IT Vendor Manager

Mentmore Recruitment; London; Hybrid; GBP 55,000 - 85,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading organization in London seeks an experienced IT Vendor Manager to oversee third-party tech service provider relationships. This role involves developing supplier strategies, managing contracts, and ensuring compliance, with strong emphasis on risk and performance management. The ideal candidate will excel in a dynamic environment, demonstrating strategic thinking and exceptional stakeholder engagement.

Qualifications

• 5+ years' experience in supplier relationship management or Tech operations.
• Proven track record negotiating AI-related contracts with compliance focus.
• Strong commercial acumen and knowledge of Tech outsourcing.

Responsibilities

• Design and implement strategies to manage and optimise supplier performance.
• Lead negotiations and manage supplier contracts for compliance and value.
• Define and monitor KPIs for Tech suppliers.

Skills

Supplier Relationship Management

Contract Negotiation

Compliance Awareness

Risk Management

Stakeholder Management

Job description

IT Vendor Manager
Location: London (Hybrid - 2/3 days in the office per week)
Duration: 12 Month (Fixed Term Contract)

Mentmore is exclusively partnered with a leading organisation based in London to recruit a strategic and experienced IT Vendor Manager. This is an exciting opportunity to take ownership of third-party Tech service provider relationships, ensuring these partnerships deliver maximum value, align with business goals, and meet compliance requirements.

The Role
As a key member of the Technology function, you will lead the development and execution of supplier and vendor relationship strategies. Your responsibilities will span commercial and operational oversight, risk mitigation, performance monitoring, and stakeholder engagement. This role is ideal for a supplier management professional with deep experience in Tech services and a strong commercial mindset.

Key Responsibilities

• Supplier Strategy & Governance: Design and implement strategies to manage and optimise supplier performance, mitigate risks, and align with business objectives.

• Roadmap Alignment: Ensure sourcing and renewal activities are closely tied to the organisation's target architecture roadmap.

• Contract & Commercial Management: Lead negotiations and manage supplier contracts, securing value for money and ensuring compliance with regulatory and legal standards.

• Performance Management: Define and monitor KPIs and SLAs for Tech suppliers, ensuring delivery against expectations.

• Operational Integration: Collaborate with internal Tech teams to ensure effective integration and operation of third-party services.

• Risk Management: Identify and mitigate risks, including data security, regulatory compliance, and operational resilience.

• Stakeholder Engagement: Serve as the main point of contact between internal stakeholders and suppliers, resolving issues effectively and diplomatically.

• Issue Resolution: Lead supplier engagement in response to service issues, ensuring timely and effective solutions.

• Continuous Improvement: Drive innovation and improvement initiatives to enhance service quality and efficiency.

• Financial Oversight: Collaborate with Finance and Technology teams to manage budgets, cost-saving initiatives, and procurement activities.

Skills & Experience Required

• 5+ years' experience in supplier relationship management or Tech operations, ideally within a professional services or complex organisational environment.

• Proven track record negotiating AI-related contracts with a focus on compliance with future regulations, such as the AI Act.

• Strong commercial acumen with deep knowledge of contract negotiation, supplier pricing, and cost management.

• In-depth understanding of Tech outsourcing, managed services, and third-party risk management.

• Exceptional stakeholder management skills, with the ability to influence and communicate effectively at all levels.

• Strong awareness of compliance, regulatory frameworks, and data residency considerations.

• Analytical mindset, able to interpret supplier performance data to drive decision-making.

• A proactive, solution-focused approach to resolving service issues and optimising delivery.

Please submit your CV for a confidential conversation.