IT Vendor Management Specialist

Starr Underwriting; Stratford-upon-Avon; Hybrid; GBP 43,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading UK insurer seeks an IT Vendor Management Specialist to enhance supplier relationships within their growing IT function. This role involves overseeing contract governance, supplier performance, and stakeholder engagement to maximize value from IT partnerships. The successful candidate will enjoy a hybrid work model and a supportive workplace culture.

Benefits

17.5% annual bonus

Contributory pension scheme up to 20%

25 days annual leave plus bank holidays

Family-Friendly policies

Discounts at high street brands

Monthly gym membership contribution

Health and wellbeing plans

Access to voluntary benefits

Employee volunteering opportunities

£500 Refer a Friend bonus

Qualifications

• Experienced vendor management professional with contract governance skills.
• Proficient in managing supplier relationships and educating teams.
• Strong analytical capabilities and stakeholder influence.

Responsibilities

• Manage contracts and governance across IT suppliers.
• Lead vendor governance activities and performance monitoring.
• Engage with stakeholders to ensure compliance and delivery.

Skills

Vendor Management

Contract Negotiation

Stakeholder Management

Performance Monitoring

Commercial Awareness

Tools

ITIL principles

Job description

IT Vendor Management Specialist:

• Manage commercial relationships and contract governance for a portfolio of IT suppliers.
• Act as a subject matter expert in vendor management best practices and internal processes, providing guidance and support to internal teams.
• Hybrid role with 80% homeworking and 20% in Stratford-upon-Avon.

About the role:

We’re recruiting an IT Vendor Management Specialist to join our growing IT function and help us drive more value and control from our key supplier relationships.

Working closely with Group IT, Procurement, Operational Risk, and Legal, you’ll support end-to-end management of contracts across various IT partners. This includes contract negotiation, governance, performance monitoring, and stakeholder engagement to ensure suppliers meet contractual obligations, deliver as expected, and comply with internal policies and regulatory standards.

You’ll lead vendor governance activities such as business reviews, contract and policy compliance monitoring, risk assessments, and issue resolution to maximize value from our IT supply base. This is a permanent role with opportunities for growth as the team evolves.

About you:

You are an experienced vendor or contract management professional with a proactive approach and strong stakeholder skills. You excel in collaborative environments and possess the commercial awareness and relationship-building skills to influence at all levels.

• Experience managing commercial relationships and contract governance for medium to large IT supplier contracts, preferably within a vendor management function.

• Skilled in contract negotiation, governance, and performance monitoring with keen attention to detail.

• Capable of educating colleagues on contract and vendor management best practices across IT functions.

• Comfortable analyzing financial data and supporting commercial investigations.

• Knowledge of ITIL principles is desirable, as is prior experience in IT vendor management.

• Strong stakeholder management skills with the ability to influence and build effective relationships.

• Highly organized, capable of managing competing priorities and meeting deadlines independently.

At NFU Mutual, we support an inclusive workplace and value diversity. We celebrate creativity and innovation from different perspectives and experiences, aiming to do right by our customers and employees.

We recognize that some candidates may face barriers during recruitment. We encourage discussions about any adjustments or accommodations needed during the process.

We are proud to be a Disability Confident Employer, a Race at Work and Women in Finance Charter signatory, welcoming applications from all backgrounds regardless of age, ethnicity, disability, neurodiversity, gender, religion, marital status, sexual orientation, or socioeconomic background.

Benefits and Rewards:

Joining us offers a supportive culture and attractive rewards, including:

• Salary ranging from £43,550 to £60,000 depending on experience, plus a 17.5% annual bonus and benefits.
• Contributory pension scheme up to 20%, including your 8% contribution.
• 25 days annual leave plus bank holidays, with a buy/sell holiday scheme.
• Family-Friendly policies to support work-life balance.
• Discounts at high street brands, travel, and supermarkets.
• £20 monthly contribution to gym memberships (T&Cs apply).
• Health and wellbeing plans, including cashback for dental, optical, physiotherapy, and more.
• Access to voluntary benefits like health assessments, private medical and dental insurance.
• Employee volunteering opportunities.
• Unlimited Refer a Friend bonus scheme (£500).
• Life assurance of 4x salary.
• 15% employee discounts on NFU Mutual insurance policies.

Working at NFU Mutual:

We are a leading UK general insurer and financial services provider with over 110 years of history. Our culture is built on putting customers first, empowering our employees, and fostering growth and recognition. Our awards include the Gallup Exceptional Workplace 2025 (Distinction), UK Top Employer certifications, and listings among the best places to work in the UK.

We are committed to a respectful, inclusive environment where our people can thrive and contribute to our ongoing success.