Senior Vendor Manager (m/f/d)

Your Responsibilities:  

Strategic IT Partner Ownership 

• Own the Supplier Relationship Management (SRM) for a defined set of strategic IT services partners (e.g. cloud and infrastructure services, application services, managed services, development partners). 

• Act as the counterpart to senior vendor leadership, driving long-term collaboration and continuous improvement. 

• Contribute to define and steer partner strategies, including vendor positioning, consolidation and capability development. 

Governance & Performance Management 

• Design, run and continuously improve the vendor governance framework:                                               - Operational reviews (service quality, incidents, delivery performance)                                                  - Tactical reviews (KPIs, SLAs, financials, demand outlook)                                                                    - Strategic reviews (roadmaps, innovation, risk, transformation) 

• Ensure transparent, data-driven performance management using KPIs, scorecards, and service reporting. 

• Lead escalation management, conflict resolution and structured back-to-green plans when performance deviates.

Required key competencies and qualifications: 

• 5+ years of professional experience in Vendor Management, IT Procurement, IT Service Management or a comparable role. 

• Proven track record managing large, international, complex IT service providers in a global or enterprise environment. 

• Extensive knowledge of IT service delivery models including managed services, time and materials (T&M) and outcome-based approaches. Certifications such as ITIL and SIAM along with practical experience in ServiceNow demonstrate a commitment to lifelong learning and maintaining knowledge. 

• Strong experience with governance structures, SLAs, KPIs, and executive-level reviews. 

• Ability to challenge vendors constructively and drive outcomes without formal authority. 

Leadership & Mindset 

• presence and confidence in interactions with executives—internally and externally. 

• Structured, analytical and fact-based decision-maker. 

• Comfortable navigating ambiguity, conflicts and high-stakes situations. 

• Clear communicator who can translate complexity into actions. 

Languages 

• Fluent in English and German (both mandatory).

What we offer at METRO.digital?    

• Hybrid and agile work: thrive in a flexible, multicultural environment.

At METRO.digital, we promote work-life balance through a hybrid working model. You’ll be part of self-organizing, multicultural teams that collaborate in an agile setup.

• People development: when you grow so do we!

We want you to become the best version of yourself with individual and company-wide programs and trainings for people development. Focused among other on development, leadership, appreciation ... it´s time to upskill your career.

• Support with individual solutions: we are people-caring!

We offer support whenever you need it - at every stage of your professional journey.

Want to know more about all our benefits? Discover more here. 

Let´s connect soon. Apply for the role now!    

Position grade within our career framework: Procurement Consultant Grade 4 (Md8).