Vendor Manager

East Grinstead, Sussex
InterQuest Solutions

InterQuest are delighted to be recruiting a Vendor Manager for our client who aims to share their passion for enjoying the great outdoors by providing an unrivalled choice of quality places to stay, at locations world-wide. Based in East Grinstead you will enjoy a hybrid working pattern, a base salary of up to £70,000 and a full benefits package.

As a Vendor Manager, you will be responsible for managing and optimising relationships with all third-party suppliers, ensuring seamless execution of contracts, performance agreements, and strategic objectives. This role will involve close collaboration with key suppliers, business stakeholders, and the IS department to deliver value and drive operational excellence.

What is expected of the Vendor Manager?

• Build and maintain strong, strategic relationships with key suppliers based on mutual value creation, focusing on medium to long-term collaboration.
• Oversee the execution of contracts and ensure compliance with agreed terms and SLAs. Act as the point of contact for troubleshooting issues such as delivery schedules, purchase orders, technical documentation, pricing, and contractual obligations.
• Develop and maintain a regular suite of vendor performance reports, analysing supplier data and providing actionable insights to stakeholders to support commercial decision-making.
• Ensure vendors meet all delivery requirements, address supply chain issues proactively, and ensure all relevant deadlines are met.
• Work closely with cross-functional teams to manage technical, commercial, and supplier performance, driving a self-service culture and sharing best practices across the organisation.
• Manage external vendor audits, particularly regarding data security arrangements, and contribute to the continuous improvement of systems and processes.
• Ensure vendor accounts are efficiently managed within agreed timelines and budgets, tracking resources and reconciling time for optimal value.
• Support proposal and contract reviews, negotiating service agreements, and identifying areas for improvement in vendor management practices.

What we look for in a Vendor Manager?

• Proven experience in a vendor management role, within a technology-driven environment.
• Excellent analytical skills, with the ability to interpret complex data and generate actionable insights to improve supplier performance.
• Strong commercial acumen, with thought leadership skills to influence and drive strategic supplier relationships.
• Proficiency in MS Excel, Word, MS Project, and other business IT tools; experience using respected analytical tools.
• Demonstrated ability to create and implement new processes, driving efficiencies and improvements in vendor management.
• High attention to detail, with the ability to analyse data, troubleshoot problems, and present solutions clearly to diverse audiences.
• Strong stakeholder management experience, with the ability to influence and collaborate with senior technical and product specialists.
• Experience in negotiating service agreements, contract terms, and managing service delivery to meet contractual obligations.
• Proven track record in improving performance through process reviews, driving automation and optimisation initiatives.
• Resilient with the ability to take direction, manage tasks independently, and work effectively within a team.

What the Vendor Manager will receive?

• Full benefits package

InterQuest Group is acting as an employment agency for this vacancy. InterQuest Group is an equal opportunities employer and we welcome applications from all suitably qualified persons regardless of age, disability, gender, religion/belief, race, marriage, civil partnership, pregnancy, maternity, sex or sexual orientation. Please make us aware if you require any reasonable adjustments throughout the recruitment process.