Lead, IT Vendor Management

Porter Airlines Inc.; Toronto; On-site; CAD 85,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

Porter Airlines is seeking a Lead, IT Vendor Management to oversee its technology vendor portfolio. This role is responsible for ensuring strategic alignment and performance excellence while managing vendor relationships, performance evaluation, and cost-saving initiatives. Candidates should have substantial experience in vendor management with strong communication skills and a grasp of industry standards.

Qualifications

• 5 or more years of experience in vendor management, procurement, or IT Operations.
• Familiarity with contract management, vendor scorecards, and service level tracking is an asset.
• Collaborative, proactive mindset with an interest in continuous improvement.

Responsibilities

• Manage relationships between Porter and technology system vendors, ensuring operational goals.
• Conduct vendor review meetings and develop performance management framework.
• Monitor service levels against contracted commitments and track vendor spend.

Skills

Organizational Skills

Communication Skills

Analytical Skills

Problem-Solving Skills

Stakeholder Engagement

Education

Post-secondary education in business, supply chain, technology, or a related field

Tools

Google Suite

Microsoft Office

Job description

Job Summary

The Lead, IT Vendor Management leads the management of Porter Airlines’ technology vendor portfolio, ensuring strategic alignment, performance excellence, and cost optimization across the IT organization. Reporting to the Vice President, Architecture, Infrastructure and Operations, this role establishes and reinforces vendor management practices that support operational resilience, contractual compliance, and long-term value creation. The Lead monitors vendor performance, justifies renewal and investment decisions, and drives cost-saving opportunities in collaboration with IT Procurement, IT leadership, and business stakeholders. This role also advises internal teams on vendor strategy, delegates ownership of specific contracts where appropriate, and fosters strong, accountable partnerships with external providers.

Duties & Responsibilities

• Manage relationships between Porter and technology system vendors, ensuring alignment with contractual obligations and operational goals
• Create and maintain an up-to-date catalogue of all IT vendors that enables Porter to manage and measure its vendors related to their contracts, including terms, service-level agreements/objectives, renewal dates, and expiry timelines
• Serve as a primary liaison and escalation point between Porter IT and external vendors for both routine operations and incident responses
• Lead regular vendor review meetings with top vendors by spend and criticality, in collaboration with IT leadership
• Develop and apply a vendor performance management framework, including scorecards and KPIs
• Monitor service levels against contracted commitments and escalate performance issues as required
• Track ongoing vendor spend compared to forecast, and support development of forward-looking budgets
• Collect and synthesize feedback about vendors from internal stakeholders and from vendors to improve service and delivery
• Identify, justify and support cost savings initiatives through vendor negotiations, consolidations, or alternative solutions
• Partner closely with IT Procurement and IT leadership to advise on sourcing strategies and contract renewals
• Conduct external market research to identify comparative vendor options and stay informed on industry trends
• Prepare and present vendor-related reporting and presentations for leadership reviews
• Any other duties assigned by IT leadership
• Actively participate in Porter’s Safety Management System (SMS) including reporting hazards and incidents encountered in daily operations; understand, comply and promote the Company Safety Policy

Behavioural Competencies

• Concern for Safety: Identifying hazardous or potentially hazardous situations and taking appropriate action to maintain a safe environment for self and others.

• Teamwork: Working collaboratively with others to achieve organizational goals.

• Passenger/Customer Service: Providing service excellence to internal and/or external customers (passengers).

• Initiative: Dealing with situations and issues proactively and persistently, seizing opportunities that arise.

• Results Focus: Focusing efforts on achieving high quality results consistent with the organization’s standards.

• Fostering Communication: Listening and communicating openly, honestly, and respectfully with different audiences, promoting dialogue and building consensus.

Qualifications

• Post-secondary education in business, supply chain, technology, or a related field
• 5 or more years of experience in vendor management, procurement, or IT Operations.
• Proficiency in Google Suite and Microsoft Office tools
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail, with the ability to prioritize and manage competing demands
• Excellent communication and stakeholder engagement skills, including experience navigating cross-functional environments
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to synthesize data into actionable insights and executive-ready reporting
• Familiarity with contract management, vendor scorecards, and service level tracking is an asset
• Collaborative, proactive mindset with an interest in continuous improvement
• Knowledge of the aviation industry an asset

Location

250 Yonge Street (Toronto)

Company Description

Since 2006, Porter Airlines has been elevating the experience of economy air travel for every passenger, providing genuine hospitality with style, care and charm. Porter’s fleet of Embraer E195-E2 and De Havilland Dash 8-400 aircraft serves a North American network from Eastern Canada. Headquartered in Toronto, Porter is an Official 4 Star Airline in the World Airline Star Rating. Visit www.flyporter.com or follow @porterairlines on Instagram, Facebook and X.