Director of Vendor Management & Financial Operations

Southland Industries•Carrollton, TX

1d•$200,000 - $240,000•Hybrid

About The Position

Southland is seeking a Director of Vendor Management & Financial Operations to establish, lead, and mature Technology & Innovation’s Vendor Management Office (VMO) and Financial Management capabilities. Reporting to the VP, Head of the Office of the CIO (OCIO), this leader will build the operating model, governance framework, vendor strategy, financial planning processes, and performance management capabilities required to effectively manage Technology & Innovation’s external partners and technology investments. This role will ensure vendors are strategically aligned, financially accountable, and consistently delivering business value while providing executive visibility into technology spend, vendor performance, investment planning, and financial health. As Southland continues to grow through modernization and acquisitions, this leader will establish scalable vendor and financial management capabilities that improve decision-making, optimize technology investments, and simplify financial operations.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Business, Finance, Supply Chain, Information Technology, Accounting or related field or equivalent combination of education and relevant work experience.
10+ years of progressive leadership experience in Vendor Management, Technology Financial Management, Procurement, Strategic Sourcing, IT Operations, or related disciplines.
Demonstrated experience building or transforming Vendor Management Office (VMO) or technology financial management capabilities within a large complex organization.
Experience developing vendor governance frameworks, performance management, programs, financial planning processes, and executive reporting
Experience managing strategic technology suppliers across software, cloud, infrastructure, professional services, staffing, and managed services.
Experience leading technology budgeting, forecasting, investment planning, and financial governance.
Strong executive communication, negotiation, stakeholder management, and influencing skills.
Proven ability to operate effectively across both strategic and operational responsibilities.
Experience managing internal teams, external consultants, contractors, and third-party service providers.

Nice To Haves

Experience supporting large-scale ERP, HCM, CRM, ITSM, cloud, cybersecurity, data, or digital transformation initiatives.
Experience supporting mergers, acquisitions, divestitures and technology integration activities.
Experience implementing or managing Technology Business Management (TBM), Apptio, ServiceNow SPM, or similar technology financial management platforms.
Experience partnering with Procurement, Finance, Legal, and business leaders to negotiate and govern strategic technology agreements.
Knowledge of software licensing, cloud consumption models (AWS, Azure, GCP), SaaS commercial models, and managed service agreements.
Professional certifications such as Certified Technology Business Management Executive (CTBME), Certified Professional in Supply Management (CPSM), Certified Commercial Contracts Manager (CCCM), ITIL, Certified Scrum Professional (CSP) or comparable vendor, sourcing, or financial management certifications.

Responsibilities

Establish the vision, strategy, operating model, governance structure, and service offerings for the VMO and Financial Management function.
Build and lead a high-performing team responsible for vendor management, financial planning, purchasing, financial operations, and investment planning.
Define organizational structure, roles, responsibilities, workforce plans, and operating metrics.
Develop annual operating plans, budgets, and financial governance practices.
Serve as the executive advisor for vendor strategy, financial governance, and technology investment management.
Partner closely with Portfolio Governance & Delivery and Change Management & Orchestration to deliver integrated OCIO services.
Develop Technology & Innovation’s vendor strategy and governance framework.
Establish and manage the vendor lifecycle, including onboarding, performance management, contract governance, renewals, true-ups, offboarding, and executive business reviews.
Partner with technology domain leaders to develop sourcing strategies, define commercial requirements, and prepare for contract negotiations, renewals, and major vendor engagements.
Collaborate with Procurement, Legal, and Finance to negotiate, execute, and govern technology contracts while ensuring compliance with commercial terms and organizational policies.
Monitor vendor performance, contractual obligations, commercial risks, service levels, driving accountability, issue resolution, and continuous improvement.
Identify opportunities to optimize vendor performance, rationalize suppliers, reduce costs, and maximize the business value of Technology & Innovation investments.
Lead Technology & Innovation budgeting, forecasting, and financial planning.
Forecast upcoming contract renewals, true-ups, subscription growth, and other vendor-driven financial commitments to improve budget accuracy.
Provide visibility into technology spend, vendor costs, investment allocation, and financial performance.
Govern purchasing, purchase orders, invoice processing, payment tracking, and financial operations.
Develop portfolio investment planning processes supporting Run, Grow, and Transform investments.
Deliver financial insights that improve investment decisions and maximize business value.
Develop executive dashboards for vendor performance, technology spend, investment health, and financial performance.
Establish vendor and financial KPIs, reporting standards, and governance metrics.
Deliver actionable insights supporting vendor strategy, financial optimization, and executive decision-making.
Continuously improve vendor management processes, financial operations, and governance practices.
Benchmark industry practices and introduce innovations that strengthen vendor partnerships and financial stewardship.

Benefits

401(k) plan with 50% company match (no cap) and immediate 100% vesting
Medical, dental, and vision insurance (100% paid for employee)
Annual bonus program based upon performance, achievement, and company profitability
Term life, AD&D insurance, and voluntary life insurance
Disability income protection insurance
Pre-tax flexible spending plans (health and dependent care)
Paid parental leave
Paid holidays, vacation, and personal time
Training/professional development opportunities and company-paid memberships for professional associations and licenses
Wellness benefits