Job Description
The role of the IT Contracts Lead is to support, negotiate, manage and administer business contracts involving Information Technology including software licenses, hardware purchases, cloud agreements, telecommunications agreements, maintenance/support services, and professional services engagements. Responsibilities include ensuring proper business terms, cost models, service level agreements and other terms and conditions are in place to minimize company risks and costs and properly positions the company for the relationship with the technology vendor. The IT Contracts Lead will work with IT leadership teams, legal counsel, internal business owners, and external vendor partners through the entire contracting process.
Essential Functions
Strategy & Planning
Develop, define, and implement company-wide IT contract strategies, policies and procedures.
Accomplish business objectives while protecting SW's financial, legal, contractual and future business interest(s).
Participate in the risk assessment process for business and legal issues.
Manage vendor agreements and ensure consistency in costs and business processes across all vendors; establish/enforce company "ground rules" for all current and potential vendors.
Review supplier compliance to established agreements.
Acquisition & Deployment
Negotiate complex and strategic technology business contracts involving IT software licensing, hardware purchases, cloud service agreements, telecommunication agreements, maintenance/support agreements and professional services engagements.
Operational Management
Work closely with IT management, legal, and business owners throughout the corporation.
Establish and maintain written and in-person communication with IT management, legal, and business owners throughout the corporation.
Solicit feedback on improvement opportunities with regard to the contract process.
Effectively communicate contract negotiation strategies to team members and stakeholders in a timely and clear fashion.
Work closely with the business owners on contract renewals to ensure the renewals are optimized for the current business environment and processed timely.
Incidental Functions
Assist with projects as may be required to contribute to efficiency and effectiveness of the work.
Responsible for hiring activities and fulfilling affirmative action obligations and ensuring compliance with the equal opportunity employment policy.
Formal Education & Certification
Bachelor's Degree (or foreign equivalent) or in lieu of a degree, at least 12 years in experience in the field of Information Technology or Business (work experience or a combination of education and work experience in the field of Information Technology or Business).
Law Degree preferred.
Knowledge & Experience
10+ years IT and/or Business experience
8+ years of experience with detailed contract negotiations in the IT field.
8+ years of contract management experience required.
Sound understanding of general contractual terms and conditions.
Good understanding of IT technologies.
Good understanding of business operations.
Ability to work on multiple projects/negotiations at same time with view to strategic solutions.
Strong commitment to inclusion and diversity.
Personal Attributes
Persuasive, encouraging and diplomatic.
Ability to deal tactfully with vendors, suppliers and contractors who provide a broad spectrum of products and services.
Flexible in response to changing decisions, priorities, technology, and business environments.
Experience working both independently and, in a team-oriented collaborative environment is essential.
Ability to elicit cooperation from a wide variety of sources.
Strong written, oral and interpersonal skills.
Adept at conducting research into product and service-related issues.
Must be able to learn, understand and apply new technologies.
Ability to effectively prioritize and execute tasks in a high-pressure environment is crucial.
This position is not eligible for sponsorship for work authorization now or in the future, including conversion to H1-B visa.
This position is eligible to work in the office three days a week and has the option to work remotely two days a week.
Sherwin-Williams is proud to be an Affirmative Action, Equal Employment Opportunity, Inclusion and Diversity Supportive Employer. All qualified candidates will receive consideration for employment and will not be discriminated against based on race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identify, national origin, protected veteran status, disability, age, pregnancy, genetic information, creed, marital status or any other consideration prohibited by law or by contract.
VEVRAA Federal Contractor requesting priority referral of protected veterans.
