VENDOR/LICENSE SPECIALIST

Number of positions: 2 (additional vacancies possible pending budget approval). Starting salary: $75,336. This position is open to the public and all current City employees covered under the City’s collective bargaining agreement with AFSCME – Bargaining Unit 1, 3, 4 & 5.

About the role

Under supervision, coordinates vendor and licensing agreements for information technology roles including Vendor Management, Contract Management, Licensing & Software Management, or Asset Management.

Responsibilities

• Supports the execution of the City’s IT vendor management strategy to ensure vendors deliver value across IT products and services, including hardware, software, consulting, application development, and infrastructure.
• Ensures IT vendors are delivering maximum service under their contracts, which include contracts for products (hardware and software) and/or IT services (consulting, applications, development, infrastructure).
• Participates in the evaluation of technology service providers to ensure alignment with established business strategies and technical standards.
• Assists in identifying opportunities to optimize vendor performance and value in alignment with the City's technology goals.
• Supports the creation, management, maintenance, and organization of a centralized contract and vendor repository to streamline vendor oversight, compliance tracking, and renewal management.
• Prepares and maintains reporting on vendor performance, including quality, responsiveness, delivery timelines, and service levels.
• Works with internal colleagues and departments to ensure they have the appropriate information and support needed for vendor-related initiatives.
• Serves as a point of contact for vendors on day-to-day matters; escalates strategic or complex issues to senior leadership as needed.
• Collaborates with finance, legal, accounts payable, procurement, and IT teams to support vendor-related processes.
• Assists with vendor audits and risk assessments, ensuring compliance with contractual and operational standards.
• Works with asset management organization and resources to track hardware and software inventory.
• Provides appropriate support/training to staff as it relates to vendor relationships and license management.
• Develops and manages relationships with sourcing and procurement internal teams and departments.
• Builds and maintains productive working relationships with external vendors and internal procurement resources under senior leadership direction.
• Partners with departmental contracts teams to manage a contracts repository and portfolio to support contract negotiation, vendor management, mission, goals, and objectives.

Requirements

• Graduation from an accredited college or university with a Bachelor's degree or higher in Business Administration, Computer Science, or a directly related field, plus at least one (1) year of work experience in vendor management/relations, project asset management, or procurement in a technology environment.
• Alternatively, five years of work experience in vendor management/relations, project/asset management, and procurement in a technology environment.
• Alternatively, graduation from an accredited college or university with an Associate’s degree in Business Administration, Computer Science, or a directly related field, plus at least three (3) years of work experience in vendor management/relations, project/asset management, or procurement in a technology environment.

Preferred Qualifications

• Certifications: CIPS, Six Sigma, COBIT, and SFIA.
• Knowledge of IT products and services (software and hardware) and current trends (cloud, digital, and agile).
• Experience with vendor and relationship management principles and protocols.
• Experience working with vendor performance metrics, contract compliance, and audit processes.
• Strong organizational skills with attention to detail and ability to manage multiple priorities.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills to effectively interact with vendors, internal teams, and leadership.
• Ability to analyze data and prepare clear, concise reports.
• Proficiency in contract management systems, vendor portals, and the Microsoft Office suite.
• Familiarity with procurement policies and regulatory compliance.
• Ability to work collaboratively in a team environment and escalate issues appropriately.
• Demonstrated ability to learn and adapt in a fast-paced, technology-driven environment.
• Advanced level in Microsoft Office Suite (Excel, Word, PowerPoint, Outlook, etc.).
• Knowledge of applicable City and department policies, procedures, rules, and regulations.

Schedule

• Location: 2 N LaSalle Street, Suite 1010.
• Days: Monday - Friday.
• Hours: 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM.

Pay

Starting salary: $75,336.

Benefits

For information on employee benefits, visit the City of Chicago benefits website.