Head of Vendor Management

**About us**:
**IT Services at the University of York**:
IT Services is responsible for providing outstanding technology and business services to the University. We are committed to delivering and supporting excellent customer-focussed services that match the teaching, learning and research ambitions of our Russell Group institution. We have exciting and ambitious plans to deliver new and enhanced capabilities to support the organisation in its delivery of its Strategy 2030, covering all aspects of IT including platforms, security and operational improvements that are future-proofed and support staff and student needs.

As the University delivers on its strategy, we are growing our partnerships with new and existing vendors and there is an increased need to manage the contracts and performance ensuring that they deliver real value. This includes specifically working with 3rd party Cloud IT service vendors, such as those hosted on AWS services, Salesforce platform, SaaS solutions and vendors providing full Managed Services. If you are looking for a fresh challenge and the opportunity to further develop this key service that will add significant value to the University’s mission to provide the very best in teaching, learning and research, we’d love to hear from you. You will join a close-knit, friendly and supportive team of passionate and committed colleagues with a genuine high-performance culture and ‘can-do’ mentality that makes our teams a great place to work.

**About the role**:
The role of Head of IT Vendor Management sits within the newly formed IT Vendor Management team, reporting into the Assistant Director (Digital Services).

You will join the University at an exciting time as we build our vendor management capabilities. You will work with the IT Contracts Manager in providing the vision and expertise in designing, implementing and managing a contract and supplier management framework. You will uphold governance, principles and standards and coordinate all vendor management, license and procurement activities for IT Services.

With a key role in ensuring the University realises measurable benefits from its third-party expenditure, you will work in partnership with the business and key stakeholders to enable the development of long term plans for strategic IT Vendor Management and have experience in driving excellence, reducing risk and cost.

You will possess strong negotiation and influencing skills to determine ways to achieve the most advantageous results, and an extensive knowledge and experience of software licensing, contractual arrangements, and appropriate UK and international contract regulations.

**Skills, Experience & Qualification needed**:

- Professional qualification in Procurement, Contract Management, ITAM and/or ITIL, or equivalent professional experience in a contract/vendor management role in an IT environment
- Significant experience of leading and managing contract and supplier management in a complex environment with multiple competing programmes and priorities
- Significant experience of leading procurement for IT and associated services (e.g. SaaS, CRM, ERP, Software Licencing, IT Hardware, and consultancy services)
- Experience in leading on complex tenders or commercial and performance negotiations with suppliers from the early stages, including pre-market engagement.
- Experience of different procurement routes, frameworks and contracting models.
- Experience of financial planning, report writing and budget management/forecasting
- Ability to develop and maintain an external network, engaging in horizon scanning and building effective and influential relationships with stakeholders. Be able to represent the University in relevant areas, providing professional advice
- Ability to lead complex contractual negotiations in order to agree mutually acceptable contract terms with external suppliers and represent the University in dispute resolution, and administration.
- Commitment to values and behaviours that create a successful environment for a high-performing team
- Level 6 qualification. (Qualifications at this level include a degree. Please view the full list). We also welcome applicants with equivalent non-uk qualifications or equivalent professional experience.
- Lead people - providing vision, motivation, inspiration and direction
- Lead large-scale projects
- Communicate to engage and influence others
- Evidence of upholding our behaviours as specified in the job description.

**Interview date**:To be confirmed

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We offer family friendly, flexible working arrangements, with forums and inclusive facilities to support our staff. #EqualityatYork