Principal Vendor Manager

T-Mobile • Frisco, TX

9d • Hybrid

About The Position

The Principal Vendor Manager plays a key role in maximizing the performance, value, and resilience of T-Mobile’s strategic technology partners. As a senior individual contributor within the Vendor Management function, this role executes governance frameworks that ensure vendors deliver consistently against contractual commitments, service level agreements (SLAs), and compliance requirements while driving operational excellence and innovation. The Principal Vendor Manager is responsible for monitoring and analyzing vendor performance, financial health, security posture, and regulatory compliance to proactively identify risks and ensure operational continuity. Through strong partnership with internal stakeholders—including Procurement, IT, Finance, Legal, and business teams—this role ensures vendor relationships contribute measurable results to T-Mobile’s digital transformation and customer experience goals. By applying market insights, benchmarking, and continuous improvement practices, the Principal Vendor Manager drives value realization and ensures vendor services remain competitive and future ready. Acting as a subject matter expert and peer leader, this role promotes consistency in vendor management best practices and contributes to a culture of accountability, collaboration, and innovation across the organization.

Requirements

• Bachelor's Degree Business Administration, Supply Chain Management, or related field (Required)
• 7-10 years - Managing and optimizing large-scale partnerships with key suppliers in telecommunications or related industry required.
• 7-10 years - Implementing new technologies and systems for supplier performance and process improvement required.
• 7-10 years - Leading cross-functional teams to resolve operational and functional escalations in vendor management required.
• Vendor Management- Expertise in managing and optimizing relationships with key suppliers to enforce contract terms and improve supplier performance. (Required)
• Strategic Thinking- Ability to develop strategies that align with the company’s objectives and enhance vendor relations. (Required)
• Negotiation- Strong negotiation skills to secure favorable terms and manage costs effectively in supplier contracts. (Required)
• Project Management- Proficiency in managing large-scale projects, including the implementation of new technologies and process improvements. (Required)
• Telecommunications- In-depth knowledge of telecommunications industry to effectively manage vendor relationships and technology implementations. (Required)
• Leadership- Ability to provide guidance and leadership to peers and teams, fostering best practices in vendor management. (Required)
• Problem Solving- Capability to identify and resolve operational and functional issues swiftly and effectively. (Required)
• Analytics- Strong analytical skills to assess vendor performance data and drive continuous improvement. (Required)
• Cross Functional Relationships- Ability to collaborate with various internal teams to ensure alignment and effective communication regarding vendor management. (Required)
• Process Improvement- Experience in implementing process enhancements to optimize vendor management operations. (Required)

Nice To Haves

• Master's/Advanced Degree Business Administration, Supply Chain Management, or related field (Preferred)
• Certified Supply Chain Professional (CSCP) Certification by APICS that demonstrates knowledge in supply chain management and operations. (Preferred)
• Project Management Professional (PMP) Internationally recognized certification by PMI that indicates expertise in project management. (Preferred)
• Certified Professional in Supply Management (CPSM) Certification by ISM that covers key aspects of procurement and supply management. (Preferred)

Responsibilities

• Manages and enhances large-scale partnerships with key suppliers to enforce contract terms and drive supplier performance.
• Enforces robust contract terms with suppliers to ensure compliance and performance standards are met.
• Contributes to strategic objectives and planning through expertise in vendor relations, operations, and supply chain management.
• Facilitates effective communication channels between internal teams and suppliers to proactively share information and resolve operational issues.
• Implements new technologies to drive continuous process improvements across multiple large-scale partnerships.
• Provides guidance and leadership on vendor management best practices to ensure consistent excellence across the organization.
• Collaborates with procurement, operations, and project management teams to align vendor management strategies with business needs.
• Also responsible for other Duties/Projects as assigned by business management as needed.

Benefits

• Employees enjoy multiple wealth-building opportunities through our annual stock grant, employee stock purchase plan, 401(k), and access to free, year-round money coaches.
• Employees enjoy multiple wealth-building opportunities through our annual stock grant, employee stock purchase plan, 401(k), and access to free, year-round money coaches.
• Employees enjoy multiple wealth-building opportunities through our annual stock grant, employee stock purchase plan, 401(k), and access to free, year-round money coaches.
• Employees enjoy multiple wealth-building opportunities through our annual stock grant, employee stock purchase plan, 401(k), and access to free, year-round money coaches.
• We cover all of the bases, offering medical, dental and vision insurance, a flexible spending account, 401(k), employee stock grants, employee stock purchase plan, paid time off and up to 12 paid holidays - which total about 4 weeks for new full-time employees and about 2.5 weeks for new part-time employees annually - paid parental and family leave, family building benefits, back-up care, enhanced family support, childcare subsidy, tuition assistance, college coaching, short- and long-term disability, voluntary AD&D coverage, voluntary accident coverage, voluntary life insurance, voluntary disability insurance, and voluntary long-term care insurance.
• eligible employees can also receive mobile service & home internet discounts, pet insurance, and access to commuter and transit programs!

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Senior
• Number of Employees: 5,001-10,000 employees