Vendor / Contract Manager
Role Overview
The Vendor / Contract Manager is responsible for managing all vendor relationships, contractual obligations, supplier performance, commercial governance, and compliance activities across the assigned account.
The role acts as the primary interface between client stakeholders, internal delivery teams, procurement, legal, finance, and third-party suppliers to ensure vendors meet contractual commitments, service levels, quality standards, and budget objectives.
The successful candidate will drive effective supplier governance, cost optimization, contract compliance, risk mitigation, and continuous service improvement while supporting the strategic objectives of the account.
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Key Responsibilities
Vendor Management & Governance
• Manage relationships with strategic vendors and subcontractors supporting the NUS account.
• Establish and maintain vendor governance frameworks.
• Conduct Monthly Service Reviews (MSR) and Quarterly Business Reviews (QBR).
• Monitor supplier performance against contractual KPIs and SLAs.
• Drive vendor accountability and service improvement initiatives.
• Manage vendor escalations and dispute resolution.
Contract Management
• Manage the complete contract lifecycle, including onboarding, renewals, amendments, and terminations.
• Review and administer Master Service Agreements (MSA), Statements of Work (SOW), and Purchase Orders.
• Ensure compliance with contractual terms and obligations.
• Track contract milestones, renewal dates, and commercial commitments.
• Work closely with legal and procurement teams on contract reviews and negotiations.
Financial & Commercial Management
• Monitor vendor spend against approved budgets.
• Validate invoices and ensure billing accuracy.
• Support forecasting and financial planning activities.
• Identify cost optimization and efficiency opportunities.
• Manage service credits and contract penalties where applicable.
SLA & Performance Management
• Define and monitor vendor performance metrics.
• Track SLA compliance and service quality.
• Produce vendor scorecards and governance reports.
Risk, Compliance & Audit Management
• Manage third-party risk assessments.
• Support audit and compliance activities.
• Ensure compliance with security, privacy, and regulatory requirements.
Stakeholder Management
• Act as the primary point of contact for vendor-related matters.
• Collaborate with client stakeholders, service delivery teams, procurement, finance, legal, and suppliers.
• Provide executive-level reporting and presentations.
• Manage vendor and contractual escalations.
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Experience
• 8+ years of Vendor, Contract, Procurement, or Service Delivery Management experience.
• Experience managing large enterprise contracts.
• Strong understanding of supplier governance and commercial management.
• Experience working with multiple stakeholders, vendors, and delivery teams.
• Experience in higher education or large managed services environments is advantageous.