Program Manager II

Senior Program Manager - IT Technology Vendor Management

Location: Oakland, CA (Hybrid - 2-3 days per week at the headquarters office)

Duration: 12 Months

Working Hours: Core business hours, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM

Position Summary

The Senior Program Manager - IT Technology Vendor Management serves as a strategic partner and trusted advisor in managing the organization's technology vendor ecosystem. This role bridges business strategy, IT leadership, and vendor relationships to ensure technology investments deliver maximum value, are cost-optimized, and align with long-term capital and operating plans.

The ideal candidate has a strong passion for operational excellence and vendor management, excellent communication and interpersonal skills, strong analytical capabilities, and the ability to work independently and collaboratively across cross-functional teams.

This role collaborates with Operations, Enterprise Architecture, Sourcing, Finance, Legal, and IT Leadership to define vendor requirements, manage supplier performance, and align technology investments with business objectives. The position also supports executive reporting and strategic decision-making while ensuring technology purchases are optimized and integrated with multi-year capital and operating expense plans.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and maintain strategic relationships with Tier-1 and Tier-2 technology suppliers, engaging regularly with supplier leadership.

• Manage the full lifecycle of vendor relationships, including onboarding, governance, performance reviews, and contract compliance.

• Conduct periodic supplier reviews to assess performance, document product roadmaps, and align vendor capabilities with business needs.

• Partner with Operations, Architecture, IT Leadership, and other stakeholders to define and document vendor capabilities and requirements.

• Identify opportunities to rationalize the existing technology footprint and explore emerging technologies through proofs of concept.

Vendor Performance and Governance

• Establish, monitor, and report supplier performance against key performance indicators (KPIs), service level agreements (SLAs), and contractual commitments.

• Develop quantitative analyses and executive reports to drive supplier accountability and continuous improvement.

• Proactively identify and resolve operational challenges, risks, and opportunities within the vendor portfolio.

• Ensure suppliers consistently meet contractual, service, and compliance requirements while driving operational excellence and innovation.

Financial Management and Cost Optimization

• Develop innovative commercial models and negotiation strategies in partnership with Sourcing to support financial savings objectives.

• Conduct Total Cost of Ownership (TCO) analyses, evaluating direct and indirect costs to inform vendor decisions and improve cost efficiency.

• Translate technology requirements into vendor-specific solutions aligned with multi-year capital and operating expense plans.

• Develop and present vendor spend forecasts, segmented by capital and operating expenses, to Finance and IT Leadership.

• Ensure technology investments are integrated with financial plans and enterprise priorities.

Cross-Functional Collaboration and Executive Reporting

• Collaborate with Sourcing, IT, Architecture, Finance, Legal, and business teams to align vendor strategies with organizational objectives.

• Provide strategic insights and recommendations to executives while engaging effectively with technical teams and individual contributors.

• Support business case development, market analysis, value assessments, and alternative sourcing strategies.

• Identify opportunities for innovation, operational efficiency, and improved business outcomes through vendor partnerships.

• Represent vendor strategy at both executive and operational levels, adapting communication to diverse stakeholders.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Information Technology, Business Administration, or a related field.

• 8+ years of progressive experience in IT vendor management, sourcing, or technology strategy.

• Strong experience managing and optimizing relationships with Tier-1 technology suppliers.

• Demonstrated expertise in IT contracts, vendor governance, and technology lifecycle management.

• Proven ability to manage multiple complex vendor relationships and restructure contractual arrangements to enhance value.

• Experience developing supplier strategies aligned with business objectives and technology roadmaps.

• Strong project management skills, including managing large-scale technology implementations and process improvements.

• Demonstrated experience in cost optimization, contract strategy, business case development, and financial analysis.

• Strong understanding of vendor-driven spend forecasts, including capital and operating expenses.

• Excellent executive communication, presentation, and stakeholder management skills.

• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making skills.

• Ability to manage competing priorities, work independently, and contribute to broader team objectives.

• Proven ability to influence executives and collaborate effectively with technical teams and individual contributors.

• Knowledge of IT infrastructure, applications, cloud services, and emerging technologies.

Preferred Qualifications

• Master's degree in Business, Engineering, Information Systems, or a related discipline.

• Professional certifications such as Certified Professional in Supplier Management (CPSM), Certified Technology Procurement Professional (CTPP), or ITIL.

• Experience managing technology vendors within large, complex enterprises and multi-year investment planning cycles.

• Experience with ERP, vendor management, or procurement tools such as SAP Ariba, Coupa, ServiceNow, or GEP.

• Knowledge of regulatory, compliance, and risk management considerations in IT vendor contracts.

• Strong track record of driving innovation, cost optimization, and value creation through strategic vendor partnerships.