Location: Bucharest
Type of contract : B2B
Length of contract : 6 months
Role Purpose
The Strategic Vendor Manager is responsible for ensuring that vendors deliver value for money while minimising risk for services and products allocated to Global Capability & Operational Leads within the Engineering Division. This role oversees the full contract lifecycle—from tendering through delivery and acceptance to termination—while driving financial efficiency, compliance, and strategic vendor relationships.
Key Responsibilities:
Pre-Contract Activities:
- Collaborate with Capability Owners and Technical Leads to align vendor contracts with technology strategy.
- Gather requirements and document current state; explore alternatives to existing vendors/products.
- Provide input to business cases and negotiate terms (Service Levels, Governance, Credits, Billing, Reporting).
- Approve deals via email for Purchase Order creation.
Post-Contract Management
- Establish operating rhythms and service reviews to ensure vendor performance meets expectations.
- Act as the escalation point for contractual and commercial disputes within the Engineering Division.
- Manage contract terminations, renewals, and transfers with due diligence and stakeholder consultation.
- Administer contract changes in line with change management processes and maintain central repositories.
Control & Governance
- Develop strategic plans for vendor interaction and demand management.
- Maintain and update vendor databases.
- Promote vendor management programs and processes across Procurement, Finance, and key stakeholders.
- Monitor, report, and review vendor performance using metrics and account plans.
- Drive continuous process and quality improvements in collaboration with Global Capability Owners, Finance, and Procurement.
- Facilitate vendor audits and benchmarking activities when required.
Policy & Compliance
- Ensure adherence to client contracting processes and procurement operating models.
- Enforce compliance with Third Party Risk Management, SOX, Logical Systems Access, and Service Management processes.
- Communicate vendor management vision and strategy internally and externally.
- Advocate for vendor management as a strategic lever through relationship building and measurable results.
Financial Control
- Own and manage budgets for technology vendors.
- Review and analyze invoices to verify accuracy and enforce payment terms.
- Coordinate activities between Finance, Business, and Vendors to ensure timely payments.
- Forecast costs for supplier agreements and inform stakeholders of contract changes for accurate budgeting.
- Perform cost-benefit analyses, benchmark products/services, and recommend cost-saving initiatives.
Required Knowledge & Experience
- Proven experience in Vendor Management and Contract Management.
- Competency in ITIL and/or CIPS frameworks.
- Strong background in Procurement and Vendor Governance.
- Global perspective with the ability to operate regionally and locally.
- Experience with e-procurement tools, vendor scorecards, and customer surveys.
- Effective negotiation and strategic thinking skills.
- Proficiency in MS Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook.
Personal Attributes
- Self-motivated, dynamic, and able to work independently.
- Strong relationship-building, communication, and presentation skills.
- Excellent customer service and writing abilities.
- Ability to manage multiple tasks successfully.
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