IT Vendor Manager

Location: 200 E Grand Avenue, Des Moines, IA 50309
Work Arrangement: Hybrid (Onsite Every Wednesday Required)

 

About the Role

We are seeking a skilled IT Vendor Manager to support a major state-level IT organization. This role is responsible for managing IT vendor relationships, overseeing contract compliance, and driving vendor performance in alignment with IT standards, policies, and strategic goals.

The hiring organization provides secure, cost-effective, and innovative technology solutions and manages IT assets, projects, and resources across multiple statewide operations. This position plays a key role in ensuring strong vendor partnerships that support critical IT services.

Key Responsibilities

IT Vendor Relationship Management

Develop and maintain strong relationships with IT vendors and service providers.

Serve as the escalation point for vendor-related issues and disputes.

Facilitate regular vendor performance and business reviews.

IT Agreements & SLA Oversight

Oversee negotiation, execution, and renewal of IT Statements of Work (SOWs).

Ensure alignment with legal, financial, cybersecurity, and operational standards.

Track compliance with SLAs, KPIs, and contractual obligations.

Collaborate with legal and procurement teams to secure favorable contract terms.

Financial & Risk Management

Track vendor spend and ensure alignment with IT budgets and forecasts.

Identify and manage vendor-related risks (cybersecurity, data privacy, operational continuity).

Support audits and compliance activities related to vendor engagements.

Change & Issue Management

Log and manage vendor issues, escalations, and change requests.

Coordinate resolution of service disruptions or contract-related concerns.

Document change control approvals for IT services or infrastructure.

Stakeholder Communication

Schedule and document vendor meetings, demos, and onboarding sessions.

Communicate vendor performance updates, risks, and contract changes to stakeholders.

Other duties as assigned.

Required Qualifications

Bachelor’s degree from an accredited four-year college or university.

Minimum 2 years of relevant full-time professional experience.

Required Skills & Experience

3+ years managing vendor relationships for software, hardware, cloud services, and IT consulting.

3+ years tracking SLAs, KPIs, risk metrics, and implementing corrective actions.

Strong knowledge of IT procurement standards (cybersecurity, data privacy, accessibility).

Ability to develop and maintain a strategic vendor portfolio aligned with an IT roadmap.

Experience conducting market research to identify emerging technologies and qualified vendors.

Proven ability to benchmark vendor pricing and service levels against industry standards.