Vendor Managment Specialist

Central Hudson Gas & Electric • Poughkeepsie, NY

160d • $81,300 - $149,200

About The Position

The Vendor Management Specialist (VMS) is responsible for managing the needs of the Technology Vendor Management Office (VMO) Business Partners, by establishing new technology contracts; reviewing, expanding, and extending existing contracts; and fostering vendor performance and relationships. The VMS is responsible for software license management, tracking, and cost alignment. The VMS facilitates and maintains strong technology vendor partnerships that support and align with strategic business objectives. The VMS collaborates and supports the life cycle of technology contracts from initiation through execution, working with Business Owners and cross-functional teams. They apply best practices to negotiate contracts to achieve savings and mitigate legal risk by assigning appropriate protection against vulnerabilities. They also ensure compliance with vendor Service Level Agreements (SLAs).

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Business, Computer Science, Supply Chain Management or related field.
• In lieu of a bachelor's degree, an associate's degree in the aforementioned fields and 3+ years of related experience such as managing contracts or experience as an IT vendor manager.
• In lieu of an associate's degree, a High School diploma or equivalent and 5+ years of related experience such as managing contracts or experience as an IT vendor manager.
• Experience with negotiating and managing contract life cycles, with an emphasis on technology or IT service agreements.
• Understanding of contract terms (warranties, intellectual property, indemnification) and compliance requirements in technology agreements.
• Experience collaborating cross functionally with various key departments.
• Knowledge of procurement and vendor management practices.
• Strong interpersonal, presentation, and communication skills.
• Strong project and process management skills, with the ability to handle multiple vendors and multiple contracts.
• Understanding of appropriate financial skills to manage software and related contract expense/capital to the budget.
• Strong judgment, problem-solving and decision-making abilities.
• Demonstrate a positive attitude, situational awareness, attention to detail and ability to overcome challenges.
• Proficiency and experience with Microsoft Office Suite (e.g. Word, Excel, PowerPoint), Visio, SharePoint, Power BI.

Nice To Haves

• Training in, and experience with, collaborative techniques, team building, dispute resolution and communication.
• Proven track record with vendor performance management and vendor classification.
• Experience in data analytics; specifically, in compiling building reports/dashboards and presentations.
• Prior experience leading a transformation initiative for an organization.
• Prior experience with Software Licenses Management /Software Asset Management and related SAM tools (i.e Service Now).
• Prior experience managing AMS provider (Managed Services) through SLA and KPI.

Responsibilities

• Performs overall contract oversight for performance management, including benchmarking and SLA tracking.
• Facilitates and maintains relationships between strategic vendors and internal resources, including IT stakeholders and executive leadership.
• Assists with vendor classification process, strategic vendor ranking and any scorecard updates.
• Negotiates Contracts, Amendments, Statements of Works, including renewals, modifications, extensions, remedies, funding increases, while working with the key stakeholders to ensure requirements are met.
• Makes improvements to procedures, templates, workflows, and organizational processes, including a knowledge base of negotiating strategies, vendor performance management, and conflict resolution.
• Works with business partners throughout the Request for Proposal (RFP) process, from project inception through the contract selection process.
• Monitors cost, analyzes spending trends, and identifies areas for savings to ensure IT purchases support the business strategy.
• Responsible for Software License management in ServiceNow (including license support, tracking, and cost alignment).
• Designs and develops standardized performance reporting scorecards, vendor metrics, and dashboards.
• Analyses vendor performance data and identifies key trends.
• Works cross-functionally to establish and maintain strategic, high-profile contracts with new and incumbent vendors.
• Provides support for storm restoration efforts.

Benefits

• Competitive compensation
• Medical, Dental, and Vision insurance
• 401(k) Retirement Savings Plan with substantial company match
• Life and Travel Insurance
• Tuition Assistance
• Wellness Reimbursement Program
• Paid Holidays and Vacation

What This Job Offers

• Industry: Utilities
• Education Level: Bachelor's degree