Find a job 
Featured Companies 
Featured Universities 
For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Manage vendor performance and oversee contract lifecycle in a dynamic tech environment.
- Company: Join Hays, a leading recruitment firm with a bold tech strategy.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, bonus, and benefits package tailored to your role.
- Other info: Engage with senior stakeholders and drive continuous improvement.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on vendor performance and cost management.
- Qualifications: Experience in vendor management and contract oversight in tech settings.
The predicted salary is between 50000 - 60000 £ per year.
Read on to fully understand what this job requires in terms of skills and experience. If you are a good match, make an application.
In order to proceed with an application for this position, you must be able to demonstrate:
- Direct experience managing technology vendors or MSPs in an enterprise environment
- Strong involvement in contract lifecycle management (renewals, obligations, commercial terms)
- Experience challenging suppliers on performance, service quality, and commercial outcomes
- Ownership of SLA/KPI frameworks, vendor scorecards, and performance reporting
- Exposure to cost transparency, consumption analysis, or optimisation initiatives
The Role:
This role sits within Technology Operations and is responsible for governing vendor performance and contract integrity across a global technology estate. You will act as the primary operational and commercial governance point for key vendors and managed service providers, ensuring performance, compliance, and value are consistently delivered. Working closely with Service Performance, Procurement, Finance, and Legal, you will ensure that vendor relationships are well-managed, commercially controlled, and continuously improving.
What You’ll Own:
- Vendor Performance & Governance: Manage vendor performance through structured scorecards, SLA/KPI frameworks, and regular service reviews. Drive accountability and continuous improvement.
- Contract Lifecycle Management: Own contract tracking across renewals, obligations, risks, and milestones. Ensure contracts are actively managed, not passively maintained.
- Commercial Oversight: Support cost transparency, consumption analysis, and optimisation initiatives. Identify risks, inefficiencies, and opportunities to improve value.
- Supplier Challenge & Escalation: Manage commercial escalations, disputes, service credits, and corrective actions. Hold vendors accountable for delivery and contractual commitments.
- Reporting & Insight: Produce performance dashboards, QBR packs, and governance reporting, providing clear insight into vendor performance and risk.
What We’re Looking For:
You will bring experience from enterprise-scale environments where vendor ecosystems are complex and performance matters. Key experience includes:
- Vendor or supplier management within technology environments (cloud, infrastructure, telco, platforms)
- Strong understanding of contract structures, commercial terms, and vendor obligations
- Experience working with Procurement, Legal, and Finance stakeholders
- Ability to interpret performance data (KPIs, SLAs) and drive action
- Confidence to challenge vendors and manage difficult conversations
- Strong organisational and stakeholder management skills
Why This Role:
- Real impact: Direct influence over vendor performance and cost across a large technology estate
- Exposure: Work closely with senior stakeholders across Technology, Procurement, and Finance
- Complexity: Engage with multiple vendors across infrastructure, cloud, and platform services
- Visibility: Key role in ensuring operational and commercial control
The Package:
Competitive salary + bonus + benefits aligned to the level of the role.
Vendor and Contract Manager employer: Hays Specialist Recruitment Limited
Contact Detail:
Hays Specialist Recruitment Limited Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Vendor and Contract Manager
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the industry, especially those who work with vendors or in contract management. A friendly chat can lead to insider info about job openings that aren't even advertised yet.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by brushing up on your vendor management skills. Be ready to discuss specific examples of how you've handled performance issues or contract negotiations. We want to see your experience shine!
✨Tip Number 3
Don’t just apply anywhere; focus on companies that align with your values and expertise. Use our website to find roles that match your skills in vendor and contract management. It’s all about finding the right fit!
✨Tip Number 4
Follow up after interviews! A quick thank-you email can keep you top of mind. Mention something specific from your conversation to show you were engaged and are genuinely interested in the role.
We think you need these skills to ace Vendor and Contract Manager
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights your experience with managing technology vendors and contract lifecycle management. We want to see how your skills match the job description, so don’t be shy about showcasing relevant achievements!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you’re the perfect fit for the Vendor and Contract Manager role. Share specific examples of how you've challenged suppliers and improved vendor performance in the past.
Showcase Your Data Skills: Since this role involves interpreting performance data, make sure to mention any experience you have with KPIs, SLAs, or performance reporting. We love seeing candidates who can back up their claims with solid data!
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 shows you’re keen on joining our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Hays Specialist Recruitment Limited
✨Know Your Vendors Inside Out
Before the interview, make sure you research the vendors and managed service providers relevant to the role. Understand their services, performance metrics, and any recent news or changes in their operations. This will help you demonstrate your knowledge and show that you're proactive.
✨Master the Contract Lifecycle
Brush up on your understanding of contract lifecycle management. Be ready to discuss your experience with renewals, obligations, and commercial terms. Prepare examples of how you've successfully managed contracts in the past, focusing on how you ensured compliance and value.
✨Prepare for Challenging Conversations
Since the role involves holding vendors accountable, think of scenarios where you've had to challenge suppliers on performance or service quality. Be prepared to share specific examples and how you navigated those conversations effectively.
✨Showcase Your Analytical Skills
The ability to interpret performance data is crucial. Bring along examples of dashboards or reports you've created in previous roles. Discuss how you used this data to drive improvements and make informed decisions regarding vendor performance.