Sourcing and Contracting Specialist - Technology & Software

Sourcing & Contracting Specialist

Job Summary

As a Sourcing & Contracting Specialist (IC4), 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.

Education

•    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
Required Qualifications
•    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.
•    Strong project management: ability to run multiple parallel engagements, manage stakeholders, and communicate clearly.
•    Proficiency with source-to-pay tooling and contract workflow systems (e-sourcing, contract repository, e-sign) and strong MS Office skills.
•    Excellent written and verbal communication; comfortable engaging external suppliers and senior internal stakeholders.
•    Willingness to work night shift to support global stakeholders (9:00 PM to 6:00 AM IST).
Preferred Qualifications
•    Experience supporting EARB/SRB-style governance reviews and coordinating InfoSec/Privacy inputs.
•    Experience with software portfolio consolidation, co-terming strategy, and rationalization programs.
•    Experience conducting structured market research to inform sourcing strategy and negotiation positioning.
Success Measures (First 6–12 Months)
•    Delivers POCs, net-new projects, and renewals on time with clear stakeholder satisfaction and governance compliance.
•    Improves deal quality and reduces rework by proactively addressing contract risks, approvals, and security considerations early.
•    Delivers measurable commercial value through savings/avoidance, price protection, and reduced tool/vendor fragmentation via consolidation and co-terming.
•    Maintains accurate, audit-ready records and supports reporting requirements.