Vendor Manager

The Senior Manager of Vendor Management is responsible for leading strategic supplier relationships, overseeing vendor performance, and ensuring alignment with organizational objectives and compliance standards. This role manages a team of vendor management professionals and partners cross-functionally to optimize value, mitigate risks, and drive operational excellence across the vendor lifecycle. Responsibilities Lead the development and execution of vendor management strategies in alignment with enterprise procurement and business goals. Establish and manage relationships with key suppliers, acting as the escalation point for critical issues and negotiations. Oversee vendor performance management processes, including scorecards, service-level agreements (SLAs), and continuous improvement plans. Collaborate with Legal, Finance, and Risk to ensure all vendor contracts meet regulatory, financial, and risk management standards. Guide and mentor a team of vendor management specialists and managers, supporting their professional development and performance. Drive vendor consolidation, cost savings, and innovation through strategic sourcing and supplier engagement. Monitor market trends and risks related to key vendor categories and proactively adapt strategy. Develop and report on KPIs related to vendor performance, risk, and value delivery to senior leadership. Vendor Performance & Compliance : Ensure strategic vendors meet service-level agreements (SLAs) and contractual obligations, with minimal compliance or risk issues. Value Delivery & Cost Optimization : Drive measurable savings and value through contract negotiations, vendor consolidation, and supplier innovation. Stakeholder & Cross-Functional Collaboration : Maintain strong relationships with internal stakeholders and ensure vendor solutions align with business needs. Team Leadership & Development : Lead, develop, and retain a high-performing vendor management team with clear goals and growth paths. Risk & Governance Management : Proactively identify and mitigate vendor-related risks through robust governance, due diligence, and monitoring processes. Requirements Bachelor's degree in Business, Supply Chain Management, or related field (Master’s preferred). 8–10 years of relevant experience in vendor or supplier management, with at least 3 years in a leadership capacity. Strong negotiation, contract management, and risk assessment skills. Proven experience managing vendor relationships in a complex, cross-functional environment. Excellent communication and stakeholder management abilities. Familiarity with procurement tools and vendor management systems (e.g., SAP Ariba, Coupa). Fluent English , fluency in additional European languages is a big plus. Leadership Competencies Strategic Thinking Decision Making and Accountability Team Leadership and Talent Development Stakeholder Engagement Change Management What do we offer Competitive salaries based on your professional experience Fast growing international company with stable employment Annual vacation and 1 additional day off on your birthday Mental Wellbeing Program – providing you and your immediate family members with free and confidential mental and physical health support services for a wide range of personal and work-related issues. Opportunities for advancement, further trainings (over 650 courses on soft and hard skills on our e-learning platform) and coaching Free English and German language classes Referral Program with attractive incentives Flexible working hours and hybrid or fully remote work #J-18808-Ljbffr