Vendor Manager

Vendor Manager page is loaded Vendor Managerlocations: Londonposted on: Posted Todayjob requisition id: R Purpose of role Linklaters is delivering an ambitious transformational change programme to reimagine the way that our Business Teams work with the practice to deliver an exceptional client experience. The programme is central to achieving the firm's strategic ambitions.The Contracts Manager (Vendor Manager) is central to ensuring that services delivered by key external partners, particularly technology BPO supplier(s), to meet the firm's standards, contractual requirements, and strategic objectives. This role manages the day-to-day operational relationship with designated 3rd parties, clarifies escalation routes, tracks performance, and ensures that the contractual framework both protects the firm and supports its business goals. The Contracts Manager also helps prepare the environment and tools for effective contract management, monitors contract adherence, and acts as the primary operational contact for resolving service issues or disputes. This ensures continuing service excellence and the delivery of value to Linklaters.You will collaborate closely with Technology Service Owners, project, programme and governance leads, senior management, and representatives from the designated 3rd parties. Key areas of responsibility: Contract mobilisation and stakeholder engagement: Coordinate, facilitate, and lead contract kick-off meetings with technology BPO supplier(s) to review critical terms, agree on escalation routes, establish points of contact, and confirm reporting structures with the managed service provider. Address any staffing, systems access, or cultural change issues early, working with HR and Change Managers where appropriate. Performance baselining and measurement: Work with Service Owners to establish performance baselines and initial KPIs so that service levels can be properly measured once the service is live. Work with the supplier to ensure consistent and robust reporting methods are operational and adhere to contractual commitments. Contract management framework establishment and maintenance: Develop and implement systems for ongoing contract management, including setting up reporting frameworks, risk registers, and deliverables trackers to ensure the monitoring of key contract activities. Maintain a comprehensive repository in relation to operational documents to support audit and transparency requirements. Operational readiness and supplier enablement: Ensure all necessary arrangements (technology environments and systems, data transfers, licences, access rights) are in place for the managed service provider to commence services smoothly and in compliance with the contract. Performance monitoring and contract compliance: Track adherence to contract terms and service level agreements (SLAs), monitor key performance indicators (KPIs), document milestones and performance data, and provide regular updates to internal stakeholders. Support supplier benchmarking and regular market or industry trend analysis to ensure services remain competitive. Risk and issue management: Identify and assess risks related to service continuity, data compliance, billing, spend, supplier performance, and cost opportunities. Implement appropriate mitigations and escalate significant risks where needed. Dispute resolution and escalation: Serve as the primary point of escalation for day-to-day disputes or performance concerns, mediating solutions between internal stakeholders and the managed service provider. Escalate formal issues to Sourcing. Governance support and reporting: Support service delivery teams and governance meetings by reviewing vendor performance reports, ensuring corrective actions are tracked, and attending all relevant operational, quarterly, and strategic review meetings with the managed service provider. Financial management and analysis: Support the review, reconciliation, and analysis of supplier invoices and spend, to identify potential overcharging, alignment to contract commitments and ensuring invoicing accuracy. Continuous improvement and collaboration: Work with Sourcing and service delivery teams to drive improvements in vendor management processes. Foster constructive supplier/partner relationships by encouraging innovation, service improvements, and knowledge sharing, including regular lessons learned and joint improvement initiatives. Contract change, renewal and exit management : Support changes to contract terms as required (with Sourcing leading any contractual amendments, due diligence and audits), and contribute feedback to broader vendor relationship strategies. Support the planning of supplier transitions, contract renewals, and exit strategies, including the development and maintenance of exit plans. Characteristics, skills, and experience required: Practical experience (typically five years or more) working in a contract/vendor management role in large, complex organisations, preferably with business process outsourcing (BPO) or managed service providers in legal or professional services environments. Demonstrable experience in establishing and maintaining effective contract management frameworks (tools, trackers, and reporting). Ability to interpret, apply, and manage detailed commercial contracts, service schedules, and performance regimes. Strong skills in relationship management, stakeholder communication, and conflict resolution, with the ability to mediate between internal teams and external vendors. Solid understanding of financial controls, billing, payment processes, and identifying cost optimisation opportunities within supplier relationships. Attention to detail and the ability to communicate information clearly and succinctly at all levels of the organisation. Proactive, structured approach to risk management, escalation, and issue resolution. Collaborative style, balancing independent work with effective team engagement and support. Inclusive leadership style, promoting a supportive and productive work environment for colleagues and suppliers. Technical Skills This list of duties and responsibilities above is not exhaustive. It is intended to describe the general content of, and requirements for, the performance of this job. As such, the role may also include the undertaking of additional tasks as required. Application Policy Applications and CVs (direct or via agency) are only accepted online via the portal. Queries related to this role must be directed to the recruitment team ( ) and not partners, practices or stakeholders. This is the place where talent meets opportunity and where passion meets purpose. At Linklaters, the work we do means carving a path through unexplored territory, working on complex legal matters, across jurisdictions and borders and providing outstanding service and confidence to our clients.Having the vision to see things differently and the determination to deliver excellence, every time. That's what makes us who we are. You can see your true potential connecting with dynamic colleagues all over the world, united by purpose and shared values and working together as one inclusive, collaborative team.With second to none training and support, this is the place where you meet your future. This is Linklaters. In the event that we make an offer to you, and where local legislation permits, we will conduct pre-engagement screening checks that may include but are not limited to your professional and academic qualifications, your eligibility to work in the relevant jurisdiction, any criminal records, your financial stability and references from previous employers. Your offer will be subject to the successful completion of these checks which will be initiated following your consent.As