IT Vendor Relationship Manager

About the role:The IT Vendor Relationship Manager manages the full lifecycle of vendor engagements within specialist categories and leads Strategic Sourcing engagements, collaborating with business leaders, finance and technical staff to identify requirements, financial analysis, manages vendor selection. This role negotiates contracts, statements of work, deliverables and rates and monitors vendor performance against contracts and SLAs, escalations and vendor offboarding.What you'll be doing:Strategic Sourcing:Lead RFx processes (RFI/RFP/RFQ), supplier evaluations, and award decisionsAnalyze market trends, supplier cost structures, and total cost of ownership (TCO)Partner with stakeholders to align sourcing plans with business needs and budgetsDeliver cost savings, service level improvements, and risk reductionContract Negotiation & Management:Lead commercial negotiations in partnership with Legal and FinanceOwn contract lifecycle: redlines, renewals, amendments, and performance obligationsEnsure contract terms reflect business, compliance, and risk requirementsMaintain awareness of renewal timelines and proactively initiate renegotiationsVendor Performance & Relationship Management:Act as the primary relationship owner for strategic and high-impact vendorsDevelop and track vendor scorecards, SLAs, and KPIsLead regular business reviews and escalationsIdentify vendor consolidation, innovation, or restructuring opportunitiesRisk & Compliance:Collaborate with Cyber, Legal, and Compliance teams to assess and manage third-party riskEnsure adherence to internal sourcing policies and external regulatory requirementsWhat we'll want you to have:5+ years of experience in procurement, sourcing or vendor management, preferably in a SaaS organizationProven experience leading contract negotiations and supplier governanceStrong understanding of sourcing methodology and cost modelingExcellent stakeholder engagement, communication, and analytical skillsFamiliarity with ERP/procurement systems and contract lifecycle platformsAdvanced Excel skillsBroad working knowledge of compute, storage and networking componentsStrong results-focused approach, with the ability to achieve and exceed goals while maintaining high standards of quality and efficiency.Excellent organization and planning abilities, effectively managing multiple projects and priorities to ensure timely and successful completion.Skilled in negotiation and conflict management, adept at resolving issues and fostering positive relationships with stakeholders.Proficient in risk and issue management, identifying potential challenges and implementing strategies to mitigate risks and address issues promptly.Committed to process management and improvement, continuously seeking opportunities to enhance workflows and optimize performance.Utilizes metrics and analysis to drive decision-making, leveraging data to inform strategies and measure success.Excellent verbal and written communication skills.Strong interpersonal and relationship skillsAbility to maintain emotional control and composure even under high stressAble to work flexible hours as required by business prioritiesStay up to date on everything Blackbaud,Blackbaud is a digital-first company which embraces a flexible remote or hybrid work culture. Blackbaud supports hiring and career development for all roles from the location you are in todayBlackbaud is proud to be an equal opportunity employer and is committed to maintaining an inclusive work environment. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, physical or mental disability, age, or veteran status or any other basis protected by federal, state, or local law.