Manager, Vendor Relationships

Cook Systems•Tampa, FL

3d•Onsite

About The Position

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.

Requirements

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.

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 escalate 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.