
• Commitment to service excellence and a desire to make an impact in an environment of high standards and expectations
• Eagerness to learn and develop new skills and share your knowledge with others
• Appreciation for workplace culture that is collaborative and team-oriented, but still values what you as an individual will bring to the role
• Flexibility and readiness to adapt to change

Essential Responsibilities:

• Apply contracting expertise to analyzing, structuring, and negotiating complex vendor
  • agreements for the procurement of IT products and services including, but not limited to:
• Software License Agreements, Service Level Agreements, Professional Services
• Agreements, and Software as a Service Agreements.
• Lead contract negotiations for favorable terms, pricing, and contractual agreements and manage contracting process for IT vendors and services.
• Develop and maintain strategic relationships with assigned IT vendor portfolio.
• Partner with university subject matter experts, such as Strategic Procurement, the Office of General Counsel, Risk Management & Audit Services, Financial Administration,
• Information Security, and Digital Accessibility Services to ensure conformance with university policies and compliance with applicable laws and regulations.
• Provide reporting on IT vendor performance, spend analytics, risk management to identify areas for cost optimization and cost savings.
• Conduct, facilitate, lead and support regular business reviews with vendors to evaluate performance, address issues, and align with IT strategies.
• Proactively monitor vendor service level agreements (SLAs) and key performance indicators (KPIs) to ensure compliance and act as a point of escalation in resolving vendor problems and disputes.
• Participate in defining and implementing a HUIT-wide IT vendor strategy.
• Identify new IT solutions and conduct procurement activities as needed.
• Continuously coordinate with key business stakeholders to understand technology needs and ensure vendor alignment.
• Stay up to date on emerging technologies and trends to advise on IT vendor capabilities.
• Abide by the Harvard University IT Code of Conduct.

Basic Qualifications

• Bachelor?s degree or equivalent work experience required
• Minimum of 8 years? relevant work experience

Additional Qualifications and Skills

If you possess the required qualifications and are passionate about leading a dynamic procurement team, we invite you to apply for this exciting opportunity. Please submit your resume and cover letter outlining your relevant experience.

Required:

• Working knowledge of common IT products, services and technologies.

Preferred:

• MBA or Master?s degree in relevant field.
• Knowledge of;
  • Microsoft Office Suite, advanced Excel skills.
  • Advanced financial operations principles.
• Experience managing portfolios of strategic IT vendors and technology suppliers.
• Proficiency with IT service management systems, analytics tools and contract management applications.
• Excellent communication, analytical and relationship building skills.

Certificates and Licenses

• Professional in Supply Management (CPSM) preferred

Working Conditions

• Work is performed in an office setting

Additional Information

Please provide a cover letter with your application.

Please note:

• Harvard University requires pre-employment reference and background screening.
• We are unable to provide work authorization and/or visa sponsorship.
• This position has a 180-day orientation and review period.

The health of our workforce is a priority for Harvard University. With that in mind, we strongly encourage all employees to be up-to-date on CDC-recommended vaccines.

Accessibility:
Harvard University welcomes individuals with disabilities to apply for positions and participate in its programs and activities. If you would like to request an accommodation or have questions about the physical access provided, please contact our University Disability Resources Department.

Benefits

We invite you to visit Harvard's Total Rewards website (https://hr.harvard.edu/totalrewards) to learn more about our outstanding benefits package, which may include:

• Paid Time Off: 3-4 weeks of accrued vacation time per year (3 weeks for support staff and 4 weeks for administrative/professional staff), 12 accrued sick days per year, 12.5 holidays plus a Winter Recess in December/January, 3 personal days per year (prorated based on date of hire), and up to 12 weeks of paid leave for new parents who are primary care givers.
• Health and Welfare: Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision benefits, disability and life insurance programs, along with voluntary benefits. Most coverage begins as of your start date.
• Work/Life and Wellness: Child and elder/adult care resources including on campus childcare centers, Employee Assistance Program, and wellness programs related to stress management, nutrition, meditation, and more.
• Retirement: University-funded retirement plan with contributions from 5% to 15% of eligible compensation, based on age and earnings with full vesting after 3 years of service.
• Tuition Assistance Program: Competitive program including $40 per class at the Harvard Extension School and reduced tuition through other participating Harvard graduate schools.
• Tuition Reimbursement: Program that provides 75% to 90% reimbursement up to $5,250 per calendar year for eligible courses taken at other accredited institutions.
• Professional Development: Programs and classes at little or no cost, including through the Harvard Center for Workplace Development and LinkedIn Learning.
• Commuting and Transportation: Various commuter options handled through the Parking Office, including discounted parking, half-priced public transportation passes and pre-tax transit passes, biking benefits, and more.
• Harvard Facilities Access, Discounts and Perks: Access to Harvard athletic and fitness facilities, libraries, campus events, credit union, and more, as well as discounts to various types of services (legal, financial, etc.) and cultural and leisure activities throughout metro-Boston.

Work Format

Hybrid (partially on-site, partially remote)


Commitment to Equity, Diversity, Inclusion, and Belonging
Harvard University views equity, diversity, inclusion, and belonging as the pathway to achieving inclusive excellence and fostering a campus culture where everyone can thrive. We strive to create a community that draws upon the widest possible pool of talent to unify excellence and diversity while fully embracing individuals from varied backgrounds, cultures, races, identities, life experiences, perspectives, beliefs, and values.

EEO Statement
We are an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, gender identity, sexual orientation, pregnancy and pregnancy-related conditions, or any other characteristic protected by law.

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