Job Summary

As a Sourcing & Contracting Specialist , you will lead end-to-end indirect sourcing and contracting engagements (with emphasis on Technology and Software) for assigned categories and business units. You will run RFx events, negotiate and execute agreements (MSA/MSaaS/SaaS, SOWs, amendments), drive approvals and signature workflows, and ensure contracts align to NetApp standards and governing master agreements. You will partner closely with business stakeholders, Category Managers, Legal, Finance, Risk/TPRM, and InfoSec/Privacy stakeholders to deliver compliant, timely, and value-optimized outcomes.

Job Requirements

·       Own and manage a portfolio of software engagements end-to-end (software POCs, net-new initiatives, expansions, and renewals) — from intake to decision and execution.

·       Lead governance readiness for technology initiatives: coordinate EARB/SRB requirements, ensure InfoSec/Privacy inputs are incorporated, and secure approvals before signature or production use.

·       Drive strategic software renewals using a value and footprint lens: early renewal planning, co-terming, consolidation, and rationalization opportunities aligned to enterprise demand.

·       Perform market research and competitive/alternative analysis (solutions, pricing models, benchmarks) to inform sourcing strategy and strengthen negotiation leverage.

·       Connect the dots across stakeholders and initiatives: understand the technology footprint, dependencies, and roadmap implications; bring a “big picture” perspective to trade-offs and decisions.

·       Proactively identify contract, security, and operational risks; propose practical mitigations and escalate when risk posture or timelines are threatened.

·       Demonstrate strong business acumen: translate technical and commercial inputs into clear options, recommendations, and decision-ready summaries.

Essential Functions

·       Lead end-to-end sourcing projects: intake, requirements definition, market/supplier engagement, RFx creation and execution (RFI/RFP/RFQ), evaluation, award recommendation, and award communication.

·       Own contracting execution: draft, redline, negotiate, and finalize supplier and NetApp templates including MSAs, SaaS/MSaaS agreements, SOWs, amendments, and global preferred supplier agreements.

·       Manage software POCs and net-new technology projects: align stakeholders on scope, success criteria, commercial model, and approval needs; ensure procurement and governance steps are completed before scaling.

·       Execute strategic software renewals: build renewal strategy (including early renewal, co-terming, and consolidation opportunities), validate requirements/usage with stakeholders, and close negotiations.

·       Apply a technology footprint lens: assess overlap and consolidation opportunities across tools/vendors and recommend options that improve leverage and reduce fragmentation.

·       Perform market research to support sourcing decisions: identify alternatives, understand market direction, and develop negotiation hypotheses grounded in commercial and technical context.

·       Identify and mitigate contract risks: validate agreement hierarchy, key commercial/legal constructs, and operational controls; propose mitigations and escalate non-standard risks appropriately.

·       Manage approvals & signature process end-to-end: coordinate business/finance approvals, routing, and e-signature readiness; track status and unblock delays.

·       Provide proactive stakeholder communication: project plans, timelines, risks, and clear next steps; facilitate meetings and document outcomes.

·       Maintain high-quality procurement data: update sourcing/contract records, supplier relationship management entries, and reporting metrics; ensure document control and audit readiness.

Key Interfaces

·       Business Stakeholders / Requestors (Technology, Security, Engineering, Operations)

·       Category Managers and Business Sourcing Partners

·       Legal (Contracting Counsel) and SME reviewers (InfoSec/Privacy as applicable)

·       Finance / Budget Controllers

·       Risk/TPRM and Supplier Enablement

·       Suppliers / VARs and supplier contract teams

Education

·       Bachelor’s degree or equivalent practical experience.

·       10+ years in procurement/sourcing/contracting with strong depth in contracting; at least 5+ years focused on software/SaaS contract negotiation and execution.

·       Strong understanding of subscription commercials, software licensing constructs, and common contract risk areas; ability to translate risks into practical mitigations.

·       Demonstrated ability to influence cross-functional stakeholders, connect commercial and technical context, and drive decision-making without authority.