Eric Nicolas

• 3 Direct Reports
• Manage procurement strategy and operations of the Indirect Procurement Department
• Responsible for contracts exceeding $75K and managing a $185M program spend across the key areas of: Product, Technology, Workplace Experience, Marketing, Human Resources, Payment Processing, Global Customer Experience, Legal

Key Outcomes:

• Orchestrated 130 sourcing initiatives, including RFPs and contract renewals, achieving $29M in cost savings through strategic negotiations and process transformation
• Developed a comprehensive RFP template and established the RFX process, incorporating a standardized scorecard for objective evaluation and decision-making
• Spearheaded the development and implementation of a comprehensive savings methodology, collaborating with finance business partners to institutionalize savings formalization processes and establish a high-level quarterly reporting cadence for CFO review and strategic decision-making
• Implemented a comprehensive renewal tracking system using Salesforce's advanced reporting tools and instituted a proactive monthly cadence to ensure timely management of upcoming renewals, driving improved business continuity and client retention
• Assisted in writing and establishing the Indirect Procurement Policy currently in effect

Management Reviews:

• "Eric began the year driving significant impact, contributing $4M in midyear savings through thorough planning and strong collaboration with FP&A."
• "Eric’s structured approach and discipline have transformed procurement processes, delivering consistent and measurable outcomes."

• Administered $95M in indirect spend across IT, logistics, consulting, travel, facilities, marketing, construction, and HR categories
• Optimized sourcing strategies by implementing a six-step sourcing framework and developing RFx templates, ensuring consistency and efficiency across procurement activities
• Delivered $2.09M in annual savings (1.4 index vs Goal) by leading 27 RFPs and leveraging data-driven decision-making in negotiations

Key Projects:

• Negotiated a Staples partnership program, resulting in a 14% reduction in office and facility supply costs
• Standardized procurement workflows, enabling scalable and repeatable sourcing operations

Management Reviews:

• "Eric has surpassed expectations, building strong relationships with internal stakeholders and transforming procurement practices into a value-driven function."

• Oversaw a team of 5 managing $460M in indirect spend, spearheading procurement strategies for HR, IT, and Legal categories
• Developed robust category plans, including spend analysis, project roadmaps, and market research, aligning procurement objectives with business goals
• Directed procurement activities for global capability centers, optimizing offshore IT operations such as testing, development, and agile consulting

Key Achievements:

• HCM System Implementation: Executed a $14M RFP for system implementation partners, generating $1.3M in savings while ensuring seamless vendor onboarding and project execution
• Vendor Rationalization: Reduced talent acquisition vendor pool from 350+ to 50, delivering $5M in annual savings through consolidation and efficiency measures
• IT Globalization Initiative: Led a $300M RFP across 11 suppliers, resulting in $10.82M in savings and improved supplier terms

• Directed strategic sourcing and procurement of IT services for Santander Holdings USA entities, including Santander Bank N.A., Produban USA, and Santander Puerto Rico
• Monitored and reported IT negotiation statuses to C-level executives, ensuring alignment with organizational priorities
• Achieved $7.9M in cost savings (11% average savings) by executing 96 sourcing initiatives totaling $73M in spend

• Pioneered the Financial Services Category, managing 15 financial service areas and delivering $5.1M in savings for member companies
• Negotiated a $165M Hallmark contract for four members, resulting in a $5.5M collective revenue increase
• Spearheaded an Electronic Payment Processing program, generating $1M+ in annual savings by optimizing transaction costs and leveraging regulatory changes