We are seeking a skilled and experienced IT Vendor & Supply Chain Management specialist to lead vendor-related activities across IT services for a Global retail organisation, based in Lisbon, Portugal - Hybrid working (possible flexibility but must be in country).
This position is ideal for someone with extensive vendor management experience (5+ years) who can work autonomously to manage vendor relationships, conduct contract renewals, and ensure compliance with service agreements and procurement standards.
Key Responsibilities:
Lead vendor meetings across key IT suppliers to ensure service alignment and strategic collaboration.
Manage global vendor contract renewals, including SLA reviews and change request approvals.
Conduct quarterly business and commercial reviews of vendor engagements to monitor performance and value delivery.
Act as the primary escalation point for vendor performance issues and resolution management.
Oversee demand management activities.
Maintain and update service agreements.
Support cost optimisation efforts through vendor spend analysis, reporting, and service credit tracking.
Collaborate with finance teams to develop and maintain effective charging mechanisms.
Ensure compliance with software licensing policies and manage vendor contributions to external audits.
Maintain and improve internal processes and documentation related to vendor licensing and governance.
Liaise with Legal, HR, and other corporate functions on IT vendor-related matters
Provide independent guidance to internal teams on best practices in vendor engagement, compliance, and governance.
Experience Required
Minimum of 5 years' experience in vendor management / procurement within IT services, ideally in a global or complex enterprise environment.
Proven experience in IT procurement processes, including supplier evaluation, contract negotiation, and contract renewals
Proven track record of independently managing strategic vendor relationships, including performance monitoring, contract negotiations, and commercial governance.
Strong presence and gravitas, capable of confidently liaising with senior leaders internally and representatives from large IT Vendors/MSP's.
Experience conducting quarterly business reviews, resolving escalations, and ensuring compliance with service agreements and procurement policies.
Solid understanding of IT service delivery frameworks, licensing models, and cost optimisation techniques.
Skilled in navigating cross-functional collaboration, including coordination with Finance, Legal, HR, and Procurement teams.
Comfortable working in a dynamic hybrid environment with the autonomy to drive outcomes across international teams / times zones, and vendor partners.
Ideally CIPS / CPSM / ITIL certified.
Please contact me for an initial discussion and further details.
Thanks for reading.
Steve