Senior/Principal Supply Chain Specialist - IT

Job Description

The Principal Supply Chain Specialist - IT is responsible for coordinating the sourcing, purchasing, and contract management of technology products and services. This role focuses on ensuring competitive pricing, timely delivery, and compliance with company policies, while supporting IT and business teams in meeting operational and project needs. Operating under the BIW Business Operating System (BOS), the Principal Supply Chain Specialist – IT ensures compliance with safety, quality, and performance standards while coordinating with other key stakeholders to meet overall milestones.

Key Responsibilities

• IT Procurement Leadership
• Develop and execute procurement strategies for IT hardware, software, cloud services, and telecom infrastructure.
• Lead RFPs, RFQs, and vendor selection processes to ensure cost-effective and compliant procurement decisions.
• Track IT procurement budgets, deliver cost savings; report on procurement performance and market trends.
• Project & Risk Management
• Manage vendor performance, conduct regular business reviews, and maintain strong supplier partnerships.
• Partner with project managers, engineers, legal, and finance to align procurement strategies with project schedules and budgets.
• Monitor and mitigate procurement risks including contract compliance, data security, and vendor reliability.
• Support large-scale IT and capital projects by aligning procurement activities with project goals, timelines, and technical specifications.
• Contract Negotiation & Compliance
• Negotiate contracts, licensing agreements, and service-level agreements with IT vendors and service providers.
• Ensure all IT purchases adhere to internal policies, budget constraints, and regulatory requirements.
• Stakeholder & Leadership Engagement
• Collaborate with IT leadership to understand current and future technology needs, ensuring timely procurement of solutions.

Required/Preferred Education/Training

• Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Supply Chain Management, Information Technology, or related field required, Master’s degree preferred.
• 5+ years of procurement experience, with at least 3 years in IT procurement required, 7+ required for a principal level.
• Strong knowledge of IT systems, software licensing models, cloud services, and emerging technology procurement practices.
• Proven experience managing complex vendor negotiations and contracts.
• Excellent project management, organizational, and communication skills.
• Strong analytical skills with the ability to evaluate proposals, assess risks, and drive cost savings.
• Familiarity with procurement software, ERP systems, and IT asset management tools.
• Professional certifications (e.g., CPSM, CIPS, ITIL, PMP) are a plus.

Required/Preferred Experience

• Capital Procurement Expertise – Proven track record in sourcing, contracting, and managing vendors for large capital projects.
• Risk & Compliance Management – Strong ability to identify risks in contracts and projects and implement mitigation strategies.
• Project Management – Experience managing procurement timelines and budgets for complex, high-value capital projects.
• Financial & Analytical Skills – Ability to conduct cost analyses and evaluate financial impacts.
• Communication & Leadership – Strong verbal and written presentation skills with the ability to influence senior leaders and stakeholders. Ability to create detailed written documentation of all business transactions.
• Technical Knowledge – Familiarity with procurement systems and ERP platforms.
• Positive, energetic, ability to deal with uncertainty and unplanned events
• Advanced skills in Microsoft Office products: MS Project, Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook; knowledge of SharePoint and JIRA.