Vendor Manager (m/f/d)

Northern Data Group is at the forefront of the technology industry, providing high-performance computing (HPC) solutions and infrastructure that power the next generation of AI, blockchain, and cloud services. We are looking for a Vendor Manager to manage our strategic supplier ecosystem as we continue our global expansion.

Responsibilities

• Strategic Relationship Management: build and maintain effective, long-term relationships with external suppliers to ensure reliable service delivery and cost efficiency.
• Performance & Quality Oversight: monitor vendor performance, resolve issues, and identify opportunities to improve quality and optimise supply chain operations.
• Contractual & Commercial Lead: lead the negotiation of high-value, complex contracts and manage a diverse vendor ecosystem to ensure favourable commercial terms.
• Risk & Compliance Management: oversee third-party risk management and ensure all vendors comply with contractual agreements and regulatory frameworks.
• Financial & Budgetary Control: responsible for cost control, budget management, and procurement planning to support business and project objectives.
• Stakeholder Collaboration: act as a key liaison between internal teams, specifically Data Center Operations, Facilities, and IT Infrastructure, and our external partners.

Experience

• Professional Tenacity: 10+ years of experience in vendor management, procurement, or supplier management.
• Industry Background: proven experience working in or supporting data center operations, facilities management, or IT infrastructure environments.
• Strategic Portfolio Management: background in managing large-scale vendor portfolios and strategic suppliers.
• Negotiation & Commercial Acumen: strong contract negotiation and commercial management skills, with experience handling high-value contracts.
• Compliance Knowledge: working knowledge of third-party risk management and compliance frameworks.
• Analytical Capability: strong analytical and financial management skills, including experience with data analysis and reporting tools like Microsoft Excel.
• Technical Systems: familiarity with enterprise systems, specifically SAP ERP.
• Education: Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Supply Chain Management, Engineering, IT, or a related field.
• Leadership: excellent stakeholder management and leadership abilities.

What We Offer

• With us, you will work towards the future of HPC: From new, sustainable building methods for data centers to cooling concepts to software solutions for accelerated compute.
• Your approaches count: In official exchange formats or spontaneously at the coffee machine.
• At Northern Data, it's the best idea that counts - not the hierarchy.
• We’re looking forward to getting your inputs! You make the difference in the company: Unlike in established corporations, at Northern Data you will really help shape things. From implementing new departments, to optimizing processes and culture.
• Best-in-class partners: The best work with Northern Data. This means a knowledge and time advantage from which your career and our customers benefit equally.
• Green by heart: Sustainability is at the core of Northern Data. With us, you actively work on the carbon neutrality of datacenters worldwide. Beginning with our infrastructure and continuing with the solutions for our clients, we work towards a green future.
• Home Office facts: Work with our international and virtual team flexible from home. And of course, your hardware wishes will be fulfilled to make your ideas for next level HPC come true.
• Your wellness matters: At Northern Data we have regular wellbeing initiatives that are designed to promote wellness, diversity, inclusion, and much more, ensuring a supportive and enriching environment for our global team.