It Procurement Specialist

(https://socialdiscoverygroup.com/about-us/) (https://socialdiscoverygroup.com/about-us)Social Discovery Group (https://socialdiscoverygroup.com/about-us) (SDG) is the 3rd largest social discovery company in the world, uniting 60+ brands with 500 million users. We solve the problems of loneliness, isolation, and disconnection by transforming virtual intimacy into the new normal. Our portfolio includes online communication platforms focusing on AI, game mechanics, and video streaming - Dating.com, DateMyAge, Cupid Media, Dil Mil, Kiseki, and others.

SDG invests in IT startups around the world. Our investments include Open AI, Patreon, Flo, Clubhouse, Woebot, Flure, Astry, Coursera, Academia.edu, and many others.

We bring together a team of like-minded people and IT professionals specializing in the creation and development of globally impactful social discovery products. Our international team of 1200 professionals and digital nomads works all over the world.

Our teams of digital nomads work remotely from Cyprus, Malta, the USA, Armenia, Georgia, Kazakhstan, Montenegro, Poland, Latvia, Serbia, Spain, Portugal, UAE, Israel, Turkey, Thailand, Indonesia, Japan, Hong Kong, Australia and many other locations.

In August 2024, we achieved Great Place to Work US Certification™! This achievement reflects our core belief that a truly exceptional workplace is built on trust, pride, and camaraderie—not just great perks.

We are seeking a seasoned IT Procurement Specialist to join our Tech & Engineering team during a pivotal period of growth and innovation at our company. This role is instrumental in managing all aspects of software and hardware purchasing for our IT infrastructure, supporting both our dynamic products and our people. As a key player in the procurement process, you will be responsible for negotiating contracts, maintaining robust vendor relationships, and ensuring the cost-effective and timely acquisition of technology resources.

Your main tasks will be:

• Leading the procurement process for IT hardware and software, ensuring purchases align with company requirements and budget constraints.
• Negotiating prices and terms with suppliers and vendors to secure advantageous deals.
• Establishing and maintaining strong relationships with key vendors and suppliers, fostering partnerships that benefit the company long-term.
• Managing contract renewals, conducting thorough vendor due diligence, and ensuring contracts meet company standards and regulatory requirements.
• Collaborating closely with internal teams, including business stakeholders, legal, finance, and external partners, to streamline procurement processes.
• Implementing and managing vendor performance metrics to ensure service quality and contract compliance.
• Staying abreast of market trends and technology advancements to drive innovation and cost efficiency in procurement activities.
• Supporting the company's strategic objectives by ensuring technology purchases are scalable, sustainable, and aligned with business goals.

We expect from you:

• Strong negotiating skills and a proven track record of securing cost-effective deals.
• Extensive knowledge of the IT hardware and software market, including vendors and products.
• Solid understanding of contracts, as well as legal and regulatory requirements related to IT procurement.
• Experience in performing vendor due diligence and managing vendor relationships.
• Ability to work independently, prioritize effectively, and manage multiple projects simultaneously.
• Desire to learn, ability to quickly learn new approaches and technologies.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to work effectively across diverse teams and cultures.
• Knowledge of English and Russian at the Upper-Intermediate level.

What do we offer:

• REMOTE OPPORTUNITY to work full time;
• Vacation 28 calendar days per year;
• 7 wellness days per year (time off) that can be used to deal with household issues, to lie down and recover without taking sick leave;
• Bonuses up to $5000 for recommending successful applicants for positions in the company;
• Full payment for professional training, international conferences and meetings;
• Corporate discount for English lessons;
• Health benefits. According to the paychecks, if you are not eligible for corporate medical insurance, the company will compensate you with up to $ 1,000 gross per year per employee. This can be spent on self-purchase of health insurance or on doctor's fees for yourself and close relatives (spouse, children);
• Workplace organization. The company provides all employees with an equipped workplace and all the necessary equipment (table, armchair, wifi, etc.) in our offices or co-working locations. In the other locations, the company provides reimbursement of workplace costs up to $ 1000 gross once every 3 years, according to the paychecks. This money can be spent on the rent of the co-working room, on equipping the working place at home (desk, chair, Internet, etc.) during those 3 years;
• Internal gamified gratitude system: receive bonuses from colleagues and exchange them for time off, merch, team building activities, massage certificates, etc.

Sounds good? Join us now!