Strategic IT Vendor Contracts Lead

APS (Arizona Public Service); Phoenix (AZ); On-site; USD 110,000 - 170,000; Full time

Job summary

Arizona Public Service is seeking an IT Contracts and Vendor Relations Manager to optimize technology investments by managing critical vendor agreements, including SaaS, PaaS, and cloud services. You will lead negotiations, contract reviews, and governance across IT and supply chain with internal stakeholders and external partners.

The role emphasizes strategic relationships, performance accountability, and cost optimization in a complex technology landscape.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree required in business, information systems administration or related field.
• 8+ years managing vendor relationships in IT licensing, software and cloud services (SaaS, PaaS).
• Proven experience negotiating with suppliers and leading vendor initiatives.
• Ability to build relationships with key suppliers and internal teams to resolve conflicts.
• Experience tracking and negotiating contract requirements including SLAs.
• Ability to lead using informal authority to drive objectives.

Responsibilities

• Develop and manage IT vendor management processes aligned with Supply Chain best practices.
• Create IT strategic vendor programs to meet operational goals.
• Represent the business area with Supply Chain and IT stakeholders on complex multi-million contracts.
• Build partnerships with business units and vendors to identify issues and risks.
• Deliver contracts compliant with regulatory and risk requirements.
• Maintain the strategic relationship with key vendors and act as escalation point for IT groups.
• Hold vendors accountable for continuous improvement opportunities.
• Ensure SLAs are well defined and monitored with partners.
• Coordinate with Supply Chain to align IT procurement with best practices.
• Drive cost savings and improvements through better vendor engagement.

Skills

Vendor relations

Contract negotiation

Stakeholder management

Cloud/SaaS/PaaS

Budgeting & cost control

SLA & vendor governance

Education

Bachelor's degree in business or IT

Job description

Arizona Public Service is seeking an IT Contracts and Vendor Relations Manager to optimize technology investments by managing critical vendor agreements, including SaaS, PaaS, and cloud services. You will lead negotiations, contract reviews, and governance across IT and supply chain with internal stakeholders and external partners.

The role emphasizes strategic relationships, performance accountability, and cost optimization in a complex technology landscape.