Head of Vendor Management
Randstad CanadaOur client, is seeking an experienced, executive-level Head of Vendor Management to lead and evolve their Vendor Management Office (VMO) within the Digital Technology Strategy and Transformation group.
Reporting directly to the VP of Digital Technology Strategy and Transformation, this high-visibility strategic leader will oversee the end-to-end technology vendor ecosystem across software, cloud,
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managed services, and cybersecurity solutions. You will serve as a trusted advisor to senior business and technology executives, driving strategic vendor selection support, vendor performance frameworks, third-party risk governance, and SLA compliance. Operating in a fast-paced digital transformation environment, you will establish robust KPI monitoring, lead structured performance reviews, and partner with Procurement, Legal, and Risk teams to optimize vendor value, mitigate risk, and accelerate digital capabilities.
Advantages
Executive Leadership Scope: Build, refine, and lead a world-class technology Vendor Management Office (VMO) supporting enterprise digital transformation.
Strategic Advisory Exposure: Serve as a trusted advisor to senior IT, business, and executive leaders on vendor ecosystems, market trends, and risk management.
Complex Multi-Category Portfolio: Oversee high-value technology vendors spanning enterprise software, cloud platforms, managed IT services, and cybersecurity solutions.
Continuous Innovation & Benchmarking: Collaborate with digital transformation experts to drive operational efficiency, adopt cutting-edge vendor tools, and benchmark market capabilities.
Responsibilities
Vendor Strategy & Selection Support: Partner closely with Procurement and cross-functional technology leads to evaluate, assess, and select IT vendors aligned with long-term technology roadmaps and corporate objectives.
Performance Management Framework: Develop, implement, and maintain a comprehensive vendor performance monitoring framework—defining tailored KPIs, conducting structured reviews, and tracking SLA compliance.
Relationship & Stakeholder Governance: Serve as the primary executive contact for key technology vendors; cultivate trust-based relationships while ensuring vendor alignment with business needs across IT, Security, and Operations.
Third-Party Risk & Compliance Oversight: Identify, document, and escalate vendor operational, security, and regulatory risks to Legal, Risk, and Compliance teams, advising on appropriate mitigation strategies.
Market Insights & Contract Insights: Monitor industry trends and benchmark vendor benchmarks to provide data-driven insights that support Procurement and Legal teams during contract renewals and negotiation strategies.
Qualifications
Senior Leadership Experience: 10+ years of progressive, hands-on experience in IT vendor management, technology procurement, or VMO leadership, including direct team management experience.
Technology Market Depth: Extensive technical understanding of major technology markets, including enterprise software (SaaS/PaaS), cloud infrastructure, managed services, and cybersecurity tools.
Contract Law & Risk Expertise: Deep knowledge of technology contract principles, third-party risk frameworks (TPRM), SLA enforcement, and regulatory compliance requirements.
Analytical & Executive Influence: Outstanding analytical, presentation, and interpersonal skills, with a proven ability to influence decisions at all organizational levels.
VMO Function Optimization: Demonstrated track record establishing or transforming a Vendor Management Office within large, complex enterprise environments.
Education: Bachelor’s degree in Information Technology, Business Administration, Supply Chain, or a related field (Master’s degree preferred).
Preferred Assets & Certifications
Professional certifications in supply chain, procurement, risk, or IT governance: CPSM, CTPRP, ITIL, or PMP.
Deep proficiency with enterprise vendor management software, analytics dashboards, and GRC platfor