Procurement Support Specialist / Tactical Contract Services Analyst

Introduction

At IBM Finance & Operations, we serve as the foundation of IBM’s transformation—advancing efficiency, transparency, and smart decision-making across the enterprise. Our teams deliver the insight and operational rigor that help shape strategy, strengthen financial performance, and support IBM’s ability to invest in innovation and growth. In Finance & Operations, you’ll blend analytical capability with teamwork and a mindset of curiosity. You’ll work with colleagues across functions and geographies, applying data, technology, and process excellence to build solutions that enhance performance and drive measurable results. IBM provides continuous learning, career development, and a culture that values diverse perspectives. Join our global team to keep IBM moving forward—while building your own future in a dynamic, evolving environment.

About The Role

We are seeking a highly motivated Procurement Support Specialist / Tactical Contract Services Analyst to support procurement and contract management activities throughout the Source-to-Contract (S2C) lifecycle. In this role, you will partner with procurement managers, category managers, sourcing specialists, product owners, legal teams, and suppliers to ensure smooth procurement operations, contract administration, sourcing support, and effective stakeholder engagement.

The successful candidate will bring strong analytical, communication, and problem-solving capabilities, as well as a solid understanding of procurement and contract management practices.

Your Role And Responsibilities

As a Procurement Support Specialist or Spot/Tactical Buyer, you will provide active support to client procurement specialists/managers/category managers/product owners on Source to Contract (S2C) tasks. This includes answering procurement process and contract-related questions using details from procurement systems, tools, and agreements, as well as creating draft agreements using client agreement templates and supplied data inputs.

In addition, for the Procurement Support Specialist role, you will be expected to complete tactical contract assessments, compile and analyze internal/external data, coordinate with client cross-functional teams and vendors, and work with legal teams to obtain direction.

For the Spot/Tactical Buyer role, you will develop and implement sourcing strategies, perform market research and supplier evaluations, negotiate contracts, manage procurement-related projects, partner with cross-functional teams, maintain precise records, ensure alignment with procurement policies, and actively look for opportunities to improve cost efficiency and operational effectiveness.

Preferred Education

Associate's Degree/College Diploma

Required Technical And Professional Expertise

Key Responsibilities

Procurement & Contract Support

• Support procurement specialists, category managers, and sourcing teams with Source-to-Contract (S2C) activities.
• Address procurement process and contract-related queries using procurement systems, tools, and contractual documentation.
• Develop and maintain draft agreements using approved contract templates and business inputs.
• Perform tactical contract assessments and assist with contract review activities.
• Collect, validate, and analyze internal and external data to support procurement decisions.
• Coordinate with legal, procurement, and business stakeholders to enable contract execution and resolve issues.
• Keep procurement and contract records current while ensuring compliance with organizational policies and procedures.
  
  

Tactical Sourcing & Buying Support

• Help create and execute sourcing strategies for assigned categories and spend areas.
• Conduct market research, identify suppliers, and evaluate supplier suitability.
• Support supplier negotiations and commercial discussions to improve value and drive cost efficiencies.
• Manage procurement-related projects and sourcing events within established timelines.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams and vendors to achieve successful procurement outcomes.
• Find opportunities to improve processes, reduce costs, and increase operational efficiencies.
• Contract Management, Contract Renewals & Amendments, Commercial Negotiations, Stakeholder Management, Procurement Operations, Supplier Relationship Management, Procurement Governance & Compliance, Spend Analysis, CLM Tools (Sirion Preferred), Jira/FDTP, SAPphire, Power BI, Advanced Excel, Strong Communication & Presentation Skills, Attention to Detail, and Problem-Solving Ability.
  
  

Preferred Technical And Professional Experience

Required Skills & Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Business, Supply Chain, Procurement, Commerce, or related discipline.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Strong stakeholder management and relationship-building abilities.
• Good understanding of procurement and contract management processes.
• Ability to quickly learn new tools, systems, and procurement platforms.
• Strong analytical, research, and problem-solving skills.
• High level of accuracy and attention to detail.
• Effective time management and organizational skills.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, especially Excel, PowerPoint, and Word.
• Preferred Qualifications
• Experience working with procurement and ERP platforms such as SAP, Ariba, Coupa, Oracle, Emptoris, ServiceNow, Scout, or Fieldglass.
• Prior experience in sourcing, procurement operations, contract management, supplier management, or tactical buying.
• Advanced Microsoft Excel skills including reporting, analysis, and data interpretation.
• Exposure to contract lifecycle management (CLM) processes and procurement compliance activities.