Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Software
Certification
Interests
Timeline
Sheri Alkire

Sheri Alkire

Senior Contracts Manager
Cary,NC
The real test is not whether you avoid this failure, because you won’t. It’s whether you let it harden or shame you into inaction, or whether you learn from it; whether you choose to persevere.
Barack Obama

Summary

Innovative and goal-oriented Contracts Management professional committed with a proven track record in managing global contracts, orchestrating successful project execution, and delivering exceptional customer service and account management. Proficient in all phases of contract management, from drafting through to execution. Adept at securing and nurturing new accounts and business through strategic negotiation and cultivating strong channel partnerships and client relations. A highly effective intermediary between sales, finance, and legal teams. An accomplished leader who assembles and guides high-performing teams through comprehensive training and mentoring. A champion of process improvement, consistently driving enhancements to rectify gaps and enhance operational efficiency. Detail-oriented, coupled with a creative problem-solving approach, excellent presentation skills, and a strong commitment to contract management excellence.

Overview

18
18
years of professional experience
6
6
Certifications

Work History

Contracts and Requisitions Manager

Lenovo
Morrisville, NC
11.2020 - 09.2023

Throughout my tenure, I expertly managed the complete lifecycle of SSG contracts, taking charge of essential tasks such as drafting, reviewing, negotiating, approving, and maintaining contracts, statements of work (SOWs), amendments, addendums, legal correspondence, and project change requests for our valued international clients and partners. My strategic contributions extended to meticulously designing and finalizing critical requests for proposal (RFP) responses for our dedicated SSG teams. I further undertook the responsibility of creating and furnishing content for diverse business, public sector, and government segments, ensuring comprehensive coverage of SSG portfolio offerings in RFPs and contractual language.

As the primary liaison for internal legal, insurance, privacy, security, and finance teams, I held the crucial role of a Subject Matter Expert (SME). In this capacity, I provided invaluable insights in risk analysis, contract interpretation, and effective communication and approval processes involving executive stakeholders. My collaboration with sales executives was instrumental in developing pricing strategies, customizing collateral, and crafting compelling business cases for non-standard contract terms.

I also served as a technical resource for SSG managers, offering invaluable support in proposal and contract template development, partner SOW preparation, and the resolution of contract-related issues. With a focus on operational efficiency, I took the initiative to create standardized procedures, processes, and legal document templates for bid and contract documentation, providing essential training to empower our solutions team.

My role extended to skillfully drafting contract language aligned with legal templates for global, corporate, and public sector RFPs that required SSG responses. My ability to communicate effectively was showcased in high-level client presentations, where I introduced new services and incentives as required. I maintained a proactive stance in identifying and communicating risks, challenges, and issues to cross-functional teams, ensuring informed decision-making.

Driven by my commitment to process improvement, I took the lead in spearheading special projects aimed at enhancing enterprise-wide processes, sales engagement, and overall business capabilities. My contributions included identifying capability gaps and collaborating with internal teams to establish standardized processes to address multiple deficiencies.

Additionally, I played a pivotal role in maintaining and updating the Solution and Services Guide and SSG collateral, ensuring that clients and channel partners had access to the most current information. To further support global teams, I compiled quarterly feedback reports on client bid and contract trends, helping to identify portfolio opportunities and capability gaps.

In summary, my career has been marked by a diverse range of responsibilities, all aimed at elevating contract management processes and delivering exceptional value to international clients and partners.

Solution Director

CompuCom
Fort Mill, SC
01.2020 - 10.2020

As a Solution Director, I held the critical responsibility of designing and approving tailored RFP responses, Statements of Work (SOWs), and contracts to meet the unique requirements of international clients. My role necessitated seamless collaboration with cross-functional teams to validate client commitments and actively contribute to special projects geared toward enhancing company-wide processes.

Furthermore, I actively supported sales executives by assisting in the creation and pricing of international solutions, ensuring alignment with client needs. My expertise extended to the identification of capability gaps within the organization, where I worked closely with internal teams to develop and endorse effective solutions to address these gaps.

In my customer-facing role as a Subject Matter Expert (SME), I effectively represented the company's capabilities, providing valuable insights to clients. My unwavering commitment to process excellence prompted me to establish standardized procedures, effectively resolving multiple capability gaps and contributing to heightened operational efficiency.

Moreover, I enthusiastically participated in various Bold Workouts, collaborating with cross-functional teams to drive improvements in sales engagement, solution processes, and overall capabilities at a company-wide level.

Additionally, my career showcased a diverse range of skills and accomplishments:

  • Delivered pre-sales technical support for Windows server and desktop virtualization.
  • Oversaw the development and implementation of enhancements to support network operations.
  • Demonstrated leadership capabilities by successfully motivating and inspiring team members.
  • Actively participated in team projects, showcasing a strong ability to collaborate effectively.
  • Utilized robust analytical and problem-solving skills to develop effective solutions for challenging scenarios.
  • Leveraged strong leadership skills to manage projects from inception to completion.
  • Demonstrated meticulous attention to detail in completing assignments.
  • Proved adept at thriving within tight deadlines and a fast-paced work environment.

