This is a 6-month Contract-to-hire role and you MUST BE BASED IN AUSTIN, TX.
Summary: The Manager of IT Vendor Management will be responsible for managing all aspects of the IT vendor relationship throughout the contract lifecycle. This role is essential in ensuring project success, controlling costs, mitigating risks, and holding vendors accountable. The Manager of IT Vendor Management will collaborate with project managers, business stakeholders, and IT leadership during the procurement and contracting phases, helping to develop RFPs, evaluate vendors, establish KPIs, define service level agreements, and assist in contract negotiations. This role offers the opportunity to make a significant impact on IT project success and vendor management processes by driving accountability and optimizing vendor relationships.
Key Responsibilities:
- Manage relationships with IT vendors and oversee the services they provide.
- Assign and monitor work given to external service providers, ensuring timely project completion.
- Work with key stakeholders to gather quotes and secure management approval for IT service and equipment procurement.
- Act as the primary point of contact for vendor accountability, coordinating responses and resolving property technology issues.
- Develop custom statements of work (SOW) for complex IT procurement initiatives, such as equipment for remote offices.
- Track contract progress, including renewals, and provide status updates to stakeholders.
- Collaborate with stakeholders to negotiate and resolve conflicts or issues related to vendor performance and service level agreements (SLAs).
- Participate in policy discussions, recommending improvements for efficiency and effectiveness.
- Prepare ad hoc reports or dashboards as required for internal teams and partners.
- Analyze data and present conclusions or recommendations to senior management.
Qualifications:
- BS/BA in Information Technology or a related field preferred.
- 5+ years of experience in IT vendor management or related industry roles.
- Proven experience in managing vendor relationships and projects in a dynamic environment.
- Strong understanding of procurement processes including requisition, vendor selection, negotiation, and payment.
- Ability to manage vendor performance through SLAs and KPIs.
- Experience with interpreting and applying policies, statutes, regulations, and procedures.
- Familiarity with project management methodologies.
- Excellent oral and written communication.
- Strong organizational, analytical, leadership, and presentation skills.
- Ability to manage multiple high-priority projects with attention to detail.