IT Vendor Management Lead

Why GMF Technology?

Flexible hybrid work environment (onsite 2 days a week/3 days remote) at our Arlington (AOC1), TX office. 

The IT Vendor Management Lead acts as the primary connection between the IT department and external vendors, driving the execution and ongoing management of the organization’s vendor strategy to support IT Delivery stakeholders. This position is dedicated to cultivating strong vendor partnerships and ensuring that IT services are delivered in alignment with the company’s objectives. Responsibilities include managing every phase of the vendor lifecycle—ranging from selecting and contracting vendors, to monitoring performance and providing operational support. The role encompasses coordinating proposal evaluations, overseeing vendor selection processes, maximizing vendor utilization, negotiating contracts, mitigating vendor-related risks, and handling contract terminations when necessary. The Lead ensures that vendors fulfill their contractual commitments and provides support for IT projects, daily operations, and contingent workforce needs. Ultimately, this role is vital for optimizing IT service delivery, achieving cost efficiencies, and strengthening vendor relationships across IT.

Vendor Selection & Contract Oversight

• Evaluate vendor proposals via RFPs/RFIs, conduct comparative analysis based on cost, quality, and alignment with IT delivery needs.

• Identify and recommend optimal vendors for strategic engagement to drive IT outcomes, based on cost and quality.

• Assess and monitor contractual compliance including service level agreements to ensure vendors meet organizational standards.

Staff Augmentation Process

• Validate staffing requests from IT teams and coordinate with vendors to fulfill them.

• Support onboarding, offboarding, and extension procedures for vendor resources, while maintaining accurate engagement records.

• Support IT leadership throughout the candidate selection process.

Vendor Performance Monitoring and Relationship Management

• Serve as the main point of contact for IT leader on all vendor-related matters.

• Monitor vendor performance KPIs, conduct scorecard and performance reviews, resolve escalations, and ensure adherence to operational engagement health.

• Identify cost efficiencies, savings, and investment opportunities with vendor partners.

Operational Support

• Support and guide the IT leaders in onboarding processes for new resources.

• Support and guide the IT leaders on termination and extension procedures.

• Maintain accurate records of the engagement metrics.

• Assess delivery needs on renewals and provide appropriate support and guidance.

• Provides financial process guidance to delivery teams and collaborates with Finance on cost trends and vendor spend.

Collaboration & Reporting

• Collaborate with internal teams to gather feedback and improve vendor services.

• Collaborate on sourcing model strategy with delivery and procurement teams

• Prepare reports and dashboards for IT leadership on vendor operational, risk and financial health and delivery performance.

• Participate in regular check-ins and strategic reviews.

Experience and Education

• 7-10 years of Vendor Management experience, Purchasing experience or functionally related area required
• 5-7+ years of experience in vendor management or procurement, and IT operations
• High School Diploma or equivalent Required
• Associate Degree in related field of vendor management, accounting or finance preferred, or 7+ years of experience in the field or in a related area preferred
• Bachelor’s Degree in related field or equivalent work experience Preferred
• Project management skills
• Strong analytical and negotiation skills
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite and vendor management tools
• Ability to manage multi-task in a fast-paced environment
• Experience in ITSM, vendor compliance and risk management
• Familiarity with performance metrics analysis and contract negotiation
• Experience in global vendor environments and multi-location coordination