Vendor Manager - IT & Technology

About the role

A bank in Abu Dhabi is looking for a Vendor Manager to manage its IT and technology suppliers. The role covers strategic vendor relationships, performance monitoring, contract oversight and risk management, and requires strong banking or financial services experience.

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 so vendor services support business operations, technology needs and digital transformation.
• Ensure vendor management complies with internal policies, governance frameworks and banking regulations.

Required profile

• Master's degree in Procurement, Supply Chain, Business Administration, Finance, IT or a related discipline.
• At least 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 such as 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.
• Understanding of vendor risk assessments, third-party risk management, due diligence and regulatory compliance in banking; UAE/GCC banking experience highly preferred.
• CIPS, CPSM or equivalent certification is an advantage.

Required skills

• 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.