Consultant, Vendor Governance

Harbor is looking for a Consultant to join our growing Vendor Governance + Sourcing (VG+S) team.  The VG+S practice provides procurement services - both ad hoc and managed - to support clients manage their vendor governance lifecycle including risk assessments and vendor onboarding, strategic sourcing, buying, contract review, and ongoing monitoring of vendor relationships to ultimately mitigate risk and increase value. The Assessments team sits at the core of this function by analyzing clients’ current state environments, providing strategic recommendations on how to improve their processes, and creating implementation roadmaps to support our clients and dedicated teams in implementing the recommendations.

What You’ll Be Doing

We are looking for someone to support the Assessments team that has an interest in ongoing learning to stay on top of best practices and related technology in the market to support these functions.  As part of the Assessments team, you will:  

• Work internally with cross-functional teams as well as externally with clients to facilitate requirements gathering  
• Conduct informational interviews and data analysis to assess procurement functions  
• Leverage internal intellectual property and research to support a point of view on best practices  
• Play a key role in creating and delivering presentations throughout consulting engagements  
• Generate creative, strategic solutions   
• Develop project plans to facilitate implementation  
• Support ad hoc practice operations and business development projects, as needed  

What We’re Looking For

The ideal candidate will possess prior experience in a related Consulting, Project Management, and/or Process Improvement role. A strong analytical background, experience supporting project teams, and a desire to learn and grow are essential. Additional qualifications will include the following abilities, attributes, experience, and skills:   

• Proven analytical and quantitative skills to support financial and operational analysis and research  
• Critical-thinking and problem-solving capabilities related to identifying opportunities for process improvement, efficiency, and risk mitigation   
• Exceptional organizational, oral, and written communication skills   
• Collaborative and adaptable in a team-based environment  
• Proven abilities in strategy development, process mapping and documentation, process improvement, change management, and implementation   
• Self-starter with independent research capabilities, willingness to learn, and maintain knowledge of industry best practices  
• General knowledge around procurement related functions including strategic sourcing, contract review, buying, vendor due diligence, and/or procurement technologies  
• Exceptional computer skills including advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel. High degree of comfort using other Microsoft products (PowerPoint, Word)   

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Finance, Accounting, Economics, Supply Chain or Operations 
• 1-3 years of relevant experience in a procurement related role or consulting team-oriented environment focused on strategic sourcing, procurement, process improvement, and/or project management   
• Functional knowledge of procurement processes, procurement related technology, and experience in client interaction will be strongly considered   
• Permanent U.S./Canadian work authorization   
• Occasional up to 25% travel may be required (domestic or international)