Procurement Operations Specialist, R&D

Location Kalamazoo Michigan

Role Description:

The Zoetis Tech & Digital (ZTD) organization is in a distinguished position to lead one of Zoetis' core strategies, lead in digital technology and data analytics as we reimagine animal health. As ZTD executes its digital, data and technology strategy to reinvent how we work in a digital world, we will also unlock new sources of value for our colleagues, Zoetis, and our customers. This is an exciting time to join the ZTD team and be a key leader in this digital transformation.

The ZTD, R&D group is responsible for delivering tech and digital solutions for the research and development organization. As a part of this organization there is a need to manage the portfolio of programs/projects following our governance process and project delivery framework.

The individual in this role will be responsible for leading the Software Asset Management (SAM) function for ZTD's R&D group, utilizing standard governance processes. Key responsibilities include onboarding new vendors, managing software assets, and overseeing the planning and execution of vendor contract renewals. This role will also require collaboration with cross-functional teams, including IT leaders, solution partners, project managers, supplier management, and finance teams, to drive continuous process improvements with a strong focus on maximizing internal process efficiencies and reducing software costs.

Responsibilities:

Vendor Portfolio / Project Management:

• Administer ARIBA SLP new vendor onboarding process & existing vendor updates
• Drive Third-Party Risk Management (TPRM) process
• Own vendor contracts renewals process
• Partner with delivery project managers/coordinators to drive successful execution of portfolio projects and internal initiatives
• Proactively identify risks, lead mitigation efforts, and drive resolution of issues to ensure business continuity

Software Lifecycle Management

• In partnership with Business Partners, deliver cost savings through the merging of capabilities offered through duplicative software offerings to single offerings and license reduction opportunities through our existing software usage platform
• Manage SW Lifecycle governance process to ensure compliance and optimization of cost working with Business Partners
• Create delivery plans with Business Partners for streamlining and simplification opportunities resulting in process improvements
• Develop and maintain detailed plans for managing vendors contract renewals
• Partner with indirect procurement to manage and administer vendor contract renewals with the support of system owners and Business Partners
• Support Business Partners in efforts to maintain high-quality data for software repositories, ensure licensing compliance and track software versioning

Financial Management

Share ownership of financial accuracy in managing software spend through active budget management, quarterly forecasting, timely vendor invoicing, accurate accruals, and spend variance analysis in partnership with our finance team.

• Administer Purchase Order creation, delivery, and payment confirmation with our software vendors
• Partner with Delivery Leads and Portfolio Financial analysts with Operations base budget management: yearly planning, quarterly forecasts and variance explanations

Qualifications:

• Associate degree in information technology, finance, project management, or related field
• 7 years of experience in supplier management, procurement, corporate finance and/or project management
• Experience coordinating activities with multidisciplinary teams in heavily matrixed global environment involving vendors across different geographical locations and time zones
• Experience leading projects and internal initiatives
• IT and/or Finance background in life sciences/pharmaceuticals industry (preferred)

Knowledge, Skills, Ability Requirements:

• Strong understanding of SAP financials as it relates to invoice approval and vendor management, ARIBA-SLP for vendor management, Apptio financials management, software / IT services contracts negotiations and renewals
• Advanced analytical and problem-solving skills and financial acumen with a strong understanding of core GAAP accounting principles
• Excellent interpersonal and coordination skills accompanied with exceptional attention to details
• Proven ability to engage and interact professionally with global vendors and internal stakeholders at various levels to execute critical business tasks and drive process improvement initiatives
• Demonstrated customer focus and relationship management skills, with the ability to communicate effectively both verbally and in writing
• Ability to thrive in a cross-divisional organization collaborating with diverse teams
• Strong capacity to work independently while managing multiple projects and priorities in the fast paced in cross-functional, matrixed environment
• Competency in using Microsoft Office suite: Outlook, Word, Excel, SharePoint, Teams, PowerPoint, PowerBI and Microsoft Project

Travel Requirements: 0-10%

Any unsolicited resumes sent to Zoetis from a third party, such as an Agency recruiter, including unsolicited resumes sent to a Zoetis mailing address, fax machine or email address, directly to Zoetis employees, or to Zoetis resume database will be considered Zoetis property. Zoetis will NOT pay a fee for any placement resulting from the receipt of an unsolicited resume.

Zoetis will consider any candidate for whom an Agency has submitted an unsolicited resume to have been referred by the Agency free of any charges or fees. This includes any Agency that is an approved/engaged vendor but does not have the appropriate approvals to be engaged on a search.