IT Vendor Manager

Finezi Inc.; Oakland (CA); Hybrid; USD 120,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading technology firm in Oakland, California is seeking a seasoned vendor management professional with over 8 years of experience in IT strategy and project management. The role entails strategic leadership in vendor relations, developing supplier strategies, and managing complex projects. Candidates should possess strong analytical and communication skills, along with a Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field. This hybrid position offers an exciting opportunity to influence technology procurement and vendor partnerships.

Qualifications

• 8+ years of progressive experience in IT vendor management, sourcing, or technology strategy.
• Skilled in project management and reporting to executives.
• Strong understanding of IT contracts and vendor governance.

Responsibilities

• Manage and optimize relationships with Tier-1 suppliers.
• Develop supplier strategies aligning with organizational goals.
• Lead teams to meet operational targets in vendor management.

Skills

Project management

Leadership reporting

Negotiation

Analytical skills

Communication skills

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Information Technology, Business Administration, or related field

Master’s degree preferred

Tools

SAP Ariba

Coupa

ServiceNow

GEP

Job description

*LOCAL CANDIDATES ONLY. Hybrid (OGO/San Ramon/Dublin). Highly preferred candidates from within the service territory as the position is high visibility.

*EQUIPMENT REQUIRED: a personal phone and stable internet with speeds greater than 400 mbps upload and 40mbps download will be required (no reimbursements for phone and internet). Personal laptop to start until a client laptop is ready.

TOP THINGS

• Passion and Experience managing the business of Technology
• Project management
• Leadership reporting

Job Description

Location: Oakland, California - Hybrid/2-3 days at the Headquarters office

Core business hours 8AM to 5PM.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Information Technology, Business Administration, or a related field (Master’s degree preferred).
• 8+ years of progressive experience in IT vendor management, sourcing, or technology strategy.
• Skilled in project management, time management, and reporting to executives.
• Vendor Management: Expertise in managing and optimizing relationships with Tier-1 suppliers
• Strategic Thinking: Ability to develop supplier strategies that align with organization's objectives and enhance supplier relations
• Project Management: Proficiency in managing large scale projects, including implementation of new technologies and process improvements
• Negotiation: Strong negotiation skills to secure favorable terms and manage supplier contract costs effectively
• Leadership: Proven ability to provide guidance and leadership to peers and teams, fostering best practices in vendor management
• Leadership: Proven history leading teams to meet or exceed operational targets in vendor management
• Demonstrated ability to work independently on assigned tasks while contributing to broader team goals
• Strong understanding of IT contracts, vendor governance, and technology lifecycle management.
• Demonstrated ability to manage multiple complex vendor relationships and restructuring contractual relationships to enhance value.
• Proven success in partnering with cross-functional teams to align vendor solutions with business and technology strategy.
• Strong experience in business case development and financial acumen with experience in cost optimization and contract strategy.
• Excellent communication and presentation skills, with the ability to influence executives and collaborate effectively with technical teams and individual contributors.
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making skills with the ability to manage competing priorities in a dynamic environment.
• Knowledge of IT infrastructure, applications, cloud services, and emerging technologies is highly desirable.

Preferred Qualifications

• Master’s degree in Business, Engineering, Information Systems, or related discipline.
• certifications such as Certified Professional in Supplier Management (CPSM), Certified Technology Procurement Professional (CTPP), or ITIL certification.
• Experience managing vendors within large, complex enterprises and multi-year investment planning cycles.
• Experience with ERP, vendor management or procurement tools (e.g., SAP Ariba, Coupa, ServiceNow, GEP).
• Knowledge of regulatory, compliance, and risk management considerations in IT vendor contracts.
• Strong track record of driving innovation and value creation through vendor partnerships.