IT Sourcing Agent

Job Description

PPG: BRINGING INNOVATION TO THE SURFACE

PPG Industries' vision is to continue to be the world’s leading coatings and specialty products company. Through leadership in innovation, sustainability and color, PPG helps customers in industrial, transportation, consumer products, and construction markets and aftermarkets to enhance more surfaces in more ways than does any other company. PPG is committed to providing a fulfilling workplace for employees, creating an environment for continuous learning and embracing the ideas and diversity of others. Founded in 1883, PPG has global headquarters in Pittsburgh and operates in nearly 70 countries around the world. PPG shares are traded on the New York Stock Exchange (symbol:PPG). .

Located in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, the Sourcing Agent will report to the Manager of IT Purchasing and will be responsible for the development and execution of North American and Global sourcing strategies. In this role, the Sourcing Agent enjoys significant freedom in fulfilling the job responsibilities and consults with the Manager on matters involving policy and sourcing decisions.

The Sourcing Agent will be delegated purchasing authority up to a certain dollar amount, referring all transactions in excess to the appropriate level of authority and comply with all Corporate Purchasing policies and procedures. In addition, s/he will also provide expertise and direction and leadership when needed to other associates and/or Strategic Business Unit Project Managers in the development of IT Purchasing strategies as required by clients to support successful attainment of the respective organization’s objectives. In this role a small amount of travel will be required which is generally less than 10%.

Additional Responsibilities:

• Work closely with the Manager of PPG's IT Sourcing Team to execute the global sourcing strategies for IT services (hardware, software, telecom, & professional services).
• Work directly with senior IT and business management to understand business needs, evaluate vendors, and set sourcing strategies
• Directly negotiates cost effective purchase agreements using Ariba tools
• Generates strategic options for continuous improvement and competitive advantage.
• Provides expertise to evaluate and interpret market conditions.
• Ensures purchasing function is carried out in an ethical and professional manner
• Fosters and utilizes world class purchasing practices that comply with all Corporate Purchasing Policies.
• Exercises judgment on how to achieve the best total value.
• Works closely with PPG Legal to evaluate and negotiate agreement terms and conditions.
• Provide full support to internal Customers in all elements of order processing in line with Purchasing policies and procedures
• Write and redline a wide variety of agreements, such as Software License Agreements and Master Services Agreements.

Qualifications

Required Qualifications:

• Bachelors Degree in Business, Supply Chain, or Information Technology
• Minimum five years of experience in commodity management, strategic sourcing, or procurement with an emphasis on technology and IT Service Agreements.

Preferred Qualifications (in addition to Required Qualifications):

• International buying experience
• MBA or Masters in Information Technology Preferred.

Functional / Technical Skills:

• An information technology background or relevant experience is critical to success in this role.
• Strong purchasing and project leadership skills to effectively drive maximum value from all purchasing activity under incumbent’s responsibility.
• Ability to use relevant tools to create RFPs and manage vendor responses and bids.
• Possesses a working knowledge of purchasing as well as exceptional work prioritization and organizational skills in order to effectively oversee a high volume of sourcing activity
• Ability to speak effectively before groups of vendors, customers, or employees of the organization.
• Exceptional organization and written/oral communication skills
• Ability to work well with cross functional teams as well as independently with self-determination, initiative and drive.

PPG prides itself on the quality of its employees and as such, candidates who receive a job offer will be required to successfully pass a hair drug/toxins test and a background check.

PPG Industries, Inc. offers an opportunity to grow and develop your career in an environment that provides a fulfilling workplace for employees, creates an environment for continuous learning, and embraces the ideas and diversity of others. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to sex, pregnancy, race, color, creed, religion, national origin, age, disability status, protected veteran status, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other legally protected status. PPG is an Equal Opportunity Employer.