Head of Vendor Relationship Management

An international financial services company is looking for a Head of Vendor Relationship Management. The successful candidate will lead strategic IT vendor governance, relationship management, commercial oversight, contract management, risk mitigation, and performance optimisation across a large technology vendor portfolio.

Responsibilities:

• Lead strategic vendor identification, relationship management, and long-term governance across IT vendors
• Support strategic sourcing activities, including RFP and RFI planning, vendor evaluation, and procurement coordination
• Drive contract renewals, contract consolidation, and vendor rationalisation while maintaining service continuity
• Oversee statement of work administration, contract reporting, deliverable tracking, governance activities, and documentation
• Establish governance forums and manage vendor KPIs, SLAs, SLOs, scorecards, and performance reviews
• Monitor vendor risks, issues, control gaps, and remediation plans in collaboration with internal stakeholders
• Lead contract financial analysis, forecasting, commercial performance reviews, and value realisation initiatives
• Develop negotiation strategies with procurement and business stakeholders to improve cost, quality, flexibility, and risk outcomes

Requirements:

• Bachelor’s degree or above in Business, Finance, Technology, Supply Chain, or related field
• 10-15+ years of experience in IT vendor management, procurement, sourcing, contract management, IT service management, or technology delivery governance
• Experience managing complex vendor ecosystems within a global or regulated organisation in Japan
• Hands-on experience with RFP/RFI support, contract renewals, statement of work administration, vendor scorecards, and risk remediation
• Ability to translate vendor performance, commercial risks, and control gaps into executive recommendations
• Strong governance mindset with experience establishing KPIs, reporting, and accountability frameworks
• Business level English and Japanese

Preferred requirements:

• Possess a valid MBA or procurement or contract management certification

About the Company:

A globally recognised financial services company providing insurance, annuities, employee benefits, and asset management across more than 40 markets worldwide. The organisation has a long-established presence in Japan and is committed to delivering trusted financial solutions through global expertise and local excellence.

Keywords:

ベンダーマネジメント, IT調達, 調達, 契約管理, ベンダーガバナンス, ITサービス管理, リスク管理, ソーシング, 求人, 外資系

Job Ref: LWDKJ9