Vendor Manager

Job Vacancy: Vendor Manager – IT & TechnologyIndustry: Banking / Financial Services

Location: Abu Dhabi, UAERequirements: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.