Vendor Manager

About UsCore42, a leader in AI-powered cloud and digital infrastructure, is driving transformative technology solutions globally. Leveraging advanced resources and partnerships, Core42 empowers clients to harness sovereign AI infrastructure, especially in sectors with stringent regulatory needs. With a mission to redefine digital transformation, we combine sovereign capabilities with scalable, high-performance compute infrastructure, positioning itself at the forefront of AI innovation in the Middle East and beyond.The OpportunityThe Vendor Manager owns Core42's strategic supplier relationships, supplier governance framework, onboarding function and supplier performance management programme. The role ensures suppliers are effectively onboarded, governed, measured and developed throughout their lifecycle.Working closely with Supply Chain, Contracts, Finance, Legal, Compliance and business stakeholders, the Vendor Manager strengthens supplier partnerships, mitigates risk, improves supplier experience and maximises value across Core42's supplier ecosystem. The role also leads the Vendor Management team and serves as the primary relationship and escalation owner for designated strategic suppliers.Your Key ResponsibilitiesSupplier Relationship ManagementDevelop and maintain strategic relationships with key suppliers, acting as the relationship owner for designated strategic partners.Build supplier account plans, relationship maps, governance frameworks and engagement models.Facilitate executive supplier meetings and strategic alignment discussions.Drive supplier collaboration, innovation and continuous improvement initiatives.Serve as the primary escalation point for supplier relationship matters.Supplier Segmentation & GovernanceDevelop and maintain Core42's supplier segmentation framework, classifying suppliers as strategic, preferred, operational or transactional.Define governance requirements, engagement cadence and performance expectations for each supplier tier.Establish executive sponsorship models and maintain supplier governance calendars and engagement plans.Supplier Onboarding & Vendor GovernanceOwn the supplier onboarding and vendor lifecycle management framework.Lead the Vendor Management team responsible for supplier onboarding, due diligence, governance and lifecycle activities.Oversee supplier registration, qualification, onboarding, recertification and supplier master data controls.Monitor onboarding cycle times, backlogs, service levels and stakeholder satisfaction.Quarterly Business Reviews & Executive GovernanceOwn the annual supplier governance and review calendar and lead Quarterly Business Reviews with strategic suppliers.Prepare executive scorecards, supplier performance packs and governance dashboards.Chair supplier performance and governance meetings, ensuring clear actions and accountability.Supplier Performance ManagementMaintain supplier KPIs, SLAs, scorecards and performance management frameworks.Monitor supplier performance against contractual and operational commitments.Identify underperforming suppliers and lead structured remediation programmes.Supplier Development & Value CreationIdentify opportunities for supplier consolidation, optimisation and capability development.Drive supplier-led innovation and identify cost optimisation, efficiency and value-creation opportunities.Facilitate development plans for strategic and underperforming suppliers.Supplier Risk, Compliance & ResilienceCoordinate supplier risk assessments and mitigation activities and maintain supplier risk registers and governance reporting.Support supplier business continuity and resilience reviews.Monitor compliance with onboarding, due diligence and governance requirements.Supplier Experience & Issue ResolutionMonitor supplier payment performance, aged invoices, overdue receipts and invoice-resolution metrics.Engage business stakeholders to resolve receipt and invoice-processing delays.Coordinate resolution of supplier enablement, onboarding, invoicing, payment and governance-related issues.Drive continuous improvement initiatives that enhance supplier experience and reduce operational friction.Reporting, Stakeholder Management & LeadershipMaintain supplier dashboards and executive reporting, analysing performance, risk, onboarding, governance and value metrics.Provide supplier insights and recommendations to Supply Chain leadership.Partner with Supply Chain, Contracts, Finance, Legal, Compliance and business teams to resolve escalations and promote supplier governance best practice.Lead, coach and develop Vendor Management personnel, building capability in supplier relationship management and governance.What We're Looking ForBachelor's degree in Supply Chain Management, Procurement, Business Administration, Finance or a related discipline.7-10 years of experience in vendor management, Supplier Relationship Management (SRM), supplier governance, procurement or supply chain.Demonstrated experience leading QBRs, supplier governance programmes, supplier onboarding and supplier performance reviews.Experience leading and developing vendor management or supplier governance teams.Strong stakeholder management, executive communication, negotiation and issue-resolution skills.Experience using procurement platforms such as Coupa, SAP Ariba, Oracle, SAP or an equivalent solution.What working at Core42 offersWith a diverse team of 1,100+ employees from 68 nationalities, we foster an inclusive, innovative and collaborative environment. At Core42, we foster a culture grounded in trust, accountability and high performance. We are united by our values: Grit, where we overcome challenges with resilience and determination; Passion, which drives us to pursue excellence in everything we do, and Impact, as we aim to inspire progress and create meaningful change. Our team members thrive in an environment where each person’s contributions propel us forward, and together, we commit to achieving extraordinary results.Competitive Salary: We offer an attractive salary package based on your skills and experienceYearly Bonus: In recognition of your contributions, you will receive a performance-based annual bonusExclusive Discount Cards: Access special benefits with Esaad and Fazaa cards, offering discounts across a wide range of servicesPremium Family Insurance: We provide comprehensive health coverage, including dental, vision and life insurance, ensuring the well-being of you and your familyLearning & Development: We offer access to top-tier learning platforms to help you grow in your career. Learn at your own pace with unlimited access to premium courses