IT Vendor Management – Senior/Specialist

State of Washington • Thurston County – Lacey, WA

2d • Hybrid

About The Position

The Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) is hiring an experienced technology vendor management professional within its Enterprise Implementation Office and Technology Services Division. The role provides advanced technical and organizational leadership for the acquisition, governance, performance, risk, and lifecycle management of vendor-provided technology products and services that support high-priority business initiatives and legislative mandates.

The position leads strategic technology vendor management initiatives and enterprise technology acquisitions and third-party services. It provides guidance on technology procurement and contract management and coordinates with business and technology teams, vendors, and stakeholders across WSDOT. It also leads modernization and streamlining of the agency’s technology vendor management program, including centralized processes and tools, contract development, vendor selection and onboarding, performance management, escalations, and compliance with applicable laws and Office of the Chief Information Officer (OCIO) policies, standards, and guidelines.

The Technology Vendor Management Team works with technology subject matter experts, business units, contract managers, and external vendors to research, evaluate, procure, track, and manage technology products and services in line with WSDOT’s business strategy, architecture, procurement requirements, and financial policies. Its centralized approach supports consistent procurement and lifecycle management, ensures vendor deliverables and services meet requirements, and helps manage technology contracts and vendor relationships across WSDOT and partner agencies.

Requirements

• Demonstrated experience managing IT vendor relationships, vendor-delivered services, and technology integration across multiple IT disciplines.
• Knowledge of organizational vendor risks and the ability to recognize, monitor, manage, and mitigate those risks.
• Demonstrated experience evaluating vendor-provided technology products and services and conducting technical reviews with subject matter experts to support vendor selection, acquisition, and alignment with business and technical requirements.
• Demonstrated experience developing, evaluating, or responding to state requests for proposals, qualifications, quotes, or other procurement solicitations (RFXs).
• Demonstrated ability to develop and administer IT professional services, work orders, and contracts, including defining technical requirements, deliverables, performance expectations, and vendor responsibilities.
• Demonstrated experience analyzing complex technology requirements, evaluating vendor solutions, resolving system integration issues, and coordinating solutions and remediation plans with vendors, contracting offices, technical teams, and business stakeholders.
• Knowledge and understanding of Microsoft operating systems and their integration in enterprise technology environments.
• Extensive use of Microsoft productivity applications, including SharePoint, Teams, and ADO.
• Demonstrated ability to follow technology asset procurement and lifecycle management processes for enterprise technology acquisitions.
• Complete Contract Management 401 – Advanced Contract Management – High Risk Course and successfully complete the required course assessment within three months of appointment.
• Actively demonstrate a commitment to learning and growth.
• Take action to meet the needs of others.

Nice To Haves

• Advanced knowledge and understanding across multiple technology and business disciplines, including technology systems, applications, infrastructure, and vendor technology lifecycles.
• Advanced knowledge and experience managing, implementing, deploying, maintaining, and operating business systems, applications, and technology vendor solutions.
• Experience defining and establishing strategic, enterprise-level processes and procedures that align multiple initiatives, resources, and priorities.

Responsibilities

• Provide strategic, tactical, and operational planning for technology vendor management support services.
• Lead technology acquisition planning and evaluate vendor-provided products and services for alignment with agency technology plans and enterprise requirements.
• Partner with technology owners, managers, staff, and business areas to define and prioritize acquisition requirements.
• Work directly with IT vendors to negotiate contracts and conduct day-to-day business for enterprise IT and contracting needs.
• Lead vendor discussions to resolve issues and handle agency escalations.
• Partner in evaluating and negotiating vendor contracts and acquisitions.
• Establish and maintain vendor contracts and acquisitions, ensuring they meet customer needs.
• Collaborate with business, technical, and procurement stakeholders to identify and evaluate potential vendors against business needs, technical requirements, and service expectations.
• Establish methods and processes for efficient vendor engagement, communication, productive relationships, and shared expectations.
• Analyze technology vendor risk and conduct due diligence to manage vendors.
• Develop and maintain vendor evaluation, management, and oversight guidelines, standards, and support procedures consistent with agency and state policies and regulations.
• Evaluate vendor-provided technology products and conduct technical reviews with subject matter experts to support vendor selection and acquisition.
• Develop and administer IT professional services, work orders, and contracts, including technical requirements, deliverables, performance expectations, and vendor responsibilities.
• Analyze complex technology requirements, evaluate vendor solutions, resolve system integration issues, and coordinate technical and operational solutions and remediation plans with vendors, contracting offices, technical teams, and business stakeholders.
• Follow technology asset procurement and lifecycle management processes for enterprise technology acquisitions.

Benefits

• Flexible schedule options, including telework options for eligible positions.
• Up to 25 paid vacation days per year for full-time employees.
• 12 paid holidays.
• Tuition assistance options for permanent employees, including tuition reimbursement programs and government discounts at participating colleges.
• Eligibility for federal student loan forgiveness.
• Comprehensive benefits package with healthcare options.
• Choice of state retirement programs.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Senior
• Education Level: No Education Listed