The posting
At IBM Finance & Operations, we are the backbone of IBM's transformation driving efficiency, transparency, and smart decision-making across the business. Our teams provide the insight and discipline that guide strategy, ensure financial strength, and enable IBM to invest in innovation and growth. Working in Finance & Operations means combining analytical skills with collaboration and curiosity. You'll partner with colleagues across functions and geographies, using data, technology, and process excellence to create solutions that improve performance and deliver measurable impact. IBM offers continuous learning, career development, and a culture that values diverse perspectives. Join us and be part of a global team that keeps IBM moving forward, while building your own future in a dynamic and evolving environment.
About the Role
We are looking for a highly motivated Procurement Support Specialist / Tactical Contract Services Analyst to support procurement and contract management activities across the Source-to-Contract (S2C) lifecycle. The role involves partnering with procurement managers, category managers, sourcing specialists, product owners, legal teams, and suppliers to facilitate seamless procurement operations, contract administration, sourcing support, and stakeholder engagement.
The ideal candidate will possess strong analytical, communication, and problem-solving skills, along with a solid understanding of procurement processes and contract management practices.
As a Procurement Support Specialist or Spot/Tactical Buyer, you will actively support client procurement specialists/managers/category managers/product owners with Source to Contract (S2C) related tasks. This includes responding to procurement process and contract-related queries using information from procurement systems, tools, and agreements, and generating draft agreements using client agreement templates and data inputs. For the Procurement Support Specialist role, you will also be responsible for completing tactical assessments on contracts, collecting and analysing internal/external data, communicating with client cross-functional teams and vendors, and engaging legal teams for direction. For the Spot/Tactical Buyer role, you will develop and execute sourcing strategies, conduct market research and supplier evaluations, negotiate contracts, manage procurement-related projects, collaborate with cross-functional teams, maintain accurate records, ensure compliance with procurement policies, and seek opportunities for cost savings and efficiency improvements.
Key Responsibilities
Procurement & Contract Support
- Support procurement specialists, category managers, and sourcing teams with Source-to-Contract (S2C) activities.
- Respond to procurement process and contract-related queries using procurement systems, tools, and contractual documentation.
- Create and manage draft agreements utilizing approved contract templates and business inputs.
- Conduct tactical contract assessments and support contract review processes.
- Gather, validate, and analyze internal and external data to support procurement decisions.
- Coordinate with legal, procurement, and business stakeholders to facilitate contract execution and issue resolution.
- Maintain accurate procurement and contract records while ensuring compliance with organizational policies and procedures.
Tactical Sourcing & Buying Support
- Assist in developing and executing sourcing strategies for assigned categories and spend areas.
- Conduct market research, supplier identification, and supplier evaluations.
- Support supplier negotiations and commercial discussions to drive value and cost efficiencies.
- Manage procurement-related projects and sourcing events within defined timelines.
- Collaborate with cross-functional teams and vendors to ensure successful procurement outcomes.
- Identify opportunities for process improvements, cost savings, and operational efficiencies.
- Contract Management, Contract Renewals & Amendments, Commercial Negotiations, Stakeholder Management, Procurement Operations, Supplier Relationship Management, Procurement Governance & Compliance, Spend Analysis, CLM Tools (Sirion Preferred), Jira/FDTP, SAPphire, Power BI, Advanced Excel, Strong Communication & Presentation Skills, Attention to Detail, and Problem-Solving Ability.
Required Skills & Qualifications
- Bachelor's degree in Business, Supply Chain, Procurement, Commerce, or related discipline.
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
- Strong stakeholder management and relationship-building abilities.
- Good understanding of procurement and contract management processes.
- Ability to quickly learn new tools, systems, and procurement platforms.
- Strong analytical, research, and problem-solving skills.
- High level of accuracy and attention to detail.
- Effective time management and organizational skills.
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, especially Excel, PowerPoint, and Word.
- Preferred Qualifications Experience working with procurement and ERP platforms such as SAP, Ariba, Coupa, Oracle, Emptoris, ServiceNow, Scout, or Fieldglass. Prior experience in sourcing, procurement operations, contract management, supplier management, or tactical buying. Advanced Microsoft Excel skills including reporting, analysis, and data interpretation. Exposure to contract lifecycle management (CLM) processes and procurement compliance activities.
