Contract Specialist – IT

Company Description

Publicis Groupe is one of the world's largest advertising agency holding companies and a global leader in marketing, communications, and digital transformation. We utilize the Power of One operating model to integrate and develop competencies to increase business value for both existing and future clients.

Publicis Re:Sources is the group's Shared Services Platform, a centralized function supporting 63 markets and servicing a network of prestigious agencies worldwide. We have grown to over 5,000 professionals operating 40 shared service centers (SSCs).

We provide technology solutions and business services, including finance, accounting, IT, security, legal, payroll, benefits, procurement, tax, real estate, treasury, and risk management, to support Publicis Groupe agencies in creating and innovating for their clients.

Job Description

As a Contract Specialist, your primary responsibility is to oversee and manage contracts within the IT category throughout their lifecycle, ensuring compliance with agreed terms and conditions. You will also manage relationships between the company and its vendors, overseeing a portfolio of vendors and leading a team of Contract Specialists managing their own vendor portfolios.

Time zone flexibility is required as you will collaborate with a diverse, global team across different time zones.

Responsibilities

- Contract Management: Collaborate with legal and procurement teams to ensure contracts are fair, compliant, and in the company's best interest.
- Performance Monitoring: Assess vendor performance regularly against SLAs and KPIs, address issues, and work with vendors to improve service and deliverables.
- Risk Management: Identify and mitigate risks related to financial stability, data security, compliance, and business continuity.
- Relationship Management: Develop and maintain positive vendor relationships, acting as the main contact point.
- Cost Management: Monitor vendor costs to ensure alignment with budgets and financial goals.
- Vendor Evaluation: Conduct periodic evaluations of vendor performance and value, including reviews and stakeholder feedback.
- Continuous Improvement: Identify and implement process improvements within vendor management, fostering best practices and regular stakeholder reviews.
- Collaboration: Work closely with procurement, finance, legal, compliance, and operations teams for seamless coordination.
- Program Management: Develop and lead vendor management frameworks, including governance, controls, and contract lifecycle management, ensuring contractual obligations are met.

Qualifications

- Bachelor's degree in business administration, supply chain, finance, legal, or related fields.
- 5-8 years of experience in vendor management, procurement, supply chain, legal, or related areas.
- Strong understanding of vendor management practices, including selection, negotiation, performance evaluation, and risk management.
- Knowledge of industry standards and regulations is advantageous.
- Excellent communication skills, both verbal and written, for effective stakeholder engagement.
- Strong negotiation skills.
- Organizational skills with the ability to analyze data, performance metrics, and financial information.
- Problem-solving skills and ability to implement effective solutions.
- Leadership qualities that foster positive relationships.
- Adaptability to changing circumstances and evolving vendor relationships.
- Proficiency in procurement tools and Microsoft Office Suite.
- Fluency in English; proficiency in additional European or Asian languages (Portuguese, Spanish, French, Cantonese, Mandarin) is a plus.

Additional Information

The Publicis Groupe Procurement team is a strategic function providing comprehensive procurement solutions across the company. Our motto is to Protect, Enrich, Challenge, and Reduce Publicis Groupe's spend through best-in-class processes and negotiations.

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