Procurement & Vendor Contracts Lead

Summary of position 

The Procurement & Vendor Contracts Lead will steer procurement and vendor contract management at RMI. Specifically, this position will serve as a resource for RMI staff, providing day-to-day oversight, monitoring, tracking and support of full-cycle procurement and vendor contracts. The ideal candidate will have experience with implementing and managing procurement and contract databases.  

We highly encourage individuals of underrepresented groups to apply! 

Key Responsibilities 

Procurement 

• Design and manage a procurement management framework and governance for the global organization  
• Focus on best practices, objectivity, efficiency, and consistency throughout the entire procurement process 
• Partner with project teams to ensure they are conducting procurement per RMI’s policy and procedures, in some cases, ensuring additional funder procurement requirements are met as well 
• Monitor procurement activities to support transparency across the organization 
• Develop and own MSA process and oversight 

Vendor Contracts  

• After a procurement process, assist project teams with contract development for services and goods  
• Provide best practices to contract owners to negotiate contract terms with vendors such as price, quality of goods/services, deadlines, and expectations 
• Liaise with vendors and project managers regarding updates and details of goods 
• Support project managers/contract owners with guidelines on how to clearly explain contract terminology and invoicing requirements to vendors and other interested parties in simple, everyday language 
• Partner with legal and accounting to review contract terms and conditions to verify that they are following company policies and all applicable federal and state regulations 
• Partner with RMI’s legal department to ensure that the terms of contractual agreements are written in language that is legally binding and in accordance with the desires of RMI and any original agreement that RMI may have entered with a funder to which a vendor may be providing services and/or goods under 
• Partner with RMI’s accounting department to ensure all contract and vendor management activities are completed 
• Ensure vendor contracts contain all necessary information (vendor address, email address, phone number, in particular) and are signed by correct parties  
• Oversee and support the Adobe Sign and Automated / Manual Contracts Process 
• Manage RMI’s contracts database/ supplier database  

Vendor Management 

• Create an on-going vendor management process 
• Conduct any applicable due diligence and vendor evaluation assessments on service and goods providers 
• Determine best approach to evaluate vendor performance during and after an executed contract to determine whether RMI should continue to engage with them 
• Monitor vendor management activities to support transparency across the organization 
• Oversee organization’s preferred vendor list 

Other / Miscellaneous 

• Develop and deliver RMI-wide procurement and contract management training sessions  
• Manage Procurement and Vendor Management SharePoint sites including the Contracts Hub 
• Support oversight of key vendor information and data to report on and ensure RMI is protected, example: reviewing conflicts of interest 
• Identify and measure trends, metrics to better understand RMI’s procurement process to continue to improve and grow 
• Support the implementation of Contract and Procurement SKU’s 
• Additional responsibilities, as required  

Minimum Qualifications 

• Bachelor's degree in business, finance or accounting, or an equivalent combination of education and experience 
• Minimum of 5 years progressive work experience in procurement, vendor, and contract management  
• Proven experience working as a procurement specialist in the same area required 
• Strong knowledge of the industry and market conditions 
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills 
• Impeccable negotiation and problem-solving skills 
• Exceptional interpersonal skills and rapport building 
• Clear adherence to company policies and procurement rules and regulations 
• Willingness to work virtually or in an office setting 
• Good organization skills and the ability to multitask on several projects simultaneously 
• Knowledge of negotiation best practices, both in-person and in written form, that considers cultural norms and the RMI's best interests 

Additional Qualifications 

• 2+ years of legal or paralegal experience, preferably working directly with contract law 
• Knowledge of Uniform Guidance, federal contracts, and the Federal Acquisition Regulations (FAR) 
• Additional certification in the field of procurement desired 
• Knowledge of current and legally binding contractual language and terminology 
• Experience using Workday SKU’s for contract and procurement 
• Knowledge of Adobe Sign and SharePoint 

Location      

We are a remote-ready company with team members around the globe. Our beautiful and welcoming offices are available for meetings or focused work, whether you are traveling through or living nearby. Our U.S. offices are in New York City; Washington DC; Oakland, California; Boulder, Colorado, and Basalt, Colorado.  

We provide you with the essential IT equipment plus a one-time home technology payment and a monthly work from home/commuter allowance to ensure you have a comfortable home office set up and necessary supplies. 

We love seeing each other in person! We occasionally gather for shared time together like retreats and learning experiences. Be ready to travel for occasional in-person meetings (and of course, we cover travel costs). Some roles may require more travel, which will be discussed during the hiring process. 

Important Note: As a U.S. federal contractor, RMI must comply with requirements outlined in Executive Order Ensuring Adequate COVID Safety Protocols for Federal Contractors. This Executive Order requires that all federal contractors and subcontractors mandate and verify that all U.S. based employees are fully vaccinated against COVID-19. If you are based in the U.S., you will be required to provide proof of full vaccination status as a condition of employment. You may request accommodation for medical or religious reasons. If you are based outside of the U.S., this requirement does not apply.  

Compensation  

RMI compensates based on the level and requirements of the role. Salary within our ranges may also be determined by your education, experience, knowledge, skills, and abilities, as required by the role, as well as internal equity and alignment with market data. Typically, new Procurement Leads based in the U.S. join at the minimum to mid-salary range of $70,000- $82,000. You would also have an additional 5% bonus target!     

Benefits 

We offer a comprehensive benefits package adjusted to regional norms, including (for U.S. employment): 

• Medical, dental, vision insurance
• 403b retirement options (up to 5% match immediately)
• Life, AD&D, short-term and long-term disability
• Professional and personal development (including LinkedIn Learning access)
• Generous paid time off
• Parental leave
• Work from home and commuter allowance

Diversity        

Increasing the diversity of thought, perspectives, ideas, and opinions within RMI is a critical change element supporting our long-term sustainability and mission to build a clean, prosperous, and secure energy future.      

We strive for a level of diversity that reflects the communities we serve. Achieving this—regardless of ability, race, ethnicity, ancestry, age, gender, sexual orientation, religion, veteran status, socioeconomic class, educational attainment, or other social identities—is critical to the success of each RMIer and collectively as an organization. This ensures that we:      

• Have the different array of thinking that comes from diverse backgrounds and cultures, enabling us to solve some of the world’s greatest challenges.      
• Strive for a culture of inclusion and belonging by treating others with dignity, respect and appreciation enabling them to feel welcomed, supported and valued.      
• Effectively connect, communicate, and build long-lasting relationships with decision makers, stakeholders and constituents within diverse communities.      

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or status as a protected veteran.        

About RMI 

RMI is an independent nonprofit founded in 1982 that transforms global energy systems through market-driven solutions to align with a 1.5°C future and secure a clean, prosperous, zero-carbon future for all. We work in the world’s most critical geographies and engage businesses, policymakers, communities, and NGOs to identify and scale energy system interventions that will cut greenhouse gas emissions at least 50 percent by 2030. RMI has offices in Basalt and Boulder, Colorado; New York City; Oakland, California; Washington, D.C.; and Beijing.

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