Technology Vendor Manager - Software
About The Position
American Express is expanding its Technology Vendor Management (TVM) team and capabilities to ensure critical third-party relationships deliver optimal value, resilience, and risk management at an enterprise scale. This role, based in Phoenix, will oversee strategic third-party software vendors, focusing on developing strategies to achieve optimal performance and value through effective engagement. The position is a key relationship and decision-lead role, collaborating with Engineering, Global Supply Management (Procurement), General Counsel Office (Legal), and Technology delivery teams. The successful candidate will be involved in developing negotiation strategies, negotiating contracts, forecasting demand, managing vendor performance, and driving cost optimization while maintaining strong vendor relationships.
Requirements
- 5-8 years of experience managing enterprise-scale Software vendor engagements, including RFPs, contract negotiations, and ongoing vendor governance.
- Demonstrated experience negotiating, developing, and administering enterprise-wide Software licensing agreements and models (SaaS, subscription, perpetual) with major key Software vendors.
- Proven ability to structure and manage contracts, renewals, and compliance obligations.
- Strong track record of building trusted relationships and influencing senior leaders.
- Understanding of Software development processes and technologies, coupled with insight into the Software vendor landscape and competitive dynamics.
- Ability to work effectively in a hybrid environment (3 days per week in office).
- Strong interpersonal skills.
- Employment eligibility to work with American Express in the United States is required as the company will not pursue visa sponsorship for these positions.
Nice To Haves
- Program or portfolio management experience supporting large-scale technology initiatives.
- Experience negotiating AI terms and conditions (machine learning, generative, agentic, deterministic, etc.)
- Strong stakeholder leadership and influence skills, including the ability to challenge the status quo while maintaining productive partnerships.
Responsibilities
- Own end-to-end vendor strategy for Software partners, including commercial positioning, performance governance, cost optimization, and value realization aligned to Technology and enterprise objectives.
- Lead complex sourcing events and contract negotiations, including network Request for Proposals, Statements of Work, and Master Service Agreements, translating technical and business requirements into optimized contractual structures, pricing models, and performance terms.
- Serve as the primary relationship owner for strategic Software vendors, leading Quarterly Business Reviews (QBRs), enforcing governance standards, and holding partners accountable to delivery, quality, and financial commitments.
- Provide expertise and engage with external research companies to understand industry trends and create a point of view on competitive pricing, delivery locations, and emerging opportunities/risks.
- Interpret contractual language to support stakeholder requests and issue/dispute resolution.
- Develop a framework to assess capability/strengths of existing and potential vendor partners to support sourcing decisions.
- Deliver executive-ready updates, insights, and recommendations to senior Technology and enterprise leadership.
Benefits
- Competitive base salaries
- Bonus incentives
- 6% Company Match on retirement savings plan
- Free financial coaching and financial well-being support
- Comprehensive medical, dental, vision, life insurance, and disability benefits
- Flexible working model with hybrid, onsite or virtual arrangements depending on role and business need
- 20+ weeks paid parental leave for all parents, regardless of gender, offered for pregnancy, adoption or surrogacy
- Free access to global on-site wellness centers staffed with nurses and doctors (depending on location)
- Free and confidential counseling support through our Healthy Minds program
- Career development and training opportunities
Stand Out From the Crowd
Upload your resume and get instant feedback on how well it matches this job.
What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Senior
Education Level
No Education Listed
