Procurement Contract Specialist IT

We are seeking a skilled Procurement Contracts Specialist to oversee and manage all aspects of IT and commercial procurement contracts within our organization. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in contract negotiation, vendor management, and a deep understanding of Software and Hardware IT procurement processes. This role requires a detail-oriented professional with excellent communication and analytical skills, capable of ensuring that contracts are effectively drafted, negotiated, and managed throughout their lifecycle.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

Contract Administration:

• Drafts, generates, interprets, and manages proposals and contract documents, including but not limited to software licensing agreements, SaaS agreements, purchasing agreements, professional services agreements, and other vendor contracts. 
• Collaborate with legal, finance, and technical teams to ensure contracts align with organizational goals and comply with relevant laws and regulations.

• Supports, with minimal guidance, the Sr. Manager, Supply Chain Operations in coordinating input from other organizations during the Procurement lifecycle process in accordance with internal and external customer schedules and requests.

• Prioritize contracts for negotiation and review by the legal team from the Supply Chain team based on the business’ changing priorities and escalated legal issues. 
• Ensure all contractual obligations are met, and both parties fulfill their responsibilities.

Supplier Management and Risk Mitigation:

• Identify and assess potential risks associated with contracts and procurement activities.
• Develop and maintain strong relationships with vendors to ensuring that their performance aligns with contractual obligations.
• Monitor vendor compliance and address any issues or concerns promptly.
• Participate in supplier performance and risk assessment reviews and work with other members of the Supply Chain department to address issues accordingly.
• Implement risk mitigation strategies and ensure compliance with risk management policies.
• Validate that the supplier onboarding process have been completed and meets all necessary regulatory and compliance requirements, such as environmental regulations, safety standards, labor laws, and industry-specific certifications prior to the signing of any contracts.
• Work with appropriate persons to ensure that the supplier’s information and transactions are properly integrated into the organization’s enterprise resource planning (ERP) system. 

Collaboration and Communication:

• Collaborate with various departments, including engineering, IT, legal, finance, and business units, to gather requirements and ensure contract terms meet organizational needs.

• Communicate contract terms and conditions to relevant stakeholders in a clear and concise manner with established executive summaries of major contract contents for gaps between negotiation iterations and the Aspen Standard.
• Ability to provide fact-based advice to project teams and decision makers and oversee development of market and industry analysis.
• Understands strategic sourcing implications of key industry trends and developments with a forward-looking insight of regulatory changes.

Continuous Improvement:

• Develop and monitor department and supplier performance against agreed-upon Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) and service level agreements (SLAs).
• Evaluate and enhance contract management processes to improve efficiency and effectiveness.
• Stay informed about industry best practices and changes in regulations specifically affecting contract management and specifically IT procurement.
• Performs other related duties as assigned by management.
• Adopt and follow Aspen’s core values of Safety, Quality, Integrity, Teamwork, Customer and Innovation on both a personal and professional level.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor’s degree in business, law, or a related field; additional certifications in contract management, Supply Chain or procurement are a plus.
• Proven experience in contract management, specifically in IT procurement and commercial contracts is a must.
• Experience negotiating software licenses, including SaaS agreements. 
• Strong understanding of legal and regulatory requirements related to contracts and procurement.
• Excellent negotiation, communication, and interpersonal skills.
• Analytical mindset with the ability to assess and mitigate risks.
• Familiarity with IT systems and technologies.
• Detail-oriented and organized, with the ability to manage multiple tasks simultaneously.
• If you are a results-driven individual with a passion for contract management and IT procurement, we encourage you to apply and contribute to our organization’s success.

PERKS OF JOINING OUR TEAM!

Aspen is committed to offering a comprehensive benefits package, a positive and productive work environment, encouraged work/life and family balance, and opportunities for growth and development, in a culture that is focused on inclusion, sustainability, and working together to solve the world’s toughest challenges.  

Aspen is proud to offer a competitive benefits package including Medical, Dental, Vision, Tuition Reimbursement, Paid Holidays, Sick Time, and PTO.  In addition, we also offer Fitness Reimbursement, a 401k Employer Match, Life and Disability Insurance, and other benefits.

Aspen Aerogels, Inc. is an equal opportunity employer. We evaluate qualified applicants without regard to race, color, age, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, veteran status, and other legally protected characteristics. The EEO is the Law poster is available here: http://www.dol.gov/ofccp/regs/compliance/posters/pdf/eeopost.pdf.

Aspen Aerogels, Inc. is committed to working with and providing reasonable accommodations to individuals with disabilities. If you need a reasonable accommodation because of a disability for any part of the employment process, please send an e-mail to abuttitta@aerogel.com or call (508) 466-3111 and let us know the nature of your request and your contact information. 

For Our Rhode Island Applicants:
 Aspen Aerogels, Inc. is an equal opportunity employer. We evaluate qualified applicants without regard to race, color, age, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, veteran status, and other legally protected characteristics. The East Providence, RI facility of Aspen Aerogels is subject to Title 28, Chapter 29-6.2 of Rhode Island General Laws, which governs Worker’s Compensation.