These experiences collectively underscore my commitment to excellence and my ability to excel in diverse roles and responsibilities.

Senior Solution Architect

CompuCom
Fort Mills, SC
03.2018 - 01.2020

In my role, I was responsible for the meticulous drafting and review of a variety of critical documents, including RFPs, special bids, contracts, and Statements of Work (SOWs). I actively collaborated with Solution Directors and account executives to assist in the development and cost estimation of solutions spanning onsite, supply chain, and dispatch services. My contributions extended to the approval of client commitments, achieved through close cooperation with cross-functional teams.

Furthermore, I was a dedicated supporter of special company-wide initiatives aimed at enhancing overall operations. I had a keen eye for identifying capability gaps and effectively worked with internal teams to devise innovative solutions. One of my notable achievements was the establishment of a standardized process for the advanced exchange capability, streamlining operations and increasing efficiency.

In addition to my proactive approach to process improvement, I actively participated in two Bold Workouts, where I collaborated with cross-functional teams to drive improvements in solution creation and order processing. My commitment to excellence and ability to contribute to diverse initiatives exemplify my dedication to enhancing organizational success.

Senior Global Proposals and Contracts Manager

Lenovo
Morrisville, NC
12.2011 - 03.2018

As the Senior Manager, I successfully orchestrated and managed large-scale projects, leveraging innovative systems, tools, and processes to meet and exceed challenging objectives. My role extended to evaluating requests related to hiring, firing, and promotions, where I ensured that our team remained well-structured and aligned with company goals.

I provided strong and effective leadership, fostering a high level of team productivity and boosting morale within the organization. My responsibilities included the thorough review and analysis of reports, records, and directives to gather essential data for departmental planning activities. This information served as a foundation for the successful development and implementation of strategies aimed at maximizing revenue.

My proficiency in proposal development and presentations was instrumental in effectively communicating strategies to both internal and external audiences. I played a key role in establishing and refining operational standards, policies, and procedures, contributing to streamlined processes and enhanced efficiency.

Furthermore, I actively engaged in brainstorming sessions to craft strategies that aligned with short-term and long-term sales revenue objectives. My leadership was evident in leading the design and review of all RFPs, special bids, and captured assurance, as well as in the negotiation of contracts for global accounts, along with the approval of customer commitments in collaboration with extended teams.

I take pride in my achievements, having successfully secured over 500 contract wins and signings through the development and execution of effective strategies. My ability to identify capability gaps and collaborate with internal teams to devise innovative solutions was a valuable asset to the organization.

My dedication and contributions were recognized when I received the prestigious Best Global Team Award in 2016, a testament to my commitment to excellence and my ability to lead and drive success within the team.

Global Project Manager

Lenovo
Morrisville, NC
12.2009 - 12.2011

In a pivotal leadership role, I oversaw the global product development efforts and nurtured critical partner relationships, which played a pivotal role in facilitating our expansion into new markets. My commitment to quality assurance was unwavering, as I meticulously verified the quality of deliverables and ensured their strict adherence to specifications before presenting them to clients.

My responsibilities included providing regular and comprehensive reports to managers, offering insights into project budget, progress, and addressing any technical challenges encountered along the way. To ensure the seamless execution of projects, I was actively involved in the development and implementation of project plans and budgets, diligently monitoring progress and proactively identifying risks, subsequently taking corrective measures when necessary.

I played a key role in facilitating effective communication between project stakeholders through the scheduling and facilitation of meetings, where we discussed deliverables, schedules, and addressed any conflicts that arose. My commitment to open communication extended to presenting regular updates on project status to clients, ensuring transparency and alignment throughout the project lifecycle.

My ability to closely track project and team member performance allowed me to swiftly intervene in the event of mistakes or delays, preserving project timelines and quality standards. I leveraged analytical and problem-solving skills to analyze project performance data, identifying areas for improvement and proactively implementing enhancements.

Throughout my career, I have consistently demonstrated a high level of self-motivation, personal responsibility, and initiative, exemplified through my creative problem-solving approaches and resourcefulness in developing innovative solutions. My collaborative nature was evident in my effective teamwork, where I provided support, guidance, and often took on leadership roles, effectively delegating tasks and providing constructive feedback.

Operating effectively in fast-paced environments, I consistently demonstrated respect, friendliness, and a willingness to assist wherever needed. My dedication to excellence and project management proficiency were further exemplified by the Lean Six Sigma Yellow Belt Certification I achieved.

Notably, my contributions were recognized when I received the prestigious Best Global Project Manager Award, a testament to my commitment to delivering exceptional results and maintaining high customer satisfaction levels through effective client communication and teamwork.

Global Inside Sales Manager

Lenovo
Morrisville, NC
11.2005 - 12.2009

In my role, I had the privilege of managing several multi-million-dollar client accounts, demonstrating my ability to handle significant financial responsibilities. I provided invaluable guidance to cross-functional teams, collaborating closely to devise winning strategies for RFP responses and unsolicited proposals.

