Procurement / Acquisition Specialist

Column Technical Services is seeking a Procurement / Acquisition Specialist to join a well-established financial / insurance firm with a great team environment in downtown Chicago. Apply today to learn about this fantastic opportunity!

The Procurement/Acquisition Specialist is responsible for managing the procurement of IT hardware, software, and services, ensuring operational requirements and standards are met. This role involves detailed inventory management, processing orders, and maintaining strong vendor relationships to support the IT department's dynamic needs.

Key Responsibilities:

Inventory/Procurement/ General Tasks:

• Process orders for approved IT equipment and software, ensuring alignment with delivery times and user requirements.
• Maintain awareness of company equipment and licensing standards, challenging non-standard requests.
• Manage inventory to ensure standard items are replenished; collaborate with management to maintain stock levels.
• Handle requests related to external contractors, document signatures, and changes in employee status including new hires, name changes, and separations.
• Track hardware/software inventory per user and ensure the return of equipment upon user separation.
• Obtain, order, and label hardware/software for new users, collaborating with managers for any clarifications.

Software Licensing and Renewals:

• Monitor and compare renewal costs with previous contracts, notifying business owners of cost differences and obtaining necessary approvals.
• Assist in software license management including balancing, true-ups, and audits.
• Manage the annual renewal project, strategizing task completion for each renewal.
• Prepare and present a summary list for monthly Technology Acquisition Planning sessions (TAPS) reviews, including relevant business owners and details to facilitate discussions.
• Maintain a stock of standard licensing to accommodate organizational growth and immediate needs.

Other duties:

• Support IT managers and teams with monthly reports, research, and other administrative services.
• Process routine document signatures and update vendor files.
• Perform additional duties as assigned by the IT department.

Required Qualifications:

• 4-5 years of experience in Finance preferred.
• Bachelor's degree in business, IT, Supply Chain Management, or relevant experience.
• Proven experience in IT procurement, with a strong understanding of inventory and vendor management.
• Excellent organizational and communication skills, with an ability to handle multiple tasks simultaneously.
• Proficient in procurement software.

Job Types: Full-time, Temp-to-hire

Pay: From $38.00 per hour

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• Dental insurance
• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Vision insurance

Application Question(s):

• Will you now or in the future require H1B sponsorship?

Education:

• Bachelor's (Preferred)

Experience:

• IT Procurement: 5 years (Required)
• Corporate finance: 5 years (Required)
• Vendor Management: 5 years (Required)
• Software Licensing and Renewals:: 5 years (Preferred)

Ability to Commute:

• Chicago, IL 60601 (Required)

Work Location: In person