At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead vendor management strategy and build strong partnerships to drive innovation.
- Company: Join American Express, a global leader in payments and financial services.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, comprehensive benefits, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Dynamic work environment with a focus on collaboration and efficiency.
- Why this job: Make a real impact by optimising vendor relationships and driving strategic initiatives.
- Qualifications: 4+ years in vendor management with strong analytical and communication skills.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 75000 € per year.
Global Merchant & Network Services (GMNS) powers the American Express global payments network, enabling more than $1.7 trillion in annual spend across 170+ markets. Within GMNS, the Global Strategy Operations & Performance (GSOP) teams are trusted enablers of a profitable, compliant, and vibrant network for GMNS, advancing strategy, governance, and execution to drive a sustainable impact.
Global Strategy Operations & Performance (GSOP) within Global Merchant & Network Services (GMNS) is looking for a Manager, Vendor Management responsible for end‑to‑end ownership of third‑party vendor relationships supporting onboarding and refresh capabilities across GMNS. This role drives strategic vendor engagement, ensures compliance with AEMP10 and related policies, and maximises enterprise value through effective contract management, cost oversight, and cross‑functional partnership. This position plays a critical role in consolidating vendor strategy across the business unit to reduce duplication, control costs, and leverage scale to negotiate stronger outcomes.
Responsibilities- Vendor Strategy & Governance: Develop and execute an overarching vendor management strategy for GMNS. Identify and rationalise enterprise and multi‑market vendor relationships to drive consistency across the Blue Box. Lead pre‑contract activities including due diligence, data source evaluation, and internal approvals. Identify opportunities to enhance vendor capabilities, including adoption of new technologies and automation.
- Third‑Party Relationship Management: Build and manage strategic vendor partnerships to drive long‑term value and innovation. Lead and influence without direct authority across global, matrixed teams. Communicate complex concepts clearly to key stakeholders. Act as the designated Third‑Party Relationship Manager (TRM) with full accountability for vendor lifecycle management. Own and manage all activities across the vendor lifecycle, including onboarding, ongoing oversight, and offboarding. Ensure compliance with all applicable policies.
- Financial Oversight & Reporting: Collaborate with market contacts on vendor budgets, forecasts, and actuals, ensuring alignment with financial targets. Identify and mitigate risks related to cost overruns and fragmented vendor engagements. Drive cost efficiencies by consolidating vendor usage across teams and business units.
- Vendor Performance & Oversight: Conduct regular service reviews to assess vendor performance, SLAs, and cost efficiency. Ensure vendors deliver expected capabilities and adhere to contractual obligations. Oversee ongoing due diligence, compliance monitoring, and issue remediation.
- Cross‑Functional Partnership: Partner with Product and Technology teams to define and support technical requirements. Act as a central point of coordination for all vendor‑related engagements within scope.
- 4+ years of relevant experience with a strong understanding of vendor management, third‑party risk management, procurement, and sourcing.
- High attention to detail, proven problem‑solving, analytical, and communication skills, and proficiency with Excel or reporting tools, and PowerPoint.
- Strong understanding of contract negotiation and lifecycle management.
- Strong familiarity with regulatory and policy frameworks.
- Experience working cross‑functionally with global teams to drive process improvements, streamline workflows, and implement operational best practices.
- Proven ability to manage budgets, forecasts, and financial reporting.
- Strong stakeholder management skills across product, technology, and business teams.
- Analytical mindset with ability to develop frameworks, make strategic decisions, and drive efficiency and scale.
- Ability to thrive in a dynamic environment and balance execution with strategy.
Employment eligibility to work with American Express in the UK is required as the company will not pursue visa sponsorship for these positions. Offer of employment with American Express is conditioned upon the successful completion of a background verification check, subject to applicable laws and regulations.
Manager - Vendor Management employer: American Express
American Express is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment that fosters innovation and collaboration within the Global Merchant & Network Services team. Employees benefit from comprehensive professional development opportunities, a strong emphasis on compliance and governance, and the chance to engage with cutting-edge technologies in vendor management. With a commitment to employee well-being and a culture that values diversity and inclusion, American Express provides a rewarding career path for those looking to make a meaningful impact in the financial services industry.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Manager - Vendor Management
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the industry, attend relevant events, and don’t be shy about asking for introductions. The more people you know, the better your chances of landing that Manager - Vendor Management role.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching American Express and their vendor management strategies. Show us you understand their goals and how you can contribute to their success. Tailor your answers to highlight your experience with third-party relationships and compliance.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your pitch! Be ready to explain how your skills align with the responsibilities of the role. Focus on your analytical mindset and ability to drive efficiencies, as these are key for the position.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining the team at American Express.
We think you need these skills to ace Manager - Vendor Management
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV reflects the skills and experiences that align with the Vendor Management role. Highlight your relevant experience in vendor management, third-party risk management, and any specific achievements that demonstrate your ability to drive strategic vendor engagement.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to tell us why you're passionate about vendor management and how your background makes you the perfect fit for our team. Be sure to mention your understanding of compliance and contract management as these are key aspects of the role.
Showcase Your Analytical Skills:Since this role requires a strong analytical mindset, make sure to include examples of how you've used data to drive decisions or improve processes in your previous roles. We love seeing how you can turn numbers into actionable insights!
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it gives you a chance to explore more about our company culture and values!
How to prepare for a job interview at American Express
✨Know Your Vendor Management Inside Out
Make sure you brush up on your vendor management knowledge. Understand the key concepts, such as third-party risk management and contract lifecycle management. Be ready to discuss how you've successfully managed vendor relationships in the past and how you can apply that experience to this role.
✨Showcase Your Analytical Skills
Since this role requires a strong analytical mindset, prepare examples of how you've used data to drive decisions or improve processes. Think about times when you've identified cost efficiencies or streamlined workflows, and be ready to share those stories during the interview.
✨Communicate Clearly and Confidently
You'll need to communicate complex concepts to various stakeholders, so practice articulating your thoughts clearly. Consider doing mock interviews with friends or family to refine your communication style and ensure you're conveying your ideas effectively.
✨Demonstrate Cross-Functional Collaboration
This position involves working with global teams across different functions. Prepare to discuss your experience in collaborating with product and technology teams, and how you've navigated challenges in a matrixed environment. Highlight any successful partnerships you've built and the impact they had on vendor performance.
