Strategic Vendor Management Director

What You Will Do:

GFT is seeking a Director of Strategic Vendor Management to join our Technology Office Team! This role offers the option of following a hybrid work schedule from any of our GFT Inc - US Locations or the option of working fully remote.

The GFT Strategic Services team, which includes Human Resources, Legal, Accounting & Finance, Office Operations, Technology Office and Marketing & Communications, is essential for managing and supporting the company's global operations. Strategic Services is part of a broader strategy to transform the business and improve efficiency. The support of this amazing team of professionals is the backbone of our ability to deliver infrastructure consulting and design services.

What you'll be challenged to do:

Director of Strategic Vendor Management is responsible for leading GFT's strategic relationships with enterprise software vendors and ensuring the business maximizes value from these relationships. This role will focus on building long-term partnerships and a governance model with key technology providers, while collaborating with GFT teams (business groups, finance, IT) to align vendor capabilities and programs with the needs of the business.

This role will report to the CTO, focus on driving innovation, efficiency, business growth, and operational excellence through vendor relationships across the Technology@GFT program.

• Serve as the primary relationship owner for key software vendors (e.g., Autodesk, Bentley, ESRI, technology providers).
• Develop, operate, and scale a partnership model that aligns vendor enterprise programs with the firm's business objectives and digital initiatives.
• Collaborate with the business groups and Strategic Services leaders to ensure alignment and to deliver efficiencies, innovation, talent upskilling, and growth to the business.
• Lead joint planning activities with vendors to influence product roadmaps, service offerings, and support models tailored to the needs of GFT.
• Establish governance frameworks for tracking vendor and GFT activities, performance, and value to the business.
• Align vendor enterprise program benefits (training, support, business development, marketing, innovation programs) with needs and capabilities of GFT business operations.
• Proactively manage innovation work streams with vendors to ensure GFT teams are engaged and align with the firm's strategic needs.
• Track financial spend, license allocation, and utilization to support both corporate functions and project delivery teams.
• Serve as primary point of contact for conflict resolution.
• Partner with IT procurement on contract renewals and negotiations.

• Bachelor's degree in Business, Information Systems, Engineering, Supply Chain, or related field.
• Experience with utilizing technology vendor enterprise programs for business outcomes.
• Knowledge of the AEC industry, key vendors, and key use cases technology vendors' support.
• Proven ability to manage multiple technology work streams to desired outcomes and schedule.

• 10+ years of experience in software vendor management, enterprise licensing, or IT.
• Proven experience in managing technology vendor programs against strategic company initiatives.
• 10+ years of experience in AEC industry, working with key vendors in support of key use cases technology vendors' support.
• Certifications from vendor programs.

The salary range for this role is $210,000 - $275,000. Salary is dependent upon experience and geographic location.

• Hybrid (in-person and remote) work environment.
• Comprehensive benefits package including wellness programs, parental leave, and pet insurance, in addition to medical, dental, vision, disability, and life insurance.
• Tax-deferred 401(k) savings plan.
• Competitive paid-time-off (PTO) accrual.
• Tuition reimbursement for continued education.
• Commitment to professional development, access to internal and external training programs, and support of active participation in professional organizations.
• Incentive compensation for eligible positions.

At GFT, a privately held AEC firm, we innovate where transportation, water, power, and buildings converge. We call this the Infrastructure of Life. We measure our success by the strength of our relationships - that's why we're the employer of choice for 5,000+ of the industry's brightest engineers, planners, architects, inspectors, designers, and more.

Our clients choose us for our expertise and prefer us for our nimble approach, creativity, and personal touch. Backed by over a century's experience, together we're building a lasting legacy for future generations: stronger communities, a healthier planet, and better lives.

GFT:
Ingenuity That Shapes Lives is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified candidates will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual…