Vendor Manager

Job Vacancy: Vendor Manager – IT & Technology

Industry: Banking / Financial Services

Location: Abu Dhabi, UAE

Requirements:

• Master’s degree in Procurement, Supply Chain, Business Administration, Finance, IT, or a related discipline is required.
• Minimum 10 years of relevant experience in vendor management, supplier relationship management, or strategic sourcing, with mandatory banking or financial services experience .
• Strong experience managing IT and technology vendors, including software, SaaS, cloud services, cybersecurity, IT infrastructure, telecommunications, and managed services.
• Proven expertise in vendor performance management, contract administration, SLA monitoring, renewals, and commercial negotiations.
• Good understanding of vendor risk assessments, third-party risk management, due diligence, and regulatory compliance within the banking sector.
• Experience in cost optimization, supplier performance reviews, service quality monitoring, and contract compliance.
• Ability to coordinate with IT, Cybersecurity, Information Security, Finance, Risk, Legal, Compliance, and business teams.
• Strong analytical, commercial, negotiation, communication, and stakeholder-management skills.
• UAE/GCC banking experience is highly preferred.
• CIPS, CPSM, or equivalent professional certification is an advantage.

Key Responsibilities:

• Manage strategic relationships with IT and technology vendors to ensure service quality and business alignment.
• Monitor vendor performance against contractual obligations, SLAs, KPIs, and agreed service standards.
• Oversee vendor contracts, renewals, performance reviews, and commercial negotiations.
• Coordinate vendor due diligence, risk assessments, compliance checks, and remediation activities.
• Identify opportunities for cost optimization, service improvement, and supplier performance enhancement.
• Collaborate with internal stakeholders to ensure vendor services support business operations, technology requirements, and digital transformation initiatives.
• Ensure vendor management activities comply with internal policies, governance frameworks, and applicable banking regulations.

Ideal Candidate: A strategic vendor management professional with strong banking experience, IT and technology vendor expertise, and a solid understanding of supplier governance, risk management, and regulatory compliance.