Senior Program Manager – IT Technology Vendor Management

Job Summary

Our client, a leading energy provider, is seeking a Senior Program Manager – IT Technology Vendor Management to join their team. This senior individual contributor will manage strategic technology vendor relationships, optimize costs, and align vendor capabilities with business objectives and multi-year technology investment plans. The role partners with IT leadership, Operations, Architecture, Sourcing, Finance, and Legal to strengthen vendor performance, governance, and value.

Contract

Details

Contract Duration:
November 30, 2026–November 29, 2027

Location:

Oakland, CA

Work Model:
Hybrid

Core Responsibilities

• Manage the technology vendor lifecycle, including onboarding, governance, performance reviews, contract compliance, and alignment with technology roadmaps
• Develop and strengthen Tier-1 and Tier-2 supplier relationships, facilitating regular leadership discussions on performance, product roadmaps, and business needs
• Establish and monitor vendor KPIs and SLAs, using quantitative analysis to drive accountability, resolve operational issues, and improve service delivery
• Partner with Sourcing to develop negotiation strategies, restructure commercial relationships, and identify cost‑saving opportunities
• Conduct total cost of ownership analysis, develop business cases, and prepare vendor spend forecasts aligned with capital and operating expense plans
• Translate business and technology requirements into vendor strategies, evaluating market trends, emerging technologies, proof‑of‑concept opportunities, and technology rationalization
• Deliver executive reporting and recommendations on vendor performance, financial forecasts, risks, and opportunities while coordinating cross-functional technology and process improvements

Required Skills/Experience (Must-Haves)

• 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
• Expertise managing complex Tier-1 supplier relationships, IT contracts, vendor governance, contractual commitments, and technology life cycles
• Experience developing supplier strategies and partnering across business and technical teams to align vendor capabilities with organizational objectives
• Strong financial acumen, including business case development, cost optimization, total cost of ownership analysis, and contract strategy
• Experience managing large‑scale projects, technology implementations, or process improvements while balancing competing priorities
• Excellent analytical, communication, presentation, and influencing skills, including executive reporting and collaboration with technical and operational teams

Preferred Skills/Experience (Nice-to-Haves)

• Master’s degree in Business, Engineering, Information Systems, or a related discipline
• Relevant supplier management, technology procurement, or ITIL certification
• 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, Service Now, or GEP
• Knowledge of regulatory, compliance, and risk management considerations within IT vendor contracts
• Understanding of IT infrastructure, applications, cloud services, and emerging technologies
• Demonstrated success driving innovation and measurable value through vendor partnerships

Key Competencies & Behaviors

• Strategic business and vendor alignment
• Cross-functional relationship building
• Supplier influence and stakeholder engagement
• Analytical decision-making
• Proactive problem resolution
• Independent ownership and accountability
• Effective prioritization and execution
• Team-oriented collaboration
• Operational excellence mindset

Work Environment

• Location:
  
  Oakl…