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Technology Contracts and Vendor Manager

  • Job
    Full-time
    Senior Level
  • IT & Cybersecurity
    Business, Operations & Strategy
  • London
  • Quick Apply

AI generated summary

  • You should have IT contract/vendor management experience, strong negotiation and analytical skills, familiarity with compliance, and knowledge of IT procurement and cloud agreements.
  • You will manage, negotiate, and review IT contracts, ensure compliance, oversee vendor performance, track expenditures, and collaborate with finance and internal teams on procurement strategies.

Requirements

  • Proven experience in IT contract management and IT vendor management, ideally within financial services or a similar regulated environment.
  • Strong understanding of IT procurement, licensing models, and service agreements.
  • Excellent negotiation skills, with the ability to manage complex contractual discussions.
  • Familiarity with regulatory and compliance requirements related to third-party vendors in financial services.
  • Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with attention to detail.
  • Proficient in Microsoft Office, contract management tools, and vendor management systems.
  • Experience with ITIL practices or similar IT governance frameworks.
  • Knowledge of cloud computing agreements, SaaS contracts, and data privacy regulations (e.g., GDPR).
  • Strong interpersonal and communication skills to manage vendor relationships and stakeholder expectations effectively.
  • Ability to manage multiple priorities and work under pressure in a fast-paced environment.
  • Strategic mindset with a focus on delivering value and optimising vendor performance.
  • Team player with a proactive and results-driven approach.

Responsibilities

  • In cooperation with Howden Group Procurement, negotiate, review and manage IT contracts, including software licences, service agreements, and consultancy/supplier contracts.
  • Ensure all contracts comply with internal policies, legal standards, and financial services regulations.
  • Monitor contract performance and renewals, proactively addressing any issues or risks.
  • Manage the DUAL Technology Contract Database.
  • Develop and maintain strong relationships with IT vendors, ensuring alignment with organisational objectives and standards.
  • Lead the vendor selection process, including RFPs, RFIs, and evaluation criteria.
  • Conduct regular and documented performance reviews with vendors, ensuring adherence to agreed service levels and KPIs.
  • Track and manage vendor expenditure against the IT budget, ensuring cost efficiency and value for money.
  • Identify opportunities for cost savings through contract negotiation or vendor consolidation.
  • Collaborate with DUAL Finance to ensure timely invoice processing and budget forecasting.
  • Ensure vendor contracts comply with regulatory requirements specific to financial services, including data protection, confidentiality, and security.
  • Proactively manage and mitigate risks related to third-party vendors, including monitoring for non-compliance or underperformance.
  • In collaboration with DUAL Technology Risk and Compliance, maintain up-to-date records of vendor certifications, audits, and due diligence documentation.
  • Collaborate with internal stakeholders, including Group IT, legal, Group Procurement, and compliance teams, to ensure alignment on vendor strategies and contract terms.
  • Act as the central point of contact for vendor and contract-related queries across the Technology function.
  • Provide regular reporting on vendor performance and contract status to the CIO and COO.
  • Implement best practices for vendor and contract management processes.
  • Identify opportunities to streamline procurement and vendor management workflows.
  • Stay up to date on industry trends and regulatory changes affecting IT vendor relationships in financial services.

FAQs

What is the location for the Technology Contracts and Vendor Manager position?

The position is based in London with a hybrid working format.

What are the main responsibilities of the Technology Contracts and Vendor Manager?

The main responsibilities include managing relationships with technology vendors, negotiating contracts, monitoring vendor performance, ensuring compliance with service level agreements, and identifying opportunities for process improvements and cost savings.

What qualifications are required for this role?

Proven experience in IT contract management and vendor management, preferably in financial services, strong understanding of IT procurement and licensing models, excellent negotiation skills, and familiarity with regulatory and compliance requirements are essential.

Is experience in financial services required for this role?

Yes, experience in financial services or a similar regulated environment is preferred.

What type of contract management experience is needed?

Experience managing IT contracts, including software licenses, service agreements, and consultancy/supplier contracts is needed.

What skills are emphasized for the ideal candidate?

Strong commercial communication skills, analytical and problem-solving abilities, and excellent negotiation skills are emphasized.

Does the company provide opportunities for professional development?

Yes, DUAL offers opportunities for professional development and career progression.

Are there any specific IT governance frameworks that would be beneficial to know?

Familiarity with ITIL practices or similar IT governance frameworks would be desirable.

What kind of vendor management practices might be implemented?

Best practices for vendor and contract management processes will be implemented, alongside efforts to streamline procurement and vendor management workflows.

How does DUAL view diversity and inclusion?

DUAL is committed to treating all colleagues, candidates, clients, and business partners with equality, fairness, and respect, regardless of various personal attributes.

We are an international insurance group with employee ownership at our heart.

Finance
Industry
10,001+
Employees
1994
Founded Year

Mission & Purpose

Howden Group Holdings is a leading international insurance group with employee ownership at its heart. Founded in 1994, it comprises Howden Broking and underwriting business DUAL. Howden Group Holdings’ businesses operate across Europe, Africa, Asia, the Middle East, Latin America, the USA, Australia and New Zealand.