Head, IT Procurement (Office of Integrated Information Technology Services )

• Strategic IT Procurement Leadership
  
  
  
  • Lead and oversee the IT procurement function, ensuring alignment with the university's strategic objectives and compliance with regulatory requirements.
  
  
  • Develop and implement IT procurement policies and procedures to optimize procurement activities and achieve cost efficiencies.
  
  
  
  


• Planning
  
  
  
  • Develop strategic IT procurement plan in support of the university's digital masterplan and digital transformation.
  
  
  • Consolidate yearly sourcing activities and develop an execution plan with associated timeline.
  
  
  
  


• Stakeholder Collaboration
  
  
  
  • Collaborate with university departments to identify IT procurement needs and establish standardized procurement processes.
  
  
  • Facilitate effective communication between procurement teams, vendors, and internal stakeholders to ensure smooth procurement operations.
  
  
  
  


• Contract Management
  
  
  
  • Oversee the management of IT contracts, including procurement, leasing, and maintenance agreements.
  
  
  • Ensure accurate documentation, timely renewals, and compliance with contractual obligations.
  
  
  
  


• Contract Negotiation
  
  
  
  • In conjunction with Office of Procurement, conduct negotiations with vendors and suppliers to secure favourable terms and conditions for IT procurement contracts.
  
  
  • Work closely with the Office of Legal and General Affairs to ensure all contract terms comply with legal and regulatory standards.
  
  
  
  


• Procurement System Management
  
  
  
  • Oversee the use of procurement systems to track contract milestones, manage procurement processes, and facilitate communication with vendors.
  
  
  • Ensure procurement system usage aligns with university policies and procedures.
  
  
  
  


• ITQ/ITT Evaluation
  
  
  
  • Plan and lead the evaluation process for IT procurement tenders, reviewing, coordinating and/or preparing evaluation reports and seeking approval from senior management.
  
  
  • Utilize IT procurement expertise to jointly evaluate vendor proposals and select suitable vendors based on established criteria.
  
  
  
  


• Vendor Relationship Management
  
  
  
  • Cultivate strong relationships with IT vendors and suppliers, managing performance, mitigating risks, and resolving issues.
  
  
  • Leverage strategic sourcing opportunities to optimize vendor relationships and procurement outcomes.
  
  
  
  


• Sustainable Procurement
  
  
  
  • Develop and implement green procurement policies and practices for IT products and services.
  
  
  • Identify and evaluate environmentally sustainable IT products and suppliers.
  
  
  • Ensure all IT procurement activities align with environmental regulations and SMU sustainability goals.
  
  
  
  

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in a related field.


• Minimum of 10 years of leadership experience in IT procurement, contract management, or vendor relations.


• Proficiency in IT procurement processes and best practices, with a strong understanding of leasing agreements, contract negotiation, and vendor management.


• Experience in preparing and issuing ITQ and ITT documents, setting evaluation criteria, and conducting tender evaluations.


• Familiarity with contract management software and procurement systems.


• Knowledge of regulatory requirements and industry standards related to IT procurement, contract management, and vendor relations.


• Ability to analyze and interpret complex contractual terms and conditions, identifying risks and opportunities for negotiation.


• Experience in procurement of IT Equipment and Services.


• Experience in using procurement systems, Ariba preferred.


• Excellent leadership, negotiation and communication skills, with the ability to effectively interact with vendors, stakeholders, and cross-functional teams.


• Strong decision-making abilities and a proactive approach to problem-solving and conflict resolution


• Collaborative mindset, with the ability to work effectively in a team environment and build consensus around procurement strategies and decisions.


• Detail-oriented with a commitment to accuracy in contract management and documentation.


• Ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines in a fast-paced, dynamic work environment.

Other Information

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Candidates who do not possess the stipulated qualifications but have relevant work experience may still apply. Remuneration and appointment terms shall commensurate with qualifications and experience. SMU reserves the right to modify the appointment terms where necessary.