IT Vendor Manager

IT Vendor Manager

Location: South Manchester (3 Days Onsite)
Contract: Type: 6-12 Months

The Role
As a IT Vendor Manager, you ll play a critical role in driving value and performance from the client s key technology suppliers. You ll ensure that supplier relationships are strategically managed, contracts deliver maximum benefit, and service performance remains high.

You ll collaborate closely with Service Operations, Procurement, Product Owners, and senior stakeholders to deliver outstanding results across a portfolio of critical suppliers.

Key Responsibilities

Lead the strategy and agenda for the performance management of Tier 1 and critical system vendors.

Conduct formal vendor reviews and ensure performance is measured through KPIs, SLAs, and strategic assessments.

Build and maintain strong, collaborative relationships with key suppliers and stakeholders.

Monitor, analyse, and challenge vendor performance to drive continual improvement.

Develop and implement strategies to address underperformance and ensure compliance with contractual terms.

Identify opportunities to enhance service delivery and achieve better value for money.

Support the selection, evaluation, and onboarding of new suppliers in line with technology and business goals.

Collaborate across technology and business functions to ensure supplier performance aligns with organisational objectives.

Essential skills and experience:

Extensive experience managing vendors and suppliers within a technology-led environment.

Proven expertise in contract management, negotiation, and supplier performance improvement.

Strong analytical and reporting skills, with experience identifying cost-saving and service enhancement opportunities.

Excellent communication, influencing, and stakeholder management skills.

Strong understanding of IT service management (ITSM) and frameworks such as ITIL.

Ability to navigate complex supplier ecosystems and deliver within a multi-stakeholder environment.

Experience in managing large, diverse supplier portfolios across multiple technologies.