Manager, Vendor Relationships

Cooksys; Tallahassee (FL); On-site; USD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical plans

Dental & Vision

Life Insurance

Flexible Spending Account

401(k)

Job summary

Cook Systems in the United States is seeking an experienced IT Sourcing and Vendor Management Specialist to lead strategic sourcing, contract negotiations, and vendor performance management. You will serve as the IT purchasing point of contact for hardware, software, and services.

You will collaborate with business and IT teams to align vendor strategies with enterprise goals, develop RFIs/RFPs, and monitor SLAs and ROI.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent work experience in a technology environment.
• Minimum of 7 years of experience in vendor relationship management and contract administration.
• Experience mentoring supervisory or project staff and managing enterprise-level agreements.
• Ability to develop outsourcing strategies and manage multiple contracts.
• Strong communication and negotiation skills.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement strategic sourcing and vendor relationship strategies.
• Manage IT contractual agreements, purchases, and service issues.
• Serve as IT point of contact for purchases, deliveries and ROI tracking.
• Negotiate SLAs with vendors and monitor vendor performance.
• Collaborate with Asset Management and business/IT teams on budgets and ROI.

Skills

Vendor management

Contract negotiation

Project management

Strategic sourcing

Communication skills

Education

Bachelor's degree in CS/IS/Business

Job description

Launch Your Career with Cook Systems

Since 1990, Cook Systems - a certified veteran-owned IT consulting firm - has been helping businesses and professionals grow through innovation, integrity, and investment in people. We partner with Fortune 500 enterprises and high-growth companies alike to deliver agile technology solutions, AI-driven talent strategies, and our signature FastTrack program that develops the next generation of tech talent.

At Cook, you'll find a culture that values excellence, creativity, and accountability. We believe in opportunity backed by trust-and in building careers that last. Check out what our team members have to say on our Glassdoor page, and discover why Cook Systems is where meaningful careers take off!

Summary: We are seeking an experienced IT Sourcing and Vendor Management Specialist to develop and implement strategic sourcing and vendor relationship strategies. This role involves managing the selection, acquisition, and monitoring of contractual agreements for hardware, software, and IT services. The successful candidate will serve as the IT point of contact for all purchases, deliveries, and product/service issues, while working closely with business and IT departments to meet enterprise needs.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement strategic sourcing and vendor relationship strategies.
• Manage the selection, acquisition, and monitoring of IT contractual agreements.
• Serve as the IT point of contact for all purchases, deliveries, and service issues.
• Articulate and negotiate service level agreements with vendors.
• Collaborate with Asset Management to ensure appropriate use of corporate funds.
• Develop or assist in the development of RFIs, RFPs, and business cases.
• Qualify vendors and maintain an approved vendor database and tracking system.
• Establish standards and procedures for evaluating products and services.
• Maintain vendor contacts to manage order status and contract commitments.
• Provide status updates on purchases and elevate delivery problems when necessary.
• Ensure satisfaction with delivered products and services, addressing any concerns.
• Participate in the budget process, including planning, cash flow, and reconciliation.
• Review and monitor vendor performance and ROI metrics, initiating contract modifications as needed.
• Pursue new vendor relationships when necessary.
• Maintain knowledge of changing technologies and product/service needs.

Required Skills

• Bachelor's Degree in Computer Science, Information Systems, Business Administration, or related field, or equivalent work experience.
• Minimum of 7 years of experience in vendor relationship management, contract negotiation/administration, or project/asset management in a technology environment.
• Experience in middle-level management, mentoring supervisors, project leads, and technical staff.
• Ability to develop strategic outsourcing strategies and plans.
• Proficiency in managing multiple contracts or complex enterprise agreements.
• Strong understanding of product and service needs, with the ability to adapt to technological changes.
• Excellent communication and negotiation skills.

#L1-Onsite

Why Work with Us

At Cook Systems, we don't just offer jobs-we build futures. Our people are at the heart of everything we do, and we're committed to supporting you with benefits that deliver real security, flexibility, and growth from day one.

• Your Health, Your Way: Choose from two comprehensive medical plans through Blue Cross Blue Shield, with dental and vision coverage included. With access to one of the nation's largest provider networks, you'll have quality care wherever life takes you.
• Peace of Mind: Protect what matters most with life, critical illness, and accident insurance through Unum- because your family's security matters.
• Flexibility for Life: Plan ahead and save with a Flexible Spending Account and Daycare FSA through Navia, helping you manage healthcare and dependent-care expenses your way.
• Extra Protection When You Need It: Our Health Gap Insurance through Sun Life helps cover unexpected costs, so you're never caught off guard.
• Your Future Starts Now: Build your future with our 401(k) plan through The Standard. You're eligible after just six months- because long-term success deserves a strong foundation.

At Cook Systems, you're not just an employee-you're part of a team that values ideas, celebrates results, and grows together. Here, your impact is visible, your contributions are valued, and your career has room to thrive. Ready to be part of something bigger? Let's build the future together at Cook Systems.

#IND1