Vendor and Contract Manager (Copenhagen)

Job summary

This role involves the strategic management and commercial ownership of a portfolio of global Tier 1 technology vendors, requiring on-site presence five days a week. The position serves as a critical link between Technology, Finance, Legal, and suppliers to ensure effective governance and contract compliance.

Qualifications

• Proven experience in procurement, category management, or vendor management within a global enterprise.
• Strong commercial acumen with advanced negotiation and contract structuring skills.
• Deep experience managing strategic technology vendors (e.g., SaaS, Cloud, IT Services).
• Ability to influence senior stakeholders and operate at the executive level.
• Strong analytical capability (spend analysis, cost modeling, market insights).
• Solid understanding of procurement governance, risk management, and compliance.
• Excellent stakeholder management and communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Own and manage relationships with strategic vendors, ensuring alignment to Technology strategies.
• Lead executive-level engagement with suppliers, including governance forums and business reviews.
• Develop and maintain structured supplier governance models, including performance tracking and escalation frameworks.
• Drive long-term partnership value through innovation, joint planning, and continuous improvement.
• Develop and execute comprehensive category strategies for strategic vendors, aligned to business and technology roadmaps.
• Conduct spend analysis, supplier segmentation, and market benchmarking to inform sourcing decisions.
• Identify opportunities to rationalize the vendor landscape and optimize cost structures.
• Lead complex global contract negotiations with key suppliers and oversee the full contract lifecycle.
• Define and implement supplier performance frameworks (KPIs, SLAs, scorecards).
• Manage supplier disputes, escalations, and commercial remediation.

Skills

• Strong negotiation and contract structuring skills.
• Analytical skills for spend analysis and market insights.
• Stakeholder management and communication skills.

Education

• Relevant degree or equivalent experience in procurement or vendor management.

Tools

• Familiarity with procurement and vendor management software and tools.