Vendor Manager

Vendor Manager

Digital Data and Technology (DDaT)

£38,754 + Package.

Staffordshire Police

Stafford. Hybrid - 2-3 days on site

Digital, Data and Technology (DDaT) are responsible for transforming and supporting all of the force's digital technology needs. The Service team is responsible for all of the end user support in the ‘live’ environment whether it is delivered via internal resources or by external suppliers. The Service team is the most customer-facing division of the DDaT Department.

The Vendor Manager is responsible for governing and overseeing the effective operation of processes relating to ensuring we maximise the value for money for our software, hardware and services. The post holder will be responsible for monitoring and reporting on performance of these processes, identifying issues/under-performance and devising action plans in order to remediate such occurrences.

As a Vendor Manager your key tasks & responsibilities will include:

1. To manage the delivery of a defined portfolio of IT contracted services to agreed standards and SLAs. In doing so, the post holder will also support contract performance management monitoring and attend contract meetings. Additionally, they will provide support on contractual issues arising, working in conjunction with the Commercial (Contracts and Procurement) team.
2. To assist in the updating of the contracts register held by Commercial. Create and maintain a software renewals database. Monitor and undertake software renewals including assessing licensing models to identify optimal purchasing routes.
3. To work with the Commercial team in reviewing IT contracts and oversee the ongoing rationalisation of contracts.
4. To introduce appropriate professional good practice covering all aspects of contract and vendor management in a proportionate and pragmatic manner.
5. To work closely with colleagues in the Commercial team (Finance directorate), supporting the development and implementation of IT/Digital Services Commercial strategies, and gaining their guidance and input on contracts wherever appropriate and in accordance with the organisation’s procurement regulations.
6. To advise DDaT colleagues on any contractual, commercial, or financial matters with regard to existing and new IT supply contracts.
7. To coordinate budget planning and reforecasting with the DDaT Leadership Team.
8. Ensure that all third parties operate within the agreed budget thresholds and authorise invoices/purchase orders to the agreed levels.

As a Vendor Manager you will have the experience and skills:

1. IT supply chain/vendor management experience in managing a wide portfolio of third party contracts.
2. Experience of analysis and decision making requiring financial/commercial awareness, within an IT environment.
3. Running or participating in competitive exercises in a public sector context including quotations, tenders and framework competitions.
4. Experience as part of a commercial negotiating team.
5. Experience coordinating budget setting and reforecasting.
6. Experience implementing good practice in supply chain management, procurement and purchasing.
7. Experience of rationalising contracts to reduce overheads.
8. Experience working with a Managed Service Provider in the delivery of digital services through the supply of third party contracts.

Desirable:

1. Post graduate qualification or equivalent experience.
2. Excellent stakeholder management skills.
3. Project management experience.
4. Good communication skills.
5. ITIL v3 or v4.