IT Vendor Management Risk Specialist

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and manage IT vendor relationships, ensuring effective risk management across all third-party engagements

• Oversee the contracting process and associated costs, ensuring all agreements align with organisational goals, budget considerations, and regulatory requirements

• Monitor and evaluate vendor performance against defined KPIs and SLAs, conducting regular reviews and driving continuous improvement initiatives

• Maintain visibility over vendor security posture to ensure ongoing compliance and operational effectiveness

• Conduct regular audits and assessments to ensure vendor activities meet regulatory, security, and legal standards, mitigating third-party risks

• Identify and implement enhancements to vendor management processes in line with evolving regulatory standards, security expectations, and industry best practices

• Serve as the primary liaison with vendors, resolving issues and fostering strong, collaborative partnerships

• Perform thorough due diligence on new vendors to assess reliability, compliance, and security readiness

• Generate comprehensive reports on vendor performance, risks, and compliance status for senior leadership and key stakeholders

• Collaborate closely with internal teams such as Technology, Finance, and other relevant functions to ensure alignment between vendor management practices and business objectives

Requirements

• Bachelors degree in Information Technology, Business Administration, or a related discipline

• 57 years of hands-on experience in IT vendor management, procurement, or related functions

• Proven ability to manage complex vendor relationships in highly regulated industries, including performance monitoring and issue resolution

• Strong knowledge of regulatory, legal, and compliance frameworks related to IT vendor oversight

• Demonstrated risk-focused mindset, with experience supporting mission-critical technology environments

• Excellent analytical capabilities with experience in tracking KPIs and leading vendor performance improvement initiatives

• Strong written and verbal communication skills

• Proactive problem-solver with a continuous improvement mindset

• Relevant certifications such as CISA, CISM, CISSP, CRISC, or equivalent, are an advantage