My strategic acumen extended to the thorough analysis of competitive market data, allowing me to develop profit roadmaps and request pricing adjustments that enhanced profitability. My performance consistently met and exceeded quarterly sales targets, underscoring my proficiency in delivering tangible results.

I played a pivotal role in preparing pricing strategies for current customers, driving sales growth and profitability. My commitment to excellence was evident in my ability to set and exceed inside sales goals, where I established ambitious targets and motivated sales representatives to achieve them.

A significant achievement was my success in securing new accounts, strategically pursuing leads that generated over $[Amount] in revenue on a monthly basis. I actively monitored and amplified the sales pipeline to maintain a steady flow of potential leads and prospects.

My ability to effectively present product features to diverse audiences, employing consultative sales techniques, allowed me to secure new contracts and expand our client base. I engaged in active communication with clients via email or phone, identifying and addressing their needs, while also cross-selling to grow existing accounts.

Cultivating productive relationships and maintaining high-quality communications with account contacts were essential components of my role, contributing significantly to client retention. I also collaborated closely with other departments to promote products and marketing campaigns, ensuring a unified and cohesive approach.

My dedication to team development was evident as I took the lead in training employees on new technology and sales methods, ultimately building a highly-knowledgeable and successful team. I actively demonstrated products to potential customers, highlighting their benefits and advantages to encourage purchases.

I actively engaged in product training, conducted demonstrations, and participated in consumer awareness, branding, and acquisition initiatives, all geared toward raising awareness and revenues. My commitment to achieving sales goals and service targets was unwavering, driven by the cultivation and securing of new customer relationships.

I collaborated closely with sales, marketing, and management teams to develop effective solutions and accomplish shared objectives. My contributions were instrumental in increasing sales volume and expanding product lines to new retailers, warehouse clubs, and natural food chains.

Recognizing and nurturing talent, I coached and promoted high-achieving sales and account management employees, filling leadership positions with qualified staff and contributing to company growth. My ability to develop compelling presentation decks played a key role in gaining approval for ideas and effectively communicating results.

Throughout my tenure, I consistently achieved established KPIs for company, regional team, and individual performance through teamwork and a customer-focused approach. I actively prepared sales presentations for clients, showcasing the success and credibility of our products.

My role was instrumental in driving multi-million-dollar contract sales and enhancing sales revenue through strategic marketing, pricing strategy review, and the expansion of distribution channels. I prioritized building lasting relationships with customers and the community, positioning the company for long-term business growth.

I demonstrated my ability to resolve complex problems with high-profile customers, ultimately maintaining relationships and expanding the return customer base. My account management skills were exemplary, as I managed accounts to retain existing relationships while also growing our share of business.

Contributing significantly to profitability, I developed pipelines utilizing marketing and sales strategies, ensuring a robust and sustainable revenue stream. I maintained rigorous financial controls, meticulously planning business operations and controlling expenses, all while identifying and pursuing opportunities to grow business operations and boost profits.

My cross-functional collaboration extended to working closely with headquarters, regional, and other teams nationally, ensuring a consistent message and customer experience across the board. I actively aligned company goals with customer outcomes, significantly increasing satisfaction through the automation of contact management systems.

In summary, my tenure was marked by consistently exceeding sales quotas, increasing profitability, and delivering on strategic business objectives through my effective sales strategy and meticulous business planning.

Education

Bachelor of Arts - Information Technology

American InterContinental University, Schaumburg, IL
05.2001 -
  • 4.0 GPA
  • cum laude graduate

No Degree - Liberal Arts, Pre-Law, Music

West Virginia University, Morgantown, WV
05.2001 -

Extracurricular Activities:

  • Pride of West Virginia Mountaineer Marching Band
  • Kappa Kappa Psi Member
  • Wind Symphony Member
  • Mentoring Program
  • West Virginia Army Reserve

Skills

    Verbal and written Communication and Adaptability

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Software

Microsoft Suite

G-Suite

CRM

Document Repository

Adobe Creative Suite

Legal Document Software

Cloud Computing Software

Video Conferencing

SAP/Oracle

Certification

Lean Six Sigma Certified

Interests

Volunteering

Gardening

Vocalist for Worship Team

West (by God) Virginia Football

Golf

Timeline

Contracts and Requisitions Manager - Lenovo
11.2020 - 09.2023
Solution Director - CompuCom
01.2020 - 10.2020
Senior Solution Architect - CompuCom
03.2018 - 01.2020
Senior Global Proposals and Contracts Manager - Lenovo
12.2011 - 03.2018
Global Project Manager - Lenovo
12.2009 - 12.2011
Global Inside Sales Manager - Lenovo
11.2005 - 12.2009
American InterContinental University - Bachelor of Arts, Information Technology
05.2001 -
West Virginia University - No Degree, Liberal Arts, Pre-Law, Music
05.2001 -
Sheri AlkireSenior Contracts Manager