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- Tasks: Manage and optimise relationships with key vendors to drive growth and collaboration.
- Company: Join Ultima Business Solutions, a leader in digital transformation through AI and automation.
- Benefits: Enjoy hybrid work options, professional development, and a dynamic team culture.
- Why this job: Be part of a forward-thinking company that values innovation and strategic partnerships.
- Qualifications: Experience in vendor management within tech; familiarity with procurement platforms is a plus.
- Other info: Ideal for adaptable individuals ready to thrive in a fast-paced environment.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
The Vendor Manager at Ultima is responsible for managing and optimising relationships with key vendors, specifically focusing on strategic and growth vendors. This role involves building and nurturing key stakeholder relationships to foster collaboration and mutual growth, driving growth by identifying and leveraging opportunities within vendor partnerships, and maximising value through effective negotiation, contract management, and performance monitoring. Additionally, the Vendor Manager ensures alignment with Ultima’s strategic goals by integrating vendor strategies with company objectives and maintaining a forward-looking approach.
MAIN DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITES
- Vendor Relationship Management: Manage relationships with Strategic and Growth vendors, serving as the primary point of contact for vendor-related issues and opportunities.
- Go-to-Market & Revenue-Generating Activities: Collaborate on growth plans with Strategic and Growth vendors.
- Certification and Compliance: Ensure the highest level of certifications and specialisations for Strategic and Growth vendors by ensuring training is completed to keep up with industry standards.
- Strategic Initiatives: Drive and support marketplace partnerships and manage the services partners ecosystem.
- Financial Management: Secure development funds and resources (gross profit).
- Proactive Engagement: Engage with vendor partners to develop their business with Ultima.
- Distribution Relationship Management: Manage relationships with aligned distribution partners to maximise incentives, optimise costs and drive value across the distributors' resources, market intelligence and data.
- Contract Management: Ensure that vendors are fully onboarded and that all required documentation and approvals are in place and maintained (i.e. NDAs, terms and conditions).
- Monitor Vendor Performance: Ensure that vendors meet performance standards and service level agreements (SLAs) and address any issues that arise.
- Risk Mitigation: Identify and mitigate risks associated with vendor relationships, including compliance and security risks.
ESSENTIAL KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & EXPERIENCE
- Proven experience in vendor management within the technology sector.
- Familiarity with procurement and vendor management platforms like Dynamics 365.
- Ability to manage multiple priorities and meet deadlines.
- Strong organisational and time management skills.
- Personal Attributes: High level of integrity and professionalism. Positive attitude and strong work ethic. Adaptable and flexible in a fast-paced environment.
DESIRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & EXPERIENCE
- Existing awareness and vendor relationships across: Endpoint, Email, Identity, Cloud, Networking & Network Security.
- Vendors to include: Cisco, Mimecast, Crowdstrike, Delinea, Netskope, Palo Alto Networks, Proofpoint, Microsoft, Checkpoint, Tenable, Sophos, Trend Micro.
- Experience of dealing with Marketplace Offerings with the likes of Microsoft Azure & AWS.
Seniority level: Associate
Employment type: Full-time
Job function: Business Development and Sales
Industries: IT Services and IT Consulting
Alliances Manager employer: Ultima
Contact Detail:
Ultima Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Alliances Manager
✨Tip Number 1
Network with professionals in the technology sector, especially those who have experience with vendor management. Attend industry events or webinars where you can connect with potential colleagues and learn more about the role.
✨Tip Number 2
Familiarise yourself with the specific vendors mentioned in the job description, such as Cisco and Microsoft. Understanding their products and services will help you engage in meaningful conversations during interviews.
✨Tip Number 3
Demonstrate your knowledge of procurement and vendor management platforms like Dynamics 365. If you have experience with similar tools, be ready to discuss how you've used them to optimise vendor relationships.
✨Tip Number 4
Showcase your ability to manage multiple priorities by preparing examples from your past experiences. Highlight situations where you successfully balanced various tasks while meeting deadlines, as this is crucial for the role.
We think you need these skills to ace Alliances Manager
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience in vendor management, particularly within the technology sector. Emphasise any familiarity with procurement platforms like Dynamics 365 and showcase your ability to manage multiple priorities.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that specifically addresses the key accountabilities of the Alliances Manager role. Mention your experience in building stakeholder relationships and driving growth through vendor partnerships, as well as your understanding of compliance and risk mitigation.
Showcase Relevant Skills: In your application, clearly outline your organisational and time management skills. Provide examples of how you've successfully managed vendor relationships and driven strategic initiatives in previous roles.
Research Ultima Business Solutions: Familiarise yourself with Ultima's mission and values, especially their focus on digital transformation through AI and automation. This knowledge will help you align your application with their strategic goals and demonstrate your genuine interest in the company.
How to prepare for a job interview at Ultima
✨Research the Company and Its Vendors
Before your interview, take the time to understand Ultima's business model and its key vendors. Familiarise yourself with their products and services, especially those mentioned in the job description like Cisco and Microsoft. This knowledge will help you demonstrate your interest and show how you can contribute to their vendor management strategy.
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect questions that assess your problem-solving skills and ability to manage vendor relationships. Prepare examples from your past experience where you've successfully navigated challenges or optimised vendor partnerships. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your responses clearly.
✨Highlight Your Negotiation Skills
Since the role involves contract management and negotiation, be ready to discuss your experience in these areas. Share specific instances where you negotiated terms that benefited both parties and how you ensured compliance with agreements. This will showcase your ability to maximise value in vendor relationships.
✨Demonstrate Your Adaptability
Given the fast-paced nature of the technology sector, it's crucial to convey your adaptability. Share examples of how you've successfully managed multiple priorities or adapted to changes in a previous role. This will reassure the interviewers that you can thrive in a dynamic environment.
