Senior IT Vendor Manager

Role: Lead global strategy and management of IT technology suppliers, including hardware, software, SaaS, cloud, and managed services. Objectives: optimize vendor relationships, ensure contractual excellence, control costs, mitigate risks, and deliver measurable value. Responsibilities: develop vendor strategies aligned with enterprise goals, serve as primary relationship owner, lead governance and performance reviews, manage contract lifecycle activities (negotiations, renewals, amendments), oversee software and cloud compliance and utilization, and monitor supplier performance and risks. Collaborate with cross-functional teams such as Procurement, Legal, Security, Finance, and Architecture. Requirements: Bachelor's degree in IT, Business, Supply Chain, or related field; minimum 10 years in IT vendor management, with at least 7 years managing complex enterprise technology suppliers in private, public, or military sectors. Skills: strategic sourcing, contract management, supplier governance, cloud and SaaS optimization, financial and risk management, and proficiency with enterprise tools (e.g., SAP, ServiceNow, Power BI). Preferred: Master’s degree or MBA, certifications (e.g., ITIL, FinOps, IAITAM), experience with multimillion-dollar portfolios, and knowledge of TM, FinOps, or cloud platforms. High-value: focus on technology portfolio optimization, vendor performance improvement, and global cross-functional leadership. Location: On-site at Maplewood, MN, with up to 5% travel.