Vendor Manager

Our client is looking for someone to assist their Commercial Team on an interim basis due to a member of the team being seconded onto another project.

They are looking for a professional who is experienced within procurement particularly across Vendor and Contract management.

This role would sit within the IT procurement team so experience working within a Technology function is essential.

• Coordinate and manage a portfolio of vendors in line with ITIL best practices (where applicable), ensuring performance aligns with contractual KPIs and the services delivered meet the operational needs of our client.

• Own and maintain the content of all service schedules (contracts), ensuring that updates are reflected in accordance with contractual governance procedures.

• Collaborate with operational teams to develop SMART KPIs that measure vendor performance and ensure service delivery is both effective and offers value for money.

• Regularly review vendor contracts and services with internal stakeholders to ensure alignment with cost, quality, and performance expectations.

• Chair regular Vendor Review Meetings, involving internal stakeholders and vendor account teams, to evaluate performance and compliance against contractual terms.

• Serve as the go-to point for internal teams on vendor-related issues, leading service improvement plans and escalating concerns when vendor performance affects service delivery.

• Foster strong internal relationships to ensure vendor agreements are well-communicated and accessible across the organization.

• Contribute to the creation and execution of a comprehensive vendor plan targeting performance improvements, cost savings, cost avoidance, outsourcing/insourcing evaluations, and collaborative initiatives with third parties.

• Ensure purchase orders are in place and services are paid in accordance with contractual terms.

• Collaborate closely with procurement, finance, and legal teams to ensure all vendor processes align with company governance protocols.

• Support procurement with benchmarking activities to validate that vendor pricing remains competitive and represents value for money.

• Participate in procurement processes (e.g., RFIs), ensuring prospective vendors are thoroughly assessed on their service delivery capabilities.

• Lead the development of support and maintenance schedules for new vendors, working with stakeholders to ensure requirements are met cost-effectively.

• Build value-driven relationships with vendors, reflecting our client's core values-integrity, respect, empathy, and inclusion.

• Monitor underperforming vendors and ensure enforcement of contractual remedies where applicable.

• Partner with finance and business units to track and understand budget allocations and expenditures across your vendor portfolio.

• Produce reports analyzing vendor development, performance plans, market trends, and alignment with business needs.