Software Vendor Manager

Role Overview

• Manage a portfolio of existing or new software vendors, including contract finalizations, renewals, annual budgeting, spending management, and utilization.
• Partner with Global Procurement organization to ensure that new or renewal contracts are closed on time by participating in internal stakeholder conversations, vendor meetings, negotiations, and contract finalizations.
• Assist global procurement in running RFP for new purchases.
• Responsible for issuing vendor purchase orders and resolving invoicing/payment-related matters.
• Monitor spending against contracts to ensure cost-effective software usage.
• Collaborate with IT and BU finance to ensure the sourcing is within budget and follow organizational processes.
• Act as the primary point of contact for assigned software vendors regarding any related issues, including escalations, compliance, audit, and certification-related matters.
• Assist management in leading, training, and developing employees to understand better and utilize software licensing processes, procedures, and tools.
• Identify value/ savings opportunities, processes, and best practices to improve SW Vendor Management productivity.
• Analyze spending data of assigned software vendors, work with IT and business stakeholders to understand future growth/optimization opportunities, and participate in a budgeting cycle every year.
• Establish strategic relationships across the business units and IT leaders to ensure active and early participation in supplier-related matters, including renewals or new purchases.
• Ability to create effective licensing positions for Tier 1 publishers using SAM tools such as SAM Pro, including but not limited to uploading purchase orders/contracts/entitlements and performing software optimization etc.
• Thorough understanding of various Tier 1 vendor license models (Microsoft, Oracle, VMware, Microfocus, Adobe, Workday, SFDC, SAP etc.) and the ability to interpret software contracts/EULAs etc.
• Produce regular reports on vendor performance, cost efficiency, and software utilization.
• Contributes to the continuous improvement of software licensing processes and procedures in a constructive, measurable manner.
• Drive significant cost savings and cost avoidance by proactively identifying new opportunities through optimal utilization, avoiding duplicate software using SAM tool.
• Identify and mitigate risks associated with software vendors, including security risks, contract breaches, and compliance issues.
• Communicates IT standards and policies to the businesses, functions, geographies, and IT delivery suppliers/partners.
• Collaborate with legal and compliance teams to ensure all vendor agreements comply with industry standards and legal requirements.

Requirements

• Minimum five years of recent experience in strategic sourcing, procurement, or vendor management, with a focus on software and SaaS commodities
• Hands-on experience in utilizing Software Asset Management tools, SAM-ITAM Certification is preferred
• Bachelor's degree from an accredited college/university in a relevant field is required; MBA or advanced degree from an accredited college/university preferred
• Deep understanding of software trends, commercial models, and industry-specific terminology; proven track record of leading complex sourcing initiatives and contract negotiations
• Excellent negotiation, communication, and stakeholder management skills; ability to analyze market trends, conduct market research, and identify new sources of supply
• Strong project management and organizational skills
• Able to collaborate effectively with cross-functional teams and colleagues globally; experience in coaching and mentoring junior staff members is a plus

Tech Stack

• Oracle
• SFDC
• VMware

Benefits

• Health & Wellbeing
• Personal & Professional Development
• Unconditional Inclusion