IT Vendor Manager

DPP is seeking an IT Vendor Manager for an opportunity in Des Moines, Iowa.

• Hybrid:
  Onsite Wednesdays
• W2 position; 5 months
• Candidates local/regional to Des Moines, IA.

• This role will focus on managing vendor relationship, contract, performance and compliance in alignment with state IT standard and strategic goals.
• This position will play a key role in managing IT vendor relationships, ensuring contract compliance, and supporting strategic sourcing initiatives.
• The ideal candidate will have a strong background in IT vendor management, contract oversight, and risk mitigation.

• IT Vendor Relationship Management

• Develop and maintain strong relationships with key IT vendors and service providers.

• Serve as the escalation point for vendor-related issues and disputes.

• Facilitate regular vendor performance and business reviews.

• IT Agreement and SLA Oversight

• Oversee negotiation, execution, and renewal of IT Statements of Work (SOWs).

• Ensure alignment with legal, financial, and operational standards.

• Monitor compliance with SLAs, KPIs, and contractual obligations.

• Collaborate with legal and procurement teams to ensure enforceable and favorable contract terms.

• IT Financial and Risk Management

• Track vendor spend and ensure alignment with IT budgets and forecasts.

• Identify and manage vendor-related risks, including cybersecurity, data privacy, and operational continuity.

• Support audits and compliance initiatives related to vendor engagements

• Change and Issue Management

• Log and track vendor-related issues, escalations, and change requests.

• Coordinate resolution of service disruptions or contract disputes.

• Document change control approvals for IT services or infrastructure.

• Stakeholder Communication

• Schedule and document vendor meetings, demos, and onboarding sessions.

• Communicate vendor updates, risks, and contract changes to stakeholders.

• Graduation from an accredited four-year college or university and a minimum of two (2) years of full-time relevant work experience.

• Manage vendor relationships for software, hardware, cloud services, and IT consulting engagements (3 years)
• Experience tracking SLAs, KPIs, and risk metrics; initiating corrective actions for underperformance
• Knowledge of IT procurement standards, including cybersecurity, data privacy, and accessibility
• Ability to develop and maintain a strategic vendor portfolio aligned with the agency s IT roadmap
• Conduct market research to identify emerging technologies and qualified vendors