Vendor Relations Senior Manager

Key responsibilities:

Develop and maintain strong strategic relationships with key vendors and service providers.
Manage the end-to-end vendor relationship lifecycle, from onboarding and contracting through performance evaluation and renewal.
Monitor vendor performance against agreed SLAs, KPIs, and contractual obligations.
Lead commercial negotiations, contract renewals, and service-level discussions with strategic vendors.
Identify opportunities for cost optimization, service improvement, and value creation.
Collaborate with Procurement, Finance, Legal, Technology, Operations, and other stakeholders to ensure effective vendor management.
Establish and maintain vendor governance frameworks, performance reviews, and escalation processes.
Identify, assess, and mitigate vendor-related operational, financial, and compliance risks.
Resolve complex vendor issues and disputes while maintaining strong long-term partnerships.
Conduct regular business reviews with key vendors and ensure continuous improvement in service delivery.
Maintain accurate vendor performance records, contracts, and related documentation.
Lead and develop the vendor management team and ensure adherence to company policies and procedures.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Supply Chain, Engineering, or a related field.
8–12 years of experience in vendor management, supplier relationship management, procurement, or commercial operations.
Proven experience managing strategic vendors within telecom, technology, IT, or other large-scale organizations.
Strong experience in contract management, SLA/KPI management, negotiations, and vendor performance management.
Excellent negotiation, communication, and stakeholder management skills.
Strong analytical and problem-solving capabilities.
Experience managing multiple strategic vendors and complex commercial relationships.
Strong leadership and team management skills.
Good knowledge of ERP, procurement, and vendor management systems.