IT Vendor Manager

Job content

IT Vendor Manager - Brand new role within the company - Liverpool - Mix of office and home working

My client is looking for an experienced IT Vendor Manager to join their team. This is a brand new role within the company where you will hold a lot of autonomy and grow as the team grows.

Job Purpose; To oversee IT relationships with and arrangements with third party vendors and suppliers. Responsible for all aspects of vendor management, such as vendor onboarding, monitoring vendor performance, managing subscriptions and identifying potential new vendors. Also supports IT Analysts in researching, recommending and implementing solutions that require third party vendors and suppliers.

IT Vendor Manager job responsibilities

3rd Party Software/Systems

• Research 3rd party software/infrastructure/hardware solutions, according to business requirements.
• Support the Business Analysts in identifying the need for a 3rd party solution to a business problem.
• Lead feasibility studies for 3rd party solutions, working with section heads and stakeholders to make appropriate recommendations.
• Ensure that 3rd party providers deliver in line with project requirements, within authorised budget and agreed timescales.
• Coordinate the handover of 3rd party systems (post-implementation) to the Service Desk and Application Support team, organising training where required.
• Action escalated support tickets for 3rd party solutions.
• Communicate and prioritise system issues with providers, to ensure timely resolution of business-critical issue.
• Coordinate software/infrastructure/hardware installations involving external engineers, ensuring adequate support is provided internally.
• Provide demonstrations of 3rd party solutions to stakeholders.
• Develop and maintain professional relationships with both internal and external stakeholders.
• To undertake other duties of an appropriate nature under direction of the Line Manager.
  

Vendor Management

• Negotiate contracts/agreements/quotations with vendors, making any necessary amendments to meet my client’s requirements.
• Ensure vendors meet all agreed contractual obligations.
• Monitor and evaluate performance of vendors through operational KPI trending, measuring the quality of work.
• Continuously review existing vendor agreements and research other options, making recommendations for change where appropriate.
• Ensure that vendors deliver in line with project requirements, within authorised budget and agreed timescales.
• Document, communicate and prioritise outstanding issues with vendors, using appropriate tools.
• Create and track service improvement plans (SIP) where required.
• Support the IT department’s Business Analysts in conducting feasibility studies, by researching and sourcing potential vendors.
• Coordinate the handover of 3rd party systems (post-implementation) to the Service Desk and Application Support team, organising training where required.
• Closely liaise with internal stakeholders with all aspects of vendor management, including project managers, IT management, finance, and risk.
• Coordinate software/infrastructure/hardware installations involving external engineers, ensuring adequate support is provided internally.
• Provide demonstrations of 3rd party solutions to stakeholders.
• Manage and administer the company’s software subscriptions and user licenses.
• To undertake other duties of an appropriate nature under the direction of the Line Manager.
  

Experience needed to succeed in the IT Vendor Manager role

Essential

• Minimum 2 years of relevant work experience.
• Experience managing vendors and leading negotiations.
• Experience sourcing and making recommendations on vendors.
• Strong stakeholder management and relationship-building skills.
• Very well organised.
• Strong negotiating skills.
• Excellent communications skills.
  

Desirable

• Experience leading feasibility studies on off-the-shelf products.
• Experience using tools such as Jira and Google Apps.
  

The role is located in Prescot, near Liverpool, and will require you to work out of the office 3 days a week and the other 2 days at home.

If you are interested in the IT Vendor Manager role then please send your CV today for immediate consideration. Applicants of all ages and backgrounds will be considered.

Ascent People is acting as an employment agency for this vacancy.