Assistant Director of IT Procurement

Company Details

"Our Company provides a state of predictability which allows brokers and agents to act with confidence."Founded in 1967, W. R. Berkley Corporation has grown from a small investment management firm into one of the largest commercial lines property and casualty insurers in the United States.Along the way, we’ve been listed on the New York Stock Exchange, become a Fortune 500 Company, joined the S&P 500, and seen our gross written premiums exceed $10 billion.Today the Berkley brand comprises more than 60+ businesses worldwide and is divided into two segments: Insurance and Reinsurance and Monoline Excess. Led by our Executive Chairman, founder and largest shareholder, William. R. Berkley and our President and Chief Executive Officer, W. Robert Berkley, Jr., W.R. Berkley Corporation is well-positioned to respond to opportunities for future growth.

The Company is an equal employment opportunity employer.

Responsibilities

The Assistant Director of IT Procurement is responsible for IT contracting across Hardware, Software and IT Services as well as leading the procurement strategy for one or more categories within the IT spend area. This role gives fantastic opportunities to work with a wide range of technologies from legacy systems to modern AI solutions and vendors. This position will report into the Global Procurement Organization helping the IT Infrastructure Vice President to create and refine strategies for helping Berkley select best solutions/partners and build new capabilities. This role will partner with Berkley’s technology organization and build business value enabled by tech procurement.

• Own the development and execution of the procurement strategy for assigned IT spend categories• Analyze trends and supplier markets to identify and recommend savings opportunities• Create and manage complex sourcing events for IT products and services• Draft, negotiate, and review contracts and supplier agreements• Collaborate with Operating Units and stakeholders to understand requirements and tailor processes to end-user needs• Manage and cultivate relationships with suppliers and internal stakeholders

Qualifications

Experience:• 5+ years of experience including recent experience in an IT Procurement function within a medium or large-sized company• Experience in the Procurement and/or IT functions in a Financial Services company is preferred

Technical skills:• Ability to identify Software/Hardware SKU bundling and SKU proliferation tactics• Forward-looking approach to technology changes, with the ability to lock in licensing pricing based on innovations such as Virtual CPUs, Transaction/Encryption models, and Open Source• Understanding of Cloud and XaaS (Everything-as-a-Service) solutions, including pricing models and contract structures• Ability to leverage technology tools (e.g., Excel, SQL, AI tools) to analyze and interpret data• Familiarity with Offshore/Onshore capabilities and the nuances of hybrid delivery models• Ability to negotiate pricing based on business value, including features, capacity, and revenue impactAdditional skills/abilities:• Ability to work in a fast-paced environment, be an independent thinker, relationship-focused, customer-focused, and able to navigate an empowered and entrepreneurial culture• Excellent analytical, quantitative, and problem-solving skills• Proven ability to manage change and work across boundaries with personal commitment and drive• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, including active listening, clarity, and empathy• Strong time and project management skills, with the ability to prioritize and manage multiple initiatives and stakeholders simultaneously• Demonstrated knowledge of the Strategic Sourcing process

Education Requirment:

• Bachelor’s degree required (preferably in IT, Business, Engineering or Procurement)