Mgr IT Vendor Management

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Position Summary

The Manager, IT Vendor Management is responsible for defining and executing the vendor management strategy, overseeing the full lifecycle of IT vendors that supports Enterprise Information Technology (EIT) department. This role focuses on building strategic partnerships and ensuring the cost-effective, risk-aware, and performance-driven delivery of vendor services. Key responsibilities include contract oversight, service level monitoring, relationship governance, and leading Quarterly Vendor Reviews (QVRs). The Manager also proactively evaluates innovative vendor solutions to drive continuous improvement and value across IT operations.

Grade: 18

Deadline to apply: Open until filled

Tasks and Responsibilities

- Lead development and execution of the IT vendor strategy and roadmap aligned with EIT and enterprise goals.

- Establish and manage vendor relationships, including performance, contract compliance, service delivery, and risk.

- Develop vendor segmentation strategies and maintain vendor scorecards and dashboards.

- Serve as a liaison and trusted advisor to EIT and business executives regarding vendor capabilities and alignment with business needs.

- Facilitate Requests for Proposal (RFP) processes, including the development of performance-based terms, incentives, and penalties.

- Create, track, and enforce Service Level Agreements (SLAs) to measure vendor performance.

- Lead vendor lifecycle activities, including onboarding, renewals, and offboarding while minimizing disruptions.

- Maintain vendor risk profiles in collaboration with risk, cybersecurity, legal, privacy, and business continuity teams.

- Implement a vendor performance management program, including the use of scorecards and KPIs.

- Oversee vendor compliance with TxRE, NERC, and ERCOT regulations and reporting requirements.

- Monitor real-time vendor performance alerts, escalate issues, and drive root cause resolution.

- Establish and refine operational processes and negotiation frameworks for consistent vendor engagement.

- Remain up to date on emerging vendor management practices, regulatory requirements, and industry trends.

- Build and lead a high-performing vendor management team through coaching, mentoring, and performance development.

- Foster a People First culture that emphasizes accountability, cross-functional collaboration, and employee engagement.

- Partner with stakeholders to identify new vendor use cases and support evaluation of emerging technologies and service offerings.

Minimum Skills

Minimum Knowledge and Abilities

Extensive experience in vendor management, procurement, or contract management.

Proficient experience in a leadership or managerial role with direct vendor oversight responsibilities.

Ability to manage multiple aggressive RFP schedules and responses.

Understanding of IT service delivery, support models and performance management (SLAs/KPIs).

Familiarity with vendor governance frameworks (e.g., performance scorecards, QVRs, escalation protocols.

Exceptional soft and interpersonal skills, including teamwork, communication, facilitation, and negotiation.

Strong analytical and decision-making skills, especially in assessing vendor performance and financial impact.

Excellent written and verbal communication, and presentation skills.

Knowledge of the IT industry and the products and services provided by technology vendors.

Understanding of the entire vendor life cycle (sourcing, procurement, vendor management), and how internal roles interact and operate throughout the duration of vendor engagements.

Solid grasp of financial concepts.

Preferred Qualifications

- Proven experience managing large-scale IT contracts, including SaaS, IaaS, PaaS, software licensing, and managed services.

- Industry certifications such as Certified Professional in Supplier Management (CPSM).

- Masters degree in either Business, Information Technology, Finance, Supply Chain or related field of study or equivalent experience.

Competencies

Managing Performance

Communicates Effectively

Working with Ambiguity

Building and Supporting Teams

Developing Plans

Acting as a Champion for Change

Minimum Education

Bachelor’s degree in either Business, Information Technology, Finance, Supply Chain or related field of study or equivalent experience.

Required Certifications

Working Environment

Work is performed mostly indoors, and frequently remote. Operating computer, manual dexterity, talking, hearing, and repetitive motion. Use of personal computing equipment, videoconferencing, and telephone.

Ability to travel to and from meetings, training sessions or other business-related events. After hours work may be required.

Physical Demands

Exerting up to 10 pounds of force occasionally, &/or a negligible amount of force frequently or constantly to lift, carry, push, pull or otherwise move objects, including the human body.

Sedentary work involves sitting most of the time. Jobs are sedentary if walking & standing are required only occasionally, and all other sedentary criteria are met.

CPS Energy does not discriminate against applicants or employees. CPS Energy is committed to providing equal opportunity in all of its employment practices, including selection, hiring, promotion, transfers and compensation, to all qualified applicants and employees without regard to race, religion, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, citizenship status, veteran status, pregnancy, age, disability, genetic information or any other protected status. CPS Energy will comply with all laws and regulations.