Vendor Manager

Vendor Manager
Hybrid (London-based office with remote flexibility)
Up to 80,000 per annum + Benefits

83zero are partnered with a leading financial payments company at the forefront of innovation in the payments sector. They are dedicated to providing secure, efficient, and scalable payment solutions to a global client base.

We are seeking a Vendor Manager to oversee our strategic vendor relationships, particularly with large payment companies, and ensure optimal performance, cost-efficiency, and compliance. You will be responsible for managing third-party relationships, negotiating contracts, ensuring regulatory compliance, and driving vendor performance in line with business objectives. A key focus of this role will be establishing and maintaining partnerships with major payment providers while optimising third-party management strategies.

Key Responsibilities

• Vendor Strategy & Management: Develop and implement vendor management strategies aligned with business goals, with a strong emphasis on large payment providers.
• Contract Negotiation: Lead negotiations to secure favourable terms while ensuring compliance with regulatory and legal standards.
• Performance Monitoring: Establish key performance indicators (KPIs) and conduct regular vendor assessments to ensure service level agreements (SLAs) are met.
• Third-Party Management: Oversee relationships with external vendors, ensuring seamless integration of services and mitigating any risks associated with third-party dependencies.
• Stakeholder Collaboration: Work closely with procurement, legal, finance, and operational teams to align vendor strategies with business objectives.
• Cost Optimisation: Analyse vendor spend and seek cost-saving opportunities without compromising service quality.
• Compliance & Governance: Ensure all vendors adhere to industry regulations, data protection policies, and company compliance standards.
• Process Improvement: Continuously refine vendor management frameworks and best practices to enhance efficiency and effectiveness.

Key Requirements

• Experience: 5+ years of vendor management experience within financial services, fintech, or payments industries, with a proven track record of managing relationships with large payment providers.
  
• Knowledge: Strong understanding of payment processing ecosystems, compliance (e.g., FCA regulations, PSD2, GDPR), and procurement best practices.
• Negotiation Skills: Proven ability to negotiate complex contracts and manage vendor disputes effectively.
• Stakeholder Engagement: Experience working with C-level executives, legal, finance, and operational teams to align vendor strategies.
• Analytical Ability: Strong data-driven decision-making skills with experience in financial analysis and reporting.
• Technology Proficiency: Familiarity with vendor management systems (VMS), procurement software, and financial services technology.
• Education: Bachelor's degree in Business, Finance, Procurement, or a related field. Professional certifications (e.g., CIPS, ITIL) are a plus.