Category Manager

Vendor ManagerTitle: Vendor ManagerBill Rate: $38-42/HRHours: 8-5 M-F | Flexible Fully RemoteAssignment Duration: 4 monthKey AccountabilitiesEnterprise Vendor StrategyExecute the enterprise vendor strategy for talent and learning solutions, shaping recommendations and delivery plansEstablish clear principles for when to build, buy, scale, or exit vendorsReduce duplication and fragmentation across segments and functionsEnsure vendor choices align to enterprise standards, platforms, and capability prioritiesVendor Selection, Rationalization & Lifecycle ManagementLead vendor selection, onboarding, rationalization, and exit processes, in partnership with Group Procurement and enterprise Talent & Learning leadershipMaintain a clear, enterprise view of the approved vendor landscapeDrive consolidation where appropriate to improve value, consistency, and leverageEnsure vendors are positioned appropriately (strategic partner vs tactical provider)Commercial Management & ContractingPartner with Group Procurement on MSAs, SLAs, renewals, negotiations, and commercial terms, providing insight, analysis, and recommendationsEnsure contracts support scalability, flexibility, data protection, and performance accountabilityBalance commercial efficiency with service quality and innovationProactively manage renewals and avoid reactive, last minute contracting decisionsPerformance, Value & ROIDefine and track vendor performance metrics aligned to outcomes, not just activityEstablish clear expectations for delivery, quality, innovation, and responsivenessDrive cost efficiency, value for money, and return on investment across the vendor portfolioHold vendors accountable for results and continuous improvementSpend Transparency & Risk InsightProvide leaders with clear insight into learning and talent spend, value, and riskCreate transparency across enterprise and segment level investmentsIdentify cost pressures, duplication, and under performing investments earlyEnsure vendor risk (financial, operational, data, compliance) is visible and managedEnterprise Alignment & EnablementWork closely with Talent, Learning, SSC, and segments to align vendor usage to enterprise prioritiesEnable segments to access high quality partners quickly within agreed guardrailsAct as a trusted advisor, not a blocker, balancing discipline with business needsKey PartnershipsGroup ProcurementEnterprise Talent, Learning, and Leadership capability ownersSegment Talent and Learning leadersFinance and budget ownersShared Services Centres (SSC)Legal, Risk, and Compliance partnersStrategic talent and learning vendorsExperience & Profile3+ years proven experience in procurement, vendor management, or commercial leadership, ideally within learning, talent, or professional servicesExperience managing complex vendor portfolios in a global organizationStrong commercial acumen, including contracting, negotiations, and performance managementExperience working in partnership with central procurement functionsWays of WorkingCommercial, analytical, and outcome focusedComfortable operating within enterprise direction and supporting the modernization of legacy arrangementsStrong stakeholder management and influencing skillsAble to balance enterprise discipline with business flexibilityPersonal AttributesCredible and confident with senior leadersPragmatic and decisive; avoids unnecessary complexityTrusted advisor with a strong sense of commercial judgementAble to bring clarity and structure to complex spend environments