IT Vendor Manager

Ricoh; Watford; On-site; GBP 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A global technology company is seeking an experienced Vendor Relationship Manager to build and maintain vendor partnerships. The role involves negotiating contracts, managing vendor performance, and identifying innovative solutions to enhance business efficiency. Ideal candidates will have a background in IT Vendor Management and strong analytical skills, along with a Bachelor's degree in a related field. A competitive salary and industry-leading benefits are offered.

Benefits

Competitive salary package

Industry leading benefits

Qualifications

• Extensive experience in IT Vendor Management or Procurement.
• Proven track record in building and maintaining vendor relationships.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Experience managing contracts related to cloud services and software licenses.

Responsibilities

• Build and maintain strong relationships with key IT vendors.
• Serve as the primary point of contact for vendor-related matters.
• Conduct regular vendor performance reviews and track KPIs.
• Research emerging technologies and identify opportunities for innovation.

Skills

Vendor relationship management

Negotiation skills

Analytical skills

Problem-solving skills

Communication skills

Education

Bachelor’s degree in information technology or Business Administration

Tools

Contract management software (e.g., Ariba, Coupa)

Job description

What you will be doing

Vendor Relationship Management :

• Build and maintain strong relationships with key IT vendors (e.g., Microsoft, Oracle, IBM, Adobe, ServiceNow).
• Serve as the primary point of contact for all vendor-related matters, proactively addressing challenges and mitigating risks.
• Collaborate with internal stakeholders such as IT, business units, procurement, and legal departments to align vendor relationships with business priorities.

Contract Negotiation and Management :

• Develop and implement a robust vendor contract management framework, ensuring all contracts are properly documented and managed.
• Collaborate with the procurement department on contract negotiations, ensuring business requirements are met.
• Monitor existing vendor contracts for compliance and explore opportunities for renegotiation or amendments.

Vendor Performance Management :

• Conduct regular vendor performance reviews, tracking key performance indicators (KPIs) and service level agreements (SLAs).
• Implement strategies to drive continuous improvement and optimise vendor costs while maximising ROI.
• Identify opportunities for vendor consolidation and service rationalisation.

Vendor Innovation and Evaluation :

• Research emerging technologies and vendors to identify opportunities for innovation.
• Stay informed on industry trends and best practices in vendor management.
• Advocate for the adoption of new technologies and vendor solutions that enhance business agility and efficiency.

You will ideally have

• Bachelor’s degree in information technology, Business Administration, or related field is desirable for this role.
• Extensive experience in IT Vendor Management or Procurement, particularly within a Digital Services company or fast-paced, technology-driven environment.
• Proven track record in building and maintaining relationships with vendors and internal stakeholders.
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and negotiation skills, with a focus on data-driven decision-making.
• In-depth understanding of IT service delivery models such as cloud computing, SaaS, PaaS, and IaaS.
• Experience with contract management software (e.g., Ariba, Coupa) is a plus.
• Experience managing contracts related to cloud services, software licenses, and digital marketing platforms.
• Industry certifications (e.g., ITIL, Six Sigma) are a plus.
• Experience with Microsoft / Oracle / ServiceNow.
• Excellent communication, interpersonal, and negotiation skills.
• Strong attention to detail and ability to manage multiple priorities effectively.
• A proactive approach with the ability to work both independently and collaboratively within a cross-functional team.
• A strong understanding of IT procurement processes and best practices.

In Return For Your Commitment, You Can Expect

• A competitive salary package
• Industry leading benefits

Ricoh is an exceptional place to work. A place where there is strong emphasis on career development for the right individuals. This is a role where you can excel within a fast-paced environment and succeed within a thriving organisation.

This is an excellent opportunity to join a global company where you can truly capitalise and build on your own experience.

Ready to make that change? Apply now for a confidential conversation with our Recruitment Team.

We Are An Equal Opportunities Employer