About us

KnitWell Group, a specialty retail operating company, comprises some of the most iconic brands in America – Ann Taylor, Chico's, Haven Well Within, Lane Bryant, LOFT, Soma, Talbots, White House Black Market. Individually, our brands are unique and strong. Together, we are powerful.

 

Our common thread is our commitment to create exceptional products, provide memorable experiences, and achieve superior results. Our associates are innovators who thrive through collaboration and are dedicated to excellence. At the heart of it all are the customers we serve. We are dedicated to creating fashion that not only looks good but also makes our customers feel good.

 

Manager, IT Procurement

About the role

As a key member of the Procurement team, this position is focused on the strategic procurement of Indirect (Non-Merchandise) Information Technology (IT) goods and services via negotiations, contract execution, supplier relationship management, spend analysis/management, change/transition management and team member development.

The Manager, IT Procurement demonstrates teamwork and commitment to the overall success of KnitWell Group and its brands and functional partners. The Manager, IT Procurement is recognized as a leader in strategic sourcing best practices and subject matter expert in IT Services that influences key business decisions and demonstrates our corporate values and commitment to high performance and talent development.

This role contributes to the broad strategy that will drive the organization's ability to leverage the company's total spend by partnering with business leaders to deliver incremental value and reduce the total cost of ownership.

The impact you can have

Primary Responsibilities

Providing category insight, expertise and education to maximize value of sourced solutions, including:

• Establishing a global, high performance sourcing capability that includes ownership of the category sourcing strategies for key IT vendors
• Stakeholder collaboration via Category Forums to align to category strategic roadmap and key initiatives
• Developing and leveraging supplier relationships; identifying vendors to meet the needs of the business, while minimizing costs and maximizing value 
• Leveraging changing industry delivery models
• Creating value through best-in-class sourcing practices

Strategy Development and Execution

Develops and implements category sourcing strategies required to support KnitWell’s business roadmap by providing:

• The strategic direction, insight and approach to managing supplier contracts and relationships required to procuring goods and services to meet KnitWell’s business goal.
• The strategic sourcing capability and scalable solutions that will enable KnitWell to lead significant changes and maximize business value
• Provides External perspective (technology, industry, sourcing best practices, peer group, macro and socio economics) relevant to KnitWell’s business needs
• Provides Internal perspective (business goals and legal/regulatory considerations) in all aspects of our operations and business strategies 
• Develops and drives effective execution of appropriate sourcing and service delivery standards

Contract Negotiation

• Develop negotiation strategies and lead negotiations for key IT-related contracts. 
• Partner with business leaders to identify optional solutions on price, delivery, and service
• Partners with stakeholders and leaders on managing entire life cycle of IT-related contracts.  Includes but is not limited to: 
  • Managing CLM (Contract Lifecycle Management) pipeline for IT-related contracts
  • Preparing RFP’s, negotiating business (commercial) terms of Master Service agreements
  • Statements of Work, including services to be provided, functionalities to be delivered, timetable and milestones for payment.
• Partner with KWG Legal to negotiate and resolve contract disputes.

Directing Operations

• Manage and direct the sourcing activities consistent with near-term requirements for financial and non-financial performance, regulatory compliance and long-term strategic requirements.
• Use a scalable delivery model and standardized approach to sourcing
• Supports clear organizational expectations related to KWG values, business/legal ethics, and financial controls
• Balances the need for aggressively negotiating to deliver sourcing value with developing and building relationships with suppliers to best deliver a portfolio aligned with KnitWell needs
• Keeps current with developments in sourcing and in the technology industry
• Ensures appropriate audit trails are embedded in processes, for internal audit and performance controls

Leadership

• Leads and manages the performance of all direct reports, accountable for their organizational capability, skill & knowledge growth in current roles and long-term development

• Drives the analysis of data, including financial and performance metrics to support decisions
• Creates teamwork across functions and business groups to maximize the development of teams and individuals
• Develops and deliver presentations to executives and others, as required on strategies and programs.

You’ll bring to the role

• 3-5+ years of indirect procurement experience required in a multi-concept environment in planning, organizing and managing the strategic sourcing of indirect goods and services on a global basis.
• 3+ years of procurement experience managing IT service vendors and contracts required
• 5+ years managing Supplier Relationships (indirect and/or direct procurement) required. Knowledge and capabilities in delivering sourcing strategies. Demonstrated abilities to develop and grow supplier relationships.
• Experience in dealing with a highly entrepreneurial and autonomous operating company culture is highly preferred.  This position requires strong influential leadership skills
• Experience with high-value, high-volume purchasing and contract negotiation experience across a range of services and/or commodities
• Experience with initiating and delivering successful cost saving initiatives
• Previous ERP & Procurement system experience Oracle, SAP, DocuSign, Coupa preferred
• Business and financial acumen. Bachelor’s Degree in Business, legal, MBA or advanced degree preferred

Benefits

• You will be eligible to receive a merchandise discount at select KnitWell Group brands, subject to each brand’s discount policies.
• Support for your individual development plus opportunities for career mobility within our family of brands.  
• A culture of giving back – local volunteer opportunities, annual donation and volunteer match to eligible nonprofit organizations, and philanthropic activities to support our communities.*  
• Medical, dental, vision insurance & 401(K).* 
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP).
• Time off – paid time off & holidays.*
• The target salary range for this role is: $100,000 - 110,000*

*Any job offer will consider factors such your qualifications, relevant experience, and skills. Eligibility of certain benefits and associate programs are subject to employment type and role.

This position works in a hybrid model, with required days worked in the Talbots office location in Hingham, MA as defined by business needs.

Applicants to this position must be authorized to work for any employer in the US without sponsorship. We are not providing sponsorship for this position.

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Location:

Remote Corporate Office-Talbots-Hingham, MA 02043

Position Type:

Regular/Full time

 

Equal Employment Opportunity

The Company is an equal opportunity employer and welcomes applications from diverse candidates. Hiring decisions are based upon a candidate's qualifications as they relate to the requirements of the position under consideration and are made without regard to sex (including pregnancy), race, color, national origin, religion, age, disability, genetic information, military status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or any other category protected by applicable law. The Company is committed to providing reasonable accommodations for job applicants with disabilities. If you require an accommodation to perform the essential duties of the position you are seeking or to participate in the application process, please contact [email protected]. The Company will make reasonable accommodations for otherwise qualified applicants or employees, unless such accommodations would impose an undue hardship on the operations of the Company’s business. The Company will not revoke or alter a job offer based on an applicant’s request for reasonable accommodation.