Senior Program Manager – IT Technology Vendor Management

Summary:

Pay Rate: $70 - $75 per hour

Duration: 12 Months

Work Mode: Hybrid

Location: Oakland, CA

• The Technology Vendor Manager serves as a strategic partner and trusted advisor in managing the organization’s technology vendor ecosystem.
• This role bridges business strategy, IT leadership, and vendor relationships to ensure technology investments deliver maximum value, are cost-optimized, and align with long-term capital and operating plans.
• Engages confidently with executives while working closely with technical teams and individual contributors.

Responsibilities:

• Ensure vendor relationships contribute measurable results to company performance objectives.
• Partner with Operations, Architecture, IT Leadership, and other stakeholders to align and document vendor capabilities.
• Develop and deliver innovative commercial models that contribute to financial savings targets.
• Establish and enhance Tier-1 and Tier-2 strategic supplier relationships.
• Conduct periodic supplier reviews to discuss performance and document product roadmaps.
• Leverage internal and external data to provide insights and recommendations that enhance supplier performance and operational efficiency.
• Manage the full lifecycle of vendor relationships, including onboarding, governance, performance reviews, and contract compliance.
• Proactively identify and resolve operational challenges, contributing to continuous improvement initiatives.
• Collaborate with the Sourcing department to develop negotiation strategies and optimize costs.
• Provide strategic insight and recommendations to executives while engaging at a detailed level with technical and operational contributors.

Requirements:

• Bachelor’s degree in Information Technology, Business Administration, or a related field.
• Minimum 8 years of experience in IT vendor management, sourcing, or technology strategy.
• Skilled in project management, time management, and reporting to executives.
• Expertise in managing and optimizing relationships with Tier-1 suppliers.
• Strong understanding of IT contracts, vendor governance, and technology lifecycle management.
• Proven ability to manage multiple complex vendor relationships and restructuring contractual relationships to enhance value.
• Excellent communication and presentation skills, with the ability to influence executives and collaborate effectively with technical teams.

Preferred Skills:

• Master’s degree in Business, Engineering, Information Systems, or related discipline.
• Professional certifications such as Certified Professional in Supplier Management (CPSM), Certified Technology Procurement Professional (CTPP), or ITIL certification.
• Experience managing vendors within large, complex enterprises and multi-year investment planning cycles.
• Experience with ERP, vendor management, or procurement tools (e.g., SAP Ariba, Coupa, ServiceNow, GEP).
• Knowledge of regulatory, compliance, and risk management considerations in IT vendor contracts.