Job Information
IBM Supplier Contract Resolution Lead in BUDAPEST, Hungary
Introduction
At IBM Finance & Operations, we are the backbone of IBM’s transformation driving efficiency, transparency, and smart decision-making across the business. Our teams provide the insight and discipline that guide strategy, ensure financial strength, and enable IBM to invest in innovation and growth. Working in Finance & Operations means combining analytical skills with collaboration and curiosity. You’ll partner with colleagues across functions and geographies, using data, technology, and process excellence to create solutions that improve performance and deliver measurable impact. IBM offers continuous learning, career development, and a culture that values diverse perspectives. Join us and be part of a global team that keeps IBM moving forward, while building your own future in a dynamic and evolving environment.
Your role and responsibilities
Role Purpose
The Supplier Commercial Resolution Lead owns supplier‑facing dispute resolution and commercial negotiations arising from contract compliance activities. This role is responsible for converting identified contract variances and non‑compliance into realized financial recovery, while strengthening supplier adherence, preventing recurrence, and protecting client relationships.
Acting as the commercial interface between Procurement, Finance, Legal, Accounts Payable, and suppliers, this role ensures disputes are resolved efficiently, professionally, and in line with contractual rights—moving the program from identified leakage to realized value.
Key Responsibilities:
Supplier Dispute & Negotiation Leadership
Lead supplier discussions and negotiations related to pricing discrepancies, unauthorized charges, rebates, credits, and other contract non‑compliance identified through 4‑way matching.
Serve as the primary escalation point for complex, high‑value, or sensitive supplier disputes.
Communicate contractual positions clearly and confidently to suppliers, supported by structured evidence and dispute packs.
Negotiate credit notes, refunds, or future invoice adjustments to recover identified variances within agreed SLAs.
Commercial & Contractual Enforcement
Partner with Contract Analysts and Finance Analysts to translate compliance findings into commercially sound recovery strategies.
Ensure supplier disputes are grounded in contract terms, pricing schedules, service scope, and commercial clauses.
Work closely with Legal and Procurement to align negotiation approaches, particularly for contentious or precedent‑setting disputes.
Stakeholder & Governance Management
Engage cross‑functionally with Procurement, AP Operations, Finance, Legal, and Engagement Leads to align on dispute priorities, negotiation strategy, and outcomes.
Provide clear status updates on dispute progress, recovery value, aging, and risks.
Support supplier governance forums and performance reviews with fact‑based compliance and dispute insights.
Value Realization & Prevention
Track and report recovery outcomes versus identified leakage to ensure financial value is realized, not just reported.
Identify repeat patterns of supplier non‑compliance and feed insights back into contract design, supplier onboarding, and compliance rules.
Recommend preventive actions such as supplier education, contract clarifications, pricing rule adjustments, or system controls.
Process & Capability Improvement
Help define standard dispute resolution playbooks, escalation paths, and negotiation templates.
Support continuous improvement of dispute workflows, handoffs, and documentation standards within the Contract Compliance program.
Contribute to audit and compliance reviews by explaining dispute resolution decisions and outcomes.
Required technical and professional expertise
5+ years of experience in procurement, supplier management, contract management, finance, or commercial roles with supplier‑facing responsibility.
Proven experience leading supplier disputes, commercial negotiations, or claims management.
Strong understanding of contract structures, pricing models, rebates, and commercial terms.
Experience working with ERP systems (SAP, Oracle) and CLM platforms (Sirion, Icertis, Coupa, Ariba).
Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with confidence engaging senior suppliers and internal stakeholders.
Ability to balance firm contract enforcement with professional relationship management.
Preferred technical and professional experience
Experience in procurement BPO, shared services, or GBS environments.
Exposure to contract compliance, 3‑way / 4‑way matching, or audit‑driven recovery programs.
Familiarity with SOX or audit requirements related to recoveries and dispute documentation.
Experience working in multi‑entity, high‑volume, global supplier environments.
IBM is committed to creating a diverse environment and is proud to be an equal-opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, caste, genetics, pregnancy, disability, neurodivergence, age, veteran status, or other characteristics. IBM is also committed to compliance with all fair employment practices regarding citizenship and immigration